Document:

exv10w1

 

EXHIBIT 10.1

Amended and Restated Employment Agreement

          THIS AMENDED AND RESTATED EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (the “Agreement”) is made and entered into
effective as of April 23, 2007 (“Effective Date”), by and between THORATEC CORPORATION, a
California corporation (the “Company”), and Jeffrey Nelson (“Employee”) and amends and restates an
employment agreement between the parties hereto dated August 15, 2005 (the “Original Employment
Agreement”).

WITNESSETH

          WHEREAS, the Employee has tendered his resignation as a full time employee and as President of
the Company’s Cardiovascular Division effective May 1, 2007; and

          WHEREAS, the Company and Employee desire to amend the Original Employment Agreement to provide
that subsequent to May 1, 2007, the Employee will continue to work for the Company on a part time
basis until September 30, 2007 unless such employment is terminated earlier by either of the
Employee or the Company; and

          WHEREAS, the Company and Employee each desire to make certain amendments and changes to the
Original Employment Agreement to be reflected in this Agreement to reflect the aforementioned
intentions of the parties.

          NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and promises hereinafter set forth and
for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby
acknowledged, the Company and the Employee hereby agree as follows:

          THE PARTIES AGREE AS FOLLOWS:

     1. Part Time Employment; Position and Duties.

          1.1 Title. The parties hereby acknowledge and agree that Employee has resigned from
his position as President, Cardiovascular Division, as an officer of the Company and as a full time
employee of the Company effective as of May 1, 2007 (the “Status Change Date”). For the period
commencing on the Status Change Date and continuing through September 30, 2007 or the earlier
termination of Employee’s employment with the Company pursuant to this Agreement (the “Part Time
Employment Period”), Employee shall be continue to be employed by the Company on a part time basis,
with the title of Special Consultant on the terms and conditions described in this Agreement. If
there is any conflict between this Agreement and any written Company policy, this Agreement shall
control.

          1.2 Duties. Employee agrees that he shall perform, to the best of his ability, the
employment duties assigned to him by the Chief Executive Officer, and shall devote the appropriate
time and attention hereunder to the business and affairs of the Company while employed pursuant to
this Agreement. During the Part Time Employment Period, Employee shall continue to report to the
Chief Executive Officer of the Company. During the Part Time Employment Period, Employee’s primary
duties will be to assist the Chief Executive Officer, as

 

 

may be requested by him, to transition Employee’s former duties as President, Cardiovascular
Division and to generally support the business and regulatory activities of the Cardiovascular
Division of the Company. Employee shall be available to provide consultation to the Chief
Executive Officer, for up to twenty (20) hours per week during the Part Time Employment Period.
Employee will, at the specific request of the Chief Executive Officer, be available to perform such
services at the Company’s Pleasanton, California headquarters on an as needed basis. Such travel
to Pleasanton shall be at mutually agreed upon times. All reasonable travel expenses incurred by
Employee during the Part Time Employment Period shall be reimbursed by the Company in accordance
with Company policy.

     2. Compensation.

          2.1 Base Salary. Effective as of the Status Change Date, Employee’s salary shall be
reduced to Five Thousand Eight Hundred Sixty-Five Dollars and Thirty-Eight Cents ($5,865.38) paid
bi-weekly, which is the equivalent to $152,500 on an annualized basis.

          2.2 Annual Target Bonus. For the avoidance of doubt, Employee shall immediately cease
participation in the Company’s Executive Incentive Plan for the Cardiovascular business.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, if Employee is still employed by the Company pursuant to this
Agreement on June 1, 2007, then effective as of the termination of Employee’s employment by the
Company for whatever reason at any time thereafter, Employee shall receive a 2007 bonus in the
amount of Seventy One Thousand One Hundred Sixty Seven Dollars ($71,167) less all applicable
withholdings. Such amount shall be payable in compliance with Section 10 below in a cash lump sum
as soon as reasonably practicable (as provided by law) after the Employee’s termination of
employment and after the Employee executes and delivers an effective release of claims, in a form
acceptable to the Company and at the time specified by the Company, and remains in compliance with
all applicable restrictive covenants, including those set forth in this Agreement and the ECII
Agreement.

          2.3 Stock Options. Stock options must be exercised within the time period specified
in the applicable stock option or restricted stock agreements and the applicable Company stock
option or incentive stock plans, which is typically ninety (90) days from termination of employment
hereunder. All grants of stock options and restricted stock will continue to vest in accordance
with their existing terms until the expiration of the Part Time Employment Period. 

     3. Benefits.

          3.1 Benefits Generally. During the Part Time Employment Period, Employee shall be
eligible to continue participate in such of the Company’s benefit plans as are generally available
to senior officers of the Company, including, without limitation, medical, dental, life and
disability insurance plans. 

     4. Outside Employment.

          4.1 Other Affiliations. Employee shall not perform consultation or other services for
any other company, corporation, or other commercial enterprise (other than for subsidiaries or
affiliates of the Company) engaged in the manufacturing, selling or marketing of (i) devices

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used for or in connection with cardiovascular mechanical circulatory support and (ii) point
of care diagnostic products or tests, during the term of Employee’s employment under this Agreement
(including during the Part Time Employment Period), unless Employee has received prior written
approval to do so from the Chief Executive Officer.

          4.2 Conflict of Interest. Employee warrants that (a) Employee is not obligated under
any other employment, consulting, or other agreement which would affect the Company’s rights or
Employee’s duties under this Agreement, and (b) this Agreement is not in conflict with Employee’s
commitments to any party. For the avoidance of doubt, any agreement to work for a third party on a
full time basis shall be considered a conflict of interest under this Agreement and shall be
grounds for termination for Cause.

     5. Confidentiality. Employee warrants that he is obligated under the Company Employee
Confidential Information and Inventions Agreement between the Company and Employee attached as
Exhibit A hereto (the “ECII Agreement”) and he shall continue to be so obligated through
the end of the Part Time Employment Period.

     6. Term. This Agreement shall continue until the end of the Part Time Employment
Period, unless extended or terminated sooner in accordance with the terms provided herein.

     7. Separation Benefits.

          7.1  Employment At Will. For the avoidance of doubt, Section 7 of the Original
Employment Agreement, and the separation benefits described therein, is hereby deleted in its
entirety and replaced by this Section 7. Employee understands and agrees that employment with the
Company is and continues to be “at will”, which means that either Employee or the Company may,
subject to the terms of this Agreement, terminate the employment relationship at any time with or
without cause. In consideration of the continuation of employment provided by this Agreement,
Employee hereby agrees to continue to conform to the policies of the Company and acknowledges that
employment can be terminated for any reason, with or without cause, at any time with or without
notice at the option of the Company or the Employee. Failure to comply with company policies will
necessitate disciplinary action, which may include termination of employment. Employee may
terminate his employment for any reason upon 30 days’ written notice to the Company of such
termination. If this Agreement is terminated by the Company for Cause or by the Employee, Employee
shall receive no separation benefits or other severance benefits of any kind.

          7.2  Termination of Employee Without Cause. If the Employee’s employment is
involuntarily terminated by the Company (other than for Cause), the Employee shall be paid a
standard severance pay benefit equal to the weekly salary to be paid to Employee pursuant to this
Agreement in accordance with section 2.1 hereinabove, multiplied by the number of weeks remaining
between the effective date of such termination of employment without Cause and September 30, 2007
(the “Severance Period”). Such amount shall be payable in compliance with Section 10 below in a
cash lump sum as soon as reasonably practicable (as provided by law) after the Employee’s
termination of employment and after the Employee executes and delivers an effective release of
claims, in a form acceptable to the Company and at the time specified by the

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Company, and remains in compliance with all applicable restrictive covenants, including those
set forth in this Agreement and the ECII Agreement. 

          7.3  COBRA Benefit. If the Employee is entitled to receive benefits pursuant to
Section 7.2, and if the Employee elects health care continuation coverage under the Consolidated
Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 (“COBRA”), as provided by the Company’s group health
plan, then, for a period equal to the number of full months remaining in the Severance Period, up
to a maximum of five months, and to the extent that in each such month following termination of
employment that the Employee has not become employed by another company which offers health
insurance generally comparable with that of the Company at the time of Employee’s termination, the
Company shall pay in monthly payments at the beginning of each such month, an amount equal to the
monthly amount paid by the Company immediately before termination of employment for the Employee’s
health coverage.

          7.4 Definitions. For purposes hereof, “Cause” shall mean (A) the Employee’s material
misappropriation of personal property of the Company (including its subsidiaries) that is intended
to result in a personal financial benefit to the Employee or to members of the Employee’s family,
(B) the Employee’s conviction of, or plea of guilty or no contest to, a felony, which the Company
reasonably believes has had or will have a material detrimental effect on the Company’s reputation
or business, (C) the Employee’s act of gross negligence or willful misconduct (including but not
limited to any willfully dishonest or fraudulent act or omission) taken in connection with the
performance or intentional nonperformance of any of the Employee’s duties and responsibilities as
an Employee or continued neglect of the Employee’s duties to the Company (including its
subsidiaries), or (D) the Employee’s continued willful or grossly negligent failure to comply with
the lawful directions of the Company after there has been delivered to the Employee a written
demand for performance from the Company that describes the basis for its belief that the Employee
has not substantially performed the Employee’s duties and the Employee fails to cure such act or
omission to the Company’s reasonable satisfaction, if such act or omission is reasonably capable of
being cured, no later than five (5) business days following delivery of such written demand .

          7.5 Benefits Subject to Execution of Waiver of Claims. Employee shall not be entitled
to receive any amount pursuant to this Section 7 unless Employee executes a release of claims in a
form acceptable to the Company at the time specified by the Company and remains in compliance with
all provisions of this Agreement.

     8. Execution of Release of Claims. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the
contrary, this Agreement is being entered into in consideration for, shall not be effective until,
and Employee shall not be entitled to receive any amount pursuant to this Agreement until and
unless, Employee executes a release of claims in a form attached hereto as Exhibit B with
respect to the period of Employee’s full time employment with the Company prior to the Part Time
Employment Period.

     9. Exclusivity of Agreement. The benefits provided hereunder are in lieu of
any other severance-type benefits provided by the Company under any other plan, agreement,
arrangement or policy. Employee agrees and acknowledges that he is and will not be entitled to
any compensation and/or benefits from the Company in respect of his services as an full time or
part

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time employee, or the termination thereof, other than those items specifically provided for
under this Agreement.

     10. Section 409A Compliance. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this
Agreement, if the Company determines that any payment or benefit to be provided to the Employee by
the Company pursuant to this Agreement is or may become subject to the additional tax under Section
409A(a)(1)(B) of the Code or any other taxes or penalties imposed under Section 409A of the Code
(“409A Taxes”) if provided at the time otherwise required under this Agreement, then:

               (a) such payments shall be delayed until the date that is six months after the date of the
Employee’s “separation from service” (as such term is defined under Section 409A) with the Company,
or such shorter period that, as determined by the Company, is sufficient to avoid the imposition of
409A Taxes; and

               (b) with respect to the provision of such benefit, for a period of six (6) months following
the date of the Employee’s “separation from service” (as such term is defined under Section 409A)
with the Company, or such shorter period, that, as determined by the Company, is sufficient to
avoid the imposition of 409A Taxes, Employee shall be responsible for the full cost of providing
such benefits.

     11. Non-disparagement. Except as required by law or legal process, Employee agrees
not to disparage any aspect of the Company or its successors or assigns, including but not limited
to its officers, management, employees and products.

     12. Injunctive Relief. Employee acknowledges that damages will not be an adequate
remedy in the event of a breach of any of Employee’s obligations under Sections 4, 5 or 12 of this
Agreement. Employee therefore agrees that the Company shall be entitled (without limitation of any
other rights or remedies otherwise available to the Company and without the necessity of posting a
bond) to obtain an injunction from any court of competent jurisdiction prohibiting the continuance
or recurrence of any such breach of this Agreement.

     13. Binding Effect. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of
the executors, administrators, heirs, successors, and assigns of the parties; provided, however,
that except as herein expressly provided, this Agreement shall not be assignable either by the
Company (except to an affiliate or successor of the Company) or by the Employee without the prior
written consent of the other party. Any attempted assignment in contravention of this Section 14
shall be void.

     14. Notice. Any notice or communication under this Agreement shall be in writing and
shall be given by personal delivery, facsimile or Unites States mail, certified or registered with
return receipt requested, postage prepaid, and shall be deemed to have been duly given three
business days after the mailing if mailed, or upon receipt if delivered personally, or the first
business day after transmission if sent by facsimile, to the other party at the following
addresses, or such other address as one party may from time to time give the other in writing:

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	 	If to the Company:
	 	Thoratec Corporation

Attention: Vice President of Human
 Resources

6035 Stoneridge Drive

Pleasanton, CA 94588

Tel: (925) 847-8600, Fax: (925) 847-8574
	 
	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	If to Employee:
	 	Jeffrey Nelson

c/o Thoratec Corporation

6035 Stoneridge Drive

Pleasanton, CA 94588

Tel: (925) 847-8600, Fax: (925) 847-8574

     15. Survival of Certain Agreements. The covenants and agreements contained in
Sections 5 and 12 of this Agreement shall be continuous and survive the termination of this
Agreement and shall remain in full force and effect regardless of the cause of such termination.

     16. Captions. The captions to Sections of this Agreement have been inserted for
identification and reference purposes and shall not by themselves determine the construction or
interpretation of this Agreement.

     17. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall
be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

     18. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be construed in accordance with, and shall be
governed by, the procedural and substantive laws of the State of California, without reference to
principles of conflicts of law. The Employee hereby submits to the jurisdiction and venue of the
courts of the State of California and the Federal Courts of the United States of America located
within the County of Alameda for purposes of any action relating to or arising out of this
Agreement. The Employee further agrees that service upon him in any such action or proceeding may
be made by first class mail, certified or registered, to the Employee’s address as last appearing
on the records of the Company.

     19. Waiver. The waiver of the breach of any provision of this Agreement shall not
operate or be construed as a waiver of any subsequent breach of the same or any other provision
hereof.

     20. Withholding. The Company may withhold from any amounts payable to the Employee
hereunder all federal, state, local, and other withholdings and similar taxes and payments required
by applicable law or regulation.

     21. Enforceability. All provisions of this Agreement are intended to be severable.
In the event any provision or restriction contained herein is held to be invalid or unenforceable
in any respect, in whole or in part, such finding will in no way affect the validity or
enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement. The parties hereto further agree that any
such invalid or unenforceable provision will be deemed modified so that it will be enforced to the
greatest

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extent permissible under law, and to the extent that any court of competent jurisdiction
determines any restriction herein to be unreasonable in any respect, such court may limit this
Agreement to render it reasonable in light of the circumstances in which it was entered into and
specifically enforce this Agreement as limited.

     22. Entire Agreement and Modifications. This Agreement constitutes the complete,
final and exclusive embodiment of the entire agreement between Employee and the Company with regard
to its subject matter, and supersedes and replaces in its entirety all other agreements between
Employee and the Company including the Separation Benefits Agreement executed by Employee on
February 15, 2005, the offer letter from the Company to Employee dated July 6, 2002 and the
Original Employment Agreement. This Agreement is entered into without reliance on any promise or
representation, written or oral, other than those expressly contained herein, and it supersedes any
other such promises, warranties or representations. This Agreement may not be modified or amended
except in a writing signed by Employee and a duly authorized officer of the Company.

     23. Advice of Counsel. Employee acknowledges and confirms that he has had the
opportunity to seek such legal, financial and other advice and representation as Employee deems
appropriate in connection with this Agreement.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Agreement to be executed effective as of the
date set forth in the first paragraph above.

	 	 	 	 	 
	 	THORATEC CORPORATION

 	 
	 	By:  	/s/ Gerhard F. Burbach
 	 
	 	 	Gerhard F. Burbach 	 
	 	 	President and Chief Executive Officer 	 
	 
	 	AGREED:

 	 
	 	/s/ Jeffrey Nelson
 	 
	 	Jeffrey Nelson 	 
	 	 	 
	 

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Exhibit A

Employee Confidential Information and Inventions Agreement

 

 

EMPLOYEE CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION AND

INVENTIONS AGREEMENT

     In partial consideration and as a condition of my employment or continued employment with
Thoratec Corporation, a California corporation (which together with any parent, subsidiary,
affiliate, or successor is hereinafter referred to as the “Company” or “Thoratec”), and effective
as of the date that my employment with the Company first commenced, I hereby agree as follows:

	 	1.	 	NONCOMPETITION

                    During my employment with the Company, I will perform for the Company such duties as it may
designate from time to time and will devote my full time and best efforts to the business of the
Company and will not, without the prior written approval of (i) an officer of the Company if I am
not an executive officer of the Company or (ii) the Board of Directors of the Company if I am an
executive officer of the Company, (a) engage in any other professional employment or consulting, or
(b) directly or indirectly participate in or assist any business which is a current or potential
supplier, customer, or competitor of the Company.

	 	2.	 	THORATEC’S BUSINESS
	 
	 	 	 	The general line of business of the Company includes but is not limited to:

	 	(i)	 	development, manufacture and sale of (1) medical equipment,
devices, apparatus and instrumentation; (2) specialty polymer and chemicals and
configured polymer parts; and (3) high performance textiles and textile
products;
	 
	 	(ii)	 	all equipment and items related to the above; and
	 
	 	(iii)	 	all matters which are recorded in the Company’s records and
notebooks.

	 	3.	 	CONFIDENTIALITY OBLIGATION

                    I will hold all Thoratec Confidential Information in confidence and will not disclose, use,
copy, publish, summarize, or remove from Thoratec’s premises any Confidential Information, except
(a) as necessary to carry out my assigned responsibilities as a Thoratec employee, and (b) after
termination of my employment, only as specifically authorized in writing by an officer of Thoratec.
“Confidential Information” is all information related to any aspect of Thoratec’s business which
is either information not known by actual or potential competitors of the Company or is proprietary
information of the Company, whether of a technical nature or otherwise. Confidential Information includes computer programs, computer
source code, inventions, discoveries, ideas, designs, circuits, schematics, formulas, algorithms,
trade secrets, secret procedures, works of authorship, developmental or experimental work,
processes, techniques, methods, improvements, know-how, data, financial information and forecasts,
product plans, marketing/ sales plans and strategies, and customer lists.

 

 

	 	4.	 	INFORMATION OF OTHERS

                    I will safeguard and keep confidential the proprietary information of customers, vendors,
consultants, and other parties with which Thoratec does business to the same extent as if it were
Thoratec Confidential Information. I will not, during my employment with the Company or otherwise,
use or disclose to the Company any confidential, trade secret, or other proprietary information or
material of any previous employer or other person, and I will not bring onto the Company’s premises
any unpublished document or any other property belonging to any former employer without the written
consent of that former employer.

	 	5.	 	THORATEC PROPERTY

                    All papers, records, data, notes, drawings, files, documents, samples, devices, products,
equipment, and other materials, including copies, relating to Thoratec’s business that I possess or
create as a result of my employment with Thoratec, whether or not confidential, are the sole and
exclusive property of Thoratec. In the event of the termination of my employment, I will promptly
deliver all such materials to Thoratec and will sign and deliver to the Company the “Termination
Certificate” attached hereto as Exhibit A.

	 	6.	 	OWNERSHIP OF INVENTIONS

                    All computer programs, computer source code, inventions, ideas, designs, circuits, schematics,
formulas, algorithms, trade secrets, works of authorship, developments, processes, techniques,
improvements, and related know-how which result from work performed by me, alone or with others, on
behalf of Thoratec or from access to Thoratec Confidential Information or property, whether or not
patentable or copyrightable, (collectively “Inventions”) shall be the property of Thoratec, and, to
the extent permitted by law, shall be “works made for hire.” I hereby assign and agree to assign
to Thoratec or its designee, without further consideration, my entire right, title, and interest in
and to all Inventions, other than those described in Paragraph 7 of this Agreement, including all
rights to obtain, register, perfect, and enforce patents, copyrights, and other intellectual
property protection for Inventions. I will disclose promptly and in writing to the individual
designated by Thoratec or to my immediate supervisor all Inventions which I have made or reduced to
practice. During my employment and for four years after, I will assist Thoratec (at its expense)
to obtain and enforce patents, copyrights, and other forms of intellectual property protection on
Inventions.

 

 

	 	7.	 	EXCLUDED INVENTIONS

                    Attached is a list of all inventions, improvements, and original works of authorship,
which I desire to exclude from this Agreement, each of which has been made or reduced to practice
by me prior to my employment by Thoratec. If no list is attached to this Agreement, there are no
inventions to be excluded at the time of my signing of this Agreement. I understand that this
Agreement requires disclosure, but not assignment, of any invention that qualifies under Section
2870 of the California Labor Code, which reads:

	 	 	 	“Any provision in an employment agreement which provides that an employee shall
assign or offer to assign any of his or her rights in an invention to his or her
employer shall not apply to an invention that the employee developed entirely on his
or her own time without using the employer’s equipment, supplies, facilities, or
trade secret information except for those inventions that either:
	 
	 	 	 	(a) relate at the time of conception or reduction to practice of the invention to
the employer’s business or actual or demonstrably anticipated research or
development of the employer; or
	 
	 	 	 	(b) result from any work performed by the employee for the employer.”

	 	8.	 	PRIOR CONTRACTS

                    I represent that there are no other contracts to assign inventions that are now in
existence between any other person or entity and me. I further represent that I have no other
employments, consultancies, or undertakings which would restrict or impair my performance of this
Agreement.

	 	9.	 	NON-SOLICITATION

                    During the term of my employment by the Company, and for twelve (12) months thereafter, I
shall not, directly or indirectly, without the prior written consent of the Company: (i) solicit or
induce any employee of the Company to leave the employ of the Company; (ii) hire for any purpose
any employee of the Company or any former employee who has left the employment of the Company
within six months of the date of termination of such employee’s employment with the Company.

	 	10.	 	AGREEMENTS WITH THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT AND OTHER THIRD PARTIES

                    I acknowledge that the Company from time to time may have agreements with other persons or
with the United States Government or agencies thereof which impose obligations or restrictions on
the Company regarding Inventions made during the course of work under such agreements or regarding
the confidential nature of such work. I agree to be bound by all such obligations or restrictions
and to take all action necessary to discharge the obligations of the Company thereunder.

          
 

 

	 	11.	 	NO EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

                    I agree that unless specifically provided in another writing signed by me and an officer of
the Company, my employment by the Company is not for a definite period of time. Rather, my
employment relationship with the Company is one of employment at will and my continued employment
is not obligatory by either myself or the Company.

	 	12.	 	MISCELLANEOUS

	 	12.1	 	Governing Law

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

	 	12.2	 	Enforcement

                              If any provision of this Agreement shall be determined to be invalid or unenforceable for any
reason, it shall be adjusted rather than voided, if possible, in order to achieve the intent of the
parties to the extent possible. In any event, all other provisions of this Agreement, shall be
deemed valid, and enforceable to the full extent possible.

	 	12.3	 	Injunctive Relief; Consent to Jurisdiction

                              I acknowledge and agree that damages will not be an adequate remedy in the event of a breach
of any of my obligations under this Agreement. I therefore agree that the Company shall be
entitled (without limitation of any other rights or remedies otherwise available to the Company) to
obtain, without posting bond, specific performance and preliminary and permanent injunction from
any court of competent jurisdiction prohibiting the continuance or recurrence of any breach of this
Agreement. I hereby submit myself to the jurisdiction and venue of the courts of the State of
California for purposes of any such action. I further agree that service upon me in any such
action or proceeding may be made by first class mail, certified or registered, to my address as
last appearing on the records of the Company.

	 	12.4	 	Arbitration

                              I further agree that the Company, at its option, may elect to submit any dispute or
controversy arising out of this Agreement for final settlement by arbitration conducted in Alameda
County or San Francisco County in accordance with the then existing rules of the American
Arbitration Association, and judgment upon the award rendered by the arbitrators shall be
specifically enforceable and may be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof.

	 	12.5	 	Attorneys’ Fees

                              If any party seeks to enforce its rights under this Agreement, by legal proceedings or
otherwise, the non-prevailing party shall pay all costs and expenses of the prevailing party.

          
 

 

	 	12.6	 	Binding Effect; Waiver

                              This Agreement shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of the successors,
executors, administrators, heirs, representatives, and assigns of the parties. The waiver by the
Company of a breach of any provision of this Agreement shall not operate or be construed as a
waiver of any subsequent breach of the same or any other provision hereof.

	 	12.7	 	Headings

                              The Section headings herein are intended for reference and shall not by themselves determine
the construction or interpretation of this Agreement.

	 	12.8	 	Entire Agreement; Modifications

                              This Employee Confidential Information and Inventions Agreement contains the entire agreement
between the Company and the undersigned employee concerning the subject matter hereof and
supersedes any and all prior and contemporaneous negotiations, correspondence, understandings, and
agreements, whether oral or written, respecting that subject matter. All modifications to this
Agreement must be in writing and signed by the party against whom enforcement of such modification
is sought.

                    IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have executed this document as of the 19 day of August, 2002.

	 	 	 	 	 
	 	 	 
	 	                                                  /s/ Jeff Nelson
 	 
	 	Employee  Jeff Nelson 	 
	 	 	 
	 

RECEIPT ACKNOWLEDGED:

THORATEC CORPORATION

By:  /s/ Jessica Hupman                    

 

 

SCHEDULE 1

(Excluded Inventions, Improvements, and

Original Works of Authorship)

	 	 	 	 	 
	  

Title
	 	 

Date
	 	Identifying Number

Or Brief Description 
	 
	 	 
	 	 

 

 

EXHIBIT A

Thoratec Corporation

TERMINATION CERTIFICATION

     This is to certify that I do not have in my possession, nor have I failed to return, any
papers, records, data, notes, drawings, files, documents, samples, devices, products, equipment,
and other materials, including reproductions of any of the aforementioned items, belonging to
Thoratec Corporation, its subsidiaries, affiliates, successors, or assigns (together, the
“Company”).

     I further certify that I have complied with all the terms of the Company’s Confidential
Information and Inventions Agreement signed by me, including the reporting of any inventions and
original works of authorship (as defined therein) conceived or made by me (solely or jointly with
others) covered by that agreement.

     I further agree that, in compliance with the Confidential Information and Inventions
Agreement, I will hold in confidence and will not disclose, use, copy, publish, or summarize any
Confidential Information (as defined in the Company’s Confidential Information and Inventions
Agreement) of the Company or of any of its customers, vendors, consultants, and other parties with
which it does business.

Date:                     

	 	 	 	 	 
	 	 	 
	 	
 	 
	 	
Employee’s Signature 	 
	 	 	 
	 

	 	 	 	 	 
	 	 	 
	 	
 	 
	 	
Type/Print Employee's Name                                       	 
	 	 	 
	 

California Labor Code § 2870. Application of provision providing that employee shall assign or
offer to assign rights in invention to employer.

	(a)	 	Any provision in an employment agreement which provides that an employee shall assign, or
offer to assign, any of his or her rights in an invention to his or her employer shall not
apply to an invention that the employee developed entirely on his or her own time without
using the employer’s equipment, supplies, facilities, or trade secret information except for
those inventions that either:

 

 

	 	(1)	 	Relate at the time of conception or reduction to practice of the invention to the
employer’s business, or actual or demonstrably anticipated research or development of
the employer; or
	 
	 	(2)	 	Result from any work performed by the employee for the employer.

	(b)	 	To the extent a provision in an employment agreement purports to require an employee to
assign an invention otherwise excluded from being required to be assigned under subdivision
(a), the provision is against the public policy of this state and is unenforceable.

Added Stats 1979 ch 1001 § 1; Amended Stats 1986 ch 346 § 1.

 

 

EXHIBIT B

GENERAL RELEASE

     I, Jeffrey Nelson (“Employee”), agree as follows:

     Employee hereby releases, acquits and forever discharges Thoratec Corporation and each of its
officers, directors, agents, servants, employees, attorneys, shareholders, successors, assigns and
affiliates (the “Releasees”) of and from any and all claims, liabilities, demands, causes
of action, costs, expenses, attorneys’ fees, damages, indemnities and obligations of every kind and
nature, in law, equity, or otherwise, known and unknown, suspected and unsuspected, disclosed and
undisclosed, arising out of or in any way related to agreements, events, acts or conduct at any
time prior to and including the execution date of this Release, including but not limited to, all
such claims and demands directly or indirectly arising out of or in any way connected with
Employee’s employment with the Company or the termination of that employment; claims or demands
related to salary, bonuses, commissions, stock, stock options, or any other ownership interests in
the Company, vacation pay, fringe benefits, expense reimbursements, severance pay, or any other
form of compensation; claims pursuant to any federal, state or local law, statute, or cause of
action including, but not limited to, the federal Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, the federal
Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the federal Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967,
as amended (“ADEA”), the antidiscrimination statutes of California or other applicable
states; tort law; contract law; wrongful discharge; discrimination; harassment; fraud; defamation;
emotional distress; and breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing. This
release of claims does not affect any rights that Employee has or may have (i) to worker’s
compensation benefits and (ii) under the Indemnity Agreement between the Company and Employee dated
as of November 6, 2003.

     Employee acknowledges that he is knowingly and voluntarily waiving and releasing any rights he
may have under the ADEA. Employee also acknowledges that the consideration given for the waiver
and release in the preceding paragraph hereof is in addition to anything of value to which he was
already entitled.

     Employee acknowledges his understanding that he may take twenty-one (21) days to consider this
Release, although Employee may sign this Release earlier if he chooses, and that he has been
advised that he should consult with an attorney, if he decides to do so, prior to executing this
Release. Employee further acknowledges that he has seven (7) days following the execution of this
Release to revoke the Release, and this Release will not be effective until the date upon which the
revocation period has expired, which will be the eighth day after this Release is executed by
Employee (“Effective Date”). To revoke acceptance, Employee must send a written notice to
Thoratec Corporation, 6035

 

 

Stoneridge Drive, Pleasanton, CA 94588, Attn: General Counsel, by 5:00 p.m. on or before the
seventh (7th) day after Employee signs and delivers to the Company this Release. All time limits
set forth herein refer to calendar days unless otherwise specified. If the expiration of any time
limit set forth herein falls on a weekend or a holiday observed by Thoratec, the time limit will be
deemed to end at the close of business on the next workday.

     Employee understands and agrees that this Release includes claims which may be unknown to
Employee at present, and that Employee has read and understands Section 1542 of the California
Civil Code, which reads as follows: “A GENERAL RELEASE DOES NOT EXTEND TO CLAIMS WHICH THE
CREDITOR DOES NOT KNOW OR SUSPECT TO EXIST IN HIS OR HER FAVOR AT THE TIME OF EXECUTING THE
RELEASE, WHICH IF KNOWN BY HIM OR HER, MUST HAVE MATERIALLY AFFECTED HIS OR HER SETTLEMENT WITH THE
DEBTOR.” Employee hereby expressly waives and relinquishes any and all rights under Section 1542
with respect to Employee’s release of any unknown or unsuspected claims Employee may have against
the Releasees.

     Employee agrees not to commence any proceeding in court against the Company in connection with
the matters released herein and that the only cause of action Employee could have against the
Company after the date hereof would be for a breach of the foregoing Agreement or this Release or
for matters arising after the date hereof.

     Employee represents and warrants that he has the sole right and authority to execute this
Release and that he has not assigned or transferred, or purported to have assigned or transferred,
to any corporation, entity or person, any dispute or claims released herein or any amount of money
related hereto.

	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	By:	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	 	 	 

Jeffrey Nelson
	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	Date:	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	 	 	 

	 	 

2exv10w2

 

EXHIBIT 10.2

Amended and Restated Employment Agreement

          THIS AMENDED AND RESTATED EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (the “Agreement”) is made and entered into
effective as of April 23rd, 2007 (“Effective Date”), by and between THORATEC
CORPORATION, a California corporation (the “Company”), and Gerhard F. Burbach (“Executive”) and
amends and restates an employment agreement between the Company and Executive dated as of January
13, 2006, and amended as of May 12, 2006.

          THE PARTIES AGREE AS FOLLOWS:

     1. Position and Duties.

          1.1 Title. From January 17, 2006 (the “Hire Date”) until the termination of this
Agreement, as provided herein, Executive shall serve as the President and Chief Executive Officer
of the Company, subject to policies of the Company and the terms and conditions of this Agreement.
If there is any conflict between this Agreement and any written Company policy, this Agreement
shall control. During the period that Executive serves as President and Chief Executive Officer,
the Company shall take all reasonable and lawful action necessary and appropriate to cause
Executive to be nominated for and elected to the Board of Directors of the Company (the
“Board”). 

          1.2 Duties. Except as provided in Section 4.1, Executive agrees that he shall
perform, to the best of his ability, the employment duties assigned to him by the Company, and
shall devote his full time and attention, with undivided loyalty, to the business and affairs of
the Company while employed pursuant to this Agreement. Executive shall report to the Board.

     2. Compensation.

          2.1 Base Salary. Effective as of the Effective Date, Executive shall receive for his
services under this Agreement an annual base salary of four hundred thousand ($400,000) dollars.
The base salary may be increased annually at the sole discretion of the Board.

          2.2 Annual Target Bonus. Effective as of the Effective Date, Executive will be
eligible for an annual incentive bonus equal to a target amount of eighty percent (80%) of
Executive’s base salary. Such annual incentive bonus shall be subject to the achievement of
certain individual and corporate objectives, as shall be set by the Board, or a designated
committee thereof, in consultation with Executive, as well as to the terms and conditions of the
Company’s incentive compensation plan applicable to executive officers. The Board, or a designated
committee thereof, shall meet on an annual basis to determine, in consultation with Executive, the
goals and formula for bonus payment for each year of employment under this Agreement.

          2.3 Stock Options.

               (a) Initial Stock Options. Effective as of the Hire Date, Executive shall be granted
stock options to purchase 375,000 shares of the common stock of the Company (the “Initial Stock
Options”). The options shall be incentive stock options to the maximum extent permissible under
applicable tax laws, and the balance of the options will be non-qualified stock

 

 

options. The exercise price of the Initial Stock Options shall equal the closing price of the
Company’s common stock on the Hire Date, as determined by the Board, or a designated committee
thereof. Twenty-five percent (25% ) of the Initial Stock Options shares shall vest and become
exercisable after the first twelve (12) months of continuous service by Executive after the Hire
Date, and the remaining Initial Stock Options shares shall vest and become exercisable in equal
annual installments over the next three (3) years of continuous service by Executive.
Notwithstanding the terms of any agreements related to the grant of such options to the contrary,
upon the occurrence of a Change of Control, as defined below, Executive shall vest in all remaining
unvested Initial Stock Options shares. The grant of each such option shall be subject to the other
terms and conditions set forth in the Company’s 1997 Stock Option Plan and in the Company’s
standard form of stock option agreement.

               (b) The Executive shall be eligible for periodic grants of stock options, as may be approved
by the Board, or a designated committee thereof, in its sole discretion. Such stock options must
be exercised within the time period specified in the applicable stock option agreement, the
applicable Company equity compensation plan and this Agreement.

          2.4 Restricted Share Grant.

               (a) Initial Restricted Stock Grant. Executive shall be granted, as soon as
administratively practicable, 50,000 shares of restricted common stock of the Company (“Initial
Restricted Stock”). The restrictions shall lapse as to the first twenty percent (20%) increment (or
10,000 shares) on February 24, 2007, and thereafter in twenty percent (20%) increments (or 10,000
shares) upon the second, third, fourth and fifth anniversaries of the Hire Date. Notwithstanding
the terms of any agreements related to the grant of the Initial Restricted Stock to the contrary,
upon the occurrence of a Change of Control (as defined below), (a) the restrictions on the Initial
Restricted Stock shall, upon such occurrence, immediately lapse as to fifty percent (50%) of the
number of shares of Restricted Stock that at such date are still restricted and (b) upon the
earlier of (i) the one (1) year anniversary of the effective date of such Change of Control, or
(ii) such date after the date of such Change of Control when Executive voluntarily terminates his
employment for Good Reason or his employment is involuntary terminated without Cause by the
Company, the restrictions on the Restricted Stock shall immediately lapse as to the remainder, if
any, of the shares of Restricted Stock that are then still otherwise restricted.

               (b) The Executive shall be eligible for periodic grants of restricted stock, as may be
approved by the Board, or a designated committee thereof, in its sole discretion. Such restricted
stock will vest within the time period specified in the applicable equity grant agreement, the
applicable Company equity compensation plan and this Agreement.

          2.5 Acceleration of Stock Options and Stock Grants Upon A Change of Control.

               (a) In the event of a Change of Control of the Company, any options to purchase Company common
stock, shares of restricted stock or restricted stock units (collectively, “Equity Units”) that
have been granted to the Executive by the Company that are

2

 

outstanding, but not yet exercisable or as to which restrictions have not yet lapsed, in whole
or in part, as of the effective date of such Change of Control, shall

                    (i) with respect to all Equity Units granted to Executive prior to April 2007, become fully
vested and exercisable and shall be otherwise exercisable in accordance with the terms of the stock
option grant, restricted stock grant or restricted stock unit grant and applicable Company stock
option or incentive stock plan; and

                    (ii) with respect to all Equity Units granted to Executive during or subsequent to April 2007,
if the Company terminates the employment of the Executive without Cause on or within eighteen (18)
months after a Change of Control, or if the Executive terminates employment with the Company for
Good Reason during such period, all such Equity Units shall become fully vested and exercisable
and shall be otherwise exercisable in accordance with the terms of the stock option grant,
restricted stock grant or restricted stock unit grant and applicable Company stock option or
incentive stock plan.

               (b) Notwithstanding anything in this section 2.5 to the contrary, sections 2.5 (a) (i) and
(ii) hereinabove shall not apply to the Initial Stock Options and the Initial Restricted Stock,
which shall be vest pursuant to section 2.4 above.

     3. Benefits.

          3.1 Benefits Generally. Executive shall be eligible to participate in such of the
Company’s benefit plans as are generally available to senior officers of the Company, including,
without limitation, medical, dental, life and disability insurance plans. Executive shall be
entitled to paid vacation of four (4) weeks per annum in accordance with the standard policies and
procedures of the Company.

     4. Outside Employment.

          4.1 Other Affiliations. Executive shall not perform consultation or other services
for any other company, corporation, or other commercial enterprise (other than for subsidiaries or
affiliates of the Company), during the term of Executive’s employment under this Agreement, unless
Executive has received written approval to do so from the Board; provided, however, that it is
hereby agreed and acknowledged that Executive may continue to serve as a director of Digirad
Corporation. Executive shall at all times be subject to the obligations of Executive Confidential
Information and Inventions Agreement to be executed by Executive pursuant to Section 5 of this
Agreement, including when performing services for others permitted under this Section 4.1.

          4.2 Conflict of Interest. Executive warrants that (a) Executive is not obligated
under any other employment, consulting, or other agreement which would affect the Company’s rights
or Executive’s duties under this Agreement, and (b) this Agreement is not in conflict with
Executive’s commitments to any party.

3

 

     5. Confidentiality. On or prior to the Hire Date, Executive shall execute and deliver
to the Company the Executive Confidential Information and Inventions Agreement in the form attached
hereto as Exhibit A.

     6. Separation Benefits.

          6.1 Employment At Will. Executive understands and agrees that employment with the
Company is “at will”, which means that either Executive or the Company may terminate the employment
relationship at any time with or without cause. The Company may terminate Executive’s employment
for Cause (as defined below) immediately or other than for Cause upon fifteen (15) days’ written
notice to Executive. Executive may terminate his employment for any reason upon thirty (30) days’
written notice to the Company of such termination. If this Agreement is terminated by the Company
for Cause or by Executive (except for Good Reason after a Change of Control, each such term as
defined below), Executive shall not be entitled to any benefits under this Section 6 or to any
other separation benefits or severance benefits of any kind. 

          6.2 Termination of Executive Without Cause. If Executive’s employment is
involuntarily terminated by the Company without Cause, Executive shall be paid a severance pay
benefit equal to two (2) times Executive’s then-current annual base salary. Such amount shall be
payable in compliance with Section 6.9, in a cash lump sum as soon as practicable (as provided by
law) after he executes and delivers an effective release of claims, in a form acceptable to the
Company and at the time specified by the Company, and remains in compliance with all applicable
restrictive covenants, including those set forth in this Agreement.

          6.3 Termination of Executive After a Change of Control. Notwithstanding Section 6.2,
if Executive would otherwise have been entitled to benefits pursuant to Section 6.2 but his
involuntary termination of employment by the Company occurs on or within eighteen (18) months after
a Change of Control, or if Executive terminates his employment with the Company for Good Reason
during such period, Executive shall be paid in lieu of the severance pay benefit described in
Section 6.2 a Change of Control severance pay benefit equal to two and one-half (2.5) times
Executive’s then-current annual base salary plus two and one-half (2.5) times the greatest of (a)
the target bonus for the year preceding the year in which Executive’s termination occurs, (b) the
actual bonus for such prior year, or (c) the target bonus for the year in which the termination of
employment occurs. Such amounts shall be payable in compliance with Section 6.9, in a cash lump
sum after Executive’s termination of employment and after he executes and delivers an effective
release of claims, in a form acceptable to the Company and at the time specified by the Company,
and remains in compliance with all provisions of this Agreement.

          6.4 COBRA Benefit. If Executive is entitled to receive benefits pursuant to Section
6.2 or 6.3, and if Executive elects health care continuation coverage under the Consolidated
Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 (“COBRA”), as provided by the Company’s group health
plan, then in each of the first twelve (12) consecutive months following termination of employment
that the Executive has not become employed by another company which offers health insurance
generally comparable with that of the Company at the time of Executive’s termination, the Company
shall pay in monthly payments at the beginning of each

4

 

such month, an amount equal to the monthly amount paid by the Company immediately before
termination of employment for the Executive’s health coverage.

          6.5 Definitions. For purposes hereof, the following terms have the following
meanings:

               (a) “Cause” shall mean (A) Executive’s material misappropriation of property of the
Company (including its subsidiaries) that is intended to result in a personal financial benefit to
himself or to members of his family; (B) Executive’s conviction of, or plea of guilty or no contest
to, a felony, which the Company reasonably believes has had or will have a material detrimental
effect on the Company’s reputation or business; (C) Executive’s act of gross negligence
or willful misconduct (including but not limited to any willfully dishonest or fraudulent act or
omission) taken in connection with the performance or intentional nonperformance of any of his
duties and responsibilities as an employee or continued neglect of his duties to the Company
(including its subsidiaries); or (D) Executive’s continued willful or grossly negligent
failure to comply with the lawful directions of the Board; provided, however, that the Board will
deliver to Executive a written demand for performance that describes the basis for its belief that
Executive has not substantially performed his duties and Executive fails to cure such act or
omission to the Board’s reasonable satisfaction, if such act or omission is reasonably capable of
being cured, no later than ten (10) business days following delivery of such written demand.

               (b) “Change of Control” shall mean the occurrence of any of the following events: (A) any
“person” (as such term is used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
as amended (the “Exchange Act”)) becomes the “beneficial owner” (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the
Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company representing fifty percent
(50%) or more of the total voting power represented by the Company’s then outstanding voting
securities; or (B) the consummation of a sale of substantially all of the Company’s assets; or (C)
the consummation of a merger or consolidation of the Company with any other corporation, other than
a merger or consolidation which would result in the voting securities of the Company outstanding
immediately prior thereto continuing to represent (either by remaining out-standing or by being
converted into voting securities of the surviving entity or its parent) at least fifty percent
(50%) of the total voting power represented by the voting securities of the Company or such
surviving entity or its parent outstanding immediately after such merger or consolidation; or (D) a
change in the composition of the Board occurring within a two-year period, as a result of which
fewer than a majority of the directors are Incumbent Directors. “Incumbent Directors” shall mean
directors who either (x) are directors of the Company as of January 1, 2006 or (y) are elected, or
nominated for election, to the Board with the affirmative votes of at least a majority of those
directors whose election or nomination was not in connection with any transaction described in
subsections (A), (B), or (C) above, or in connection with an actual or threatened proxy contest
relating to the election of directors to the Company.

               (c) “Good Reason” shall mean any material reduction in the duties or salary or bonus
opportunity of Executive or a requirement that Executive work at a facility more than 25 miles from
the Company’s headquarters in Pleasanton, California.

5

 

          6.6 Gross-Up for Excise Tax. In the event that any payment and any separation benefit
or other benefit (including without limitation, any acceleration of Initial Stock Options, Initial
Restricted Stock or Equity Units (as defined herein)) payable or due to or for the benefit of, or
received by or on behalf of, the Executive, whether under this Agreement or otherwise (determined
without regard to any additional payment required under this paragraph) (a “Payment”) is subject to
the excise tax (the “Excise Tax”) imposed by section 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended (the “Code”), then Executive shall be paid an additional payment (a “Gross-Up Payment”) in
an amount such that after payment by Executive of all taxes, including, without limitation, any
income taxes and Excise Tax imposed upon the Gross-Up Payment, Executive shall retain the full
amount of the Payment without being reduced by the Excise Tax imposed upon the Payment. For
avoidance of doubt, Executive and Company agree that this Section 6.6 shall not be interpreted to
compensate Executive for any other tax to which the Payment may be subject, including but not
limited to income and employment taxes.

          6.7 Benefits Subject to Execution of Waiver of Claims. Executive shall not be
entitled to receive any amount or benefit pursuant to this Section 6 unless Executive executes and
delivers an effective release of claims, in a form acceptable to the Company and at the time
specified by the Company, and remains in compliance with all provisions of this Agreement.

          6.8 Exclusivity of Agreement. The benefits provided hereunder are in lieu of any
other severance-type benefits provided by the Company under any other plan, agreement, arrangement
or policy, notwithstanding the terms of any such other plan, agreement, arrangement or policy.

          6.9 Section 409A Compliance. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this
Agreement, if the Company determines that any payment or benefit to be provided to Executive by the
Company pursuant to this Agreement is or may become subject to the additional tax under Section
409A(a)(1)(B) of the Code or any other taxes or penalties imposed under Section 409A of the Code
(“409A Taxes”) if provided at the time otherwise required under this Agreement, then:

          Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement,

               (a) such payments shall be delayed until the date that is six months after the date of
Executive’s “separation from service” (as such term is defined under Section 409A) with the
Company, or such shorter period that, as determined by the Company, is sufficient to avoid the
imposition of 409A Taxes; and

               (b) with respect to the provision of such benefit, for a period of six (6) months following
the date of Executive’s “separation from service” (as such term is defined under Section 409A) with
the Company, or such shorter period, that, as determined by the Company, is sufficient to avoid the
imposition of 409A Taxes, Executive shall be responsible for the full cost of providing such
benefits.

     7. Non-disparagement. Except as required by law or legal process, Executive agrees
that during and subsequent to the term of this Agreement, he will not disparage any aspect of the

6

 

Company or its successors or assigns, including but not limited to its officers, management,
employees and products.

     8. Nonsolicitation. Executive agrees that for a period of one (1) year after the
termination of this Agreement, Executive will not, except with the advance written approval of the
Company, for any reason whatsoever, directly or indirectly, individually or on behalf of persons
not now parties to this Agreement, or as a partner, founder, stockholder, director, officer,
principal, agent, employee or in any other capacity or relationship, for Executive’s own
account or for the benefit of any other company, person or entity, encourage, induce, attempt to
induce, solicit or attempt to solicit anyone who is employed at that time, or was employed during
the previous six (6) months, by the Company or any affiliate to leave his or her employment with
the Company or any of its affiliates, or to accept employment with or perform services for any
other company, person or entity.

     9. Injunctive Relief. Executive acknowledges that damages will not be an adequate
remedy in the event of a breach of any of Executive’s obligations under Sections 4, 5, 7 or 8 of
this Agreement. Executive therefore agrees that the Company shall be entitled (without limitation
of any other rights or remedies otherwise available to the Company and without the necessity of
posting a bond) to obtain an injunction from any court of competent jurisdiction prohibiting the
continuance or recurrence of any such breach of this Agreement. Executive hereby submits to the
jurisdiction and venue of the courts of the State of California and the Federal Courts of the
United States of America located within the County of Alameda for purposes of any such action.
Executive further agrees that service upon him in any such action or proceeding may be made by
first class mail, certified or registered, to his address as last appearing on the records of the
Company.

     10. Binding Effect. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of
the executors, administrators, heirs, successors, and assigns of the parties; provided, however,
that except as herein expressly provided, this Agreement shall not be assignable either by the
Company (except to an affiliate or successor of the Company) or by Executive without the prior
written consent of the other party. Any attempted assignment in contravention of this Section 10
shall be void.

     11. Notice. Any notice or communication under this Agreement shall be in writing and
shall be given by personal delivery, facsimile or United States mail, certified or registered with
return receipt requested, postage prepaid, and shall be deemed to have been duly given three (3)
business days after the mailing if mailed, or upon receipt if delivered personally, or the first
business day after transmission if sent by facsimile, to the other party at the following
addresses, or such other address as one party may from time to time give the other in writing:

	 	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	If to the Company:
	 	Thoratec Corporation

Attention: General Counsel

6035 Stoneridge Drive

Pleasanton, CA 94588

Tel: (925) 847-8600, Fax: (925) 847-8574

7

 

	 	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	If to Executive:
	 	Gerhard F. Burbach

c/o Thoratec Corporation

6035 Stoneridge Drive

Pleasanton, CA 94588

Tel: (925) 847-8600, Fax: (925) 847-8574

     12. Termination of the Agreement; Survival of Certain Agreements. This Agreement
shall terminate upon the termination of Executive’s service with the Company for any reason and the
payment of any amounts owed under Section 6 hereof; provided, however, that the covenants and
agreements contained in Sections 5 and 7 through 22 of this Agreement shall be continuous and
survive the termination of this Agreement and shall remain in full force and effect regardless of
the cause of such termination.

     13. Assumption by Successor to Company. The Company shall require any
successor (whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise) to all or
substantially all of the business and/or assets of the Company to expressly assume and agree to
perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent that the Company would have been
required to perform it if no such succession had taken place. As used in the Agreement, the
“Company” shall mean both the Company as defined above and any such successor that assumes and
agrees to perform this Agreement, by operation of law or otherwise.

     14. Captions. The captions to Sections of this Agreement have been inserted for
identification and reference purposes and shall not by themselves determine the construction or
interpretation of this Agreement.

     15. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall
be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

     16. Governing Law; Jurisdiction and Venue. This Agreement shall be construed in
accordance with, and shall be governed by, the procedural and substantive laws of the State of
California, without reference to principles of conflicts of law. Executive hereby submits to the
jurisdiction and venue of the courts of the State of California and the Federal Courts of the
United States of America located within the County of Alameda for purposes of any such action.
Executive further agrees that service upon him in any such action or proceeding may be made by
first class mail, certified or registered, to his address as last appearing on the records of the
Company.

     17. Waiver. The waiver of the breach of any provision of this Agreement shall not
operate or be construed as a waiver of any subsequent breach of the same or any other provision
hereof.

8

 

     18. Withholding. The Company may withhold from any amounts payable to Executive
hereunder all federal, state, local, and other withholdings and similar taxes and payments required
by applicable law or regulation.

     19. Reasonableness of Restrictions. Executive acknowledges that compliance with
this Agreement, including but not limited to Sections 4, 5, 7, 8, and 9 is reasonable and necessary
to protect the Company’s legitimate business interests, including but not limited to the
Company’s goodwill and maintaining the confidentiality of the Company’s
confidential information.

     20. Extension of Covenants. In the event that Executive violates any
covenant contained in Section 8 of this Agreement, Executive agrees that the term of each such
covenant so violated shall be automatically extended for a period equal to the period during which
Executive is in violation of such covenants.

     21. Enforceability. The Company and Executive expressly agree that the character,
duration and scope of the covenants in this agreement, including but not limited to Sections 4, 5,
7, 8, and 9, are reasonable in light of the circumstances as they exist on the date upon which this
Agreement has been executed. The Company has attempted to limit Executive’s rights only
to the extent necessary to protect the Company’s goodwill, proprietary and/or
confidential information, and other business interests. The Company and Executive recognize,
however, that reasonable people may differ in making such a determination. Consequently, the
parties hereby agree that a court having jurisdiction over the enforcement of this Agreement shall
exercise its power and authority to reform Executive’s covenants under Sections 4, 5, 7
and 8 above to the extent necessary to cause the limitations contained therein as to time and scope
of activity to be restrained to be reasonable and to impose a restraint that is not greater than
necessary to protect the Company’s goodwill, confidential information and other business
interests.

     22. Attorney’s Fees. In the event of any action in law or in equity for the
purposes of enforcing any of the provisions of this Agreement, including arbitration, the
prevailing party as determined by the trier of fact shall be entitled to recover its reasonable
attorney fees, plus court costs and expenses, from the other party, to the extent permitted by
applicable law.

     23. Entire Agreement and Modifications. This Agreement constitutes the complete,
final and exclusive embodiment of the entire agreement between Executive and the Company with
regard to its subject matter, and supersedes and replaces in its entirety any other agreements or
understandings, whether written or oral, between the Company and Executive. This Agreement is
entered into without reliance on any promise or representation, written or oral, other than those
expressly contained herein, and it supersedes any other such promises, warranties or
representations. This Agreement may not be modified or amended except in a writing signed by
Executive and a duly authorized officer of the Company. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company
may in its sole discretion, amend the Agreement at any time as may be necessary to avoid the
imposition of the additional tax under Section 409(A)(a)(1)(B) of the Code; provided, however, that
any such amendment shall be implemented in such a manner as to preserve, to the greatest extent
possible, the terms and conditions of the Agreement as in existence immediately prior to any such
amendment.

9

 

     24. Advice of Counsel. Executive acknowledges and confirms that he has had the
opportunity to seek such legal, financial and other advice and representation as Executive deems
appropriate in connection with this Agreement.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Agreement to be executed effective as of the
date set forth in the first paragraph above.

	 	 	 	 	 
	 	THORATEC CORPORATION

 	 
	 	By:  	/s/ J. Donald Hill
 	 
	 	 	J. Donald Hill 	 
	 	 	Chairman of the Board 	 
	 
	 	AGREED:

 	 
	 	/s/ Gerhard F. Burbach
 	 
	 	Gerhard F. Burbach 	 
	 	 	 
	 

10

 

Exhibit A

Employee Confidential Information and Inventions Agreement

 

 

EMPLOYEE CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION AND

INVENTIONS AGREEMENT

     In partial consideration and as a condition of my employment or continued employment with
Thoratec Corporation, a California corporation (which together with any parent, subsidiary,
affiliate, or successor is hereinafter referred to as the “Company” or “Thoratec”), and effective
as of the date that my employment with the Company first commenced, I hereby agree as follows:

	 	1.	 	NONCOMPETITION

                    During my employment with the Company, I will perform for the Company such duties as it may
designate from time to time and will devote my full time and best efforts to the business of the
Company and will not, without the prior written approval of (i) an officer of the Company if I am
not an executive officer of the Company or (ii) the Board of Directors of the Company if I am an
executive officer of the Company, (a) engage in any other professional employment or consulting, or
(b) directly or indirectly participate in or assist any business which is a current or potential
supplier, customer, or competitor of the Company.

	 	2.	 	THORATEC’S BUSINESS
	 
	 	 	 	The general line of business of the Company includes but is not limited to:

	 	(i)	 	development, manufacture and sale of (1) medical equipment,
devices, apparatus and instrumentation; (2) specialty polymer and chemicals and
configured polymer parts; and (3) high performance textiles and textile
products;
	 
	 	(ii)	 	all equipment and items related to the above; and
	 
	 	(iii)	 	all matters which are recorded in the Company’s records and
notebooks.

	 	3.	 	CONFIDENTIALITY OBLIGATION

                    I will hold all Thoratec Confidential Information in confidence and will not disclose, use,
copy, publish, summarize, or remove from Thoratec’s premises any Confidential Information, except
(a) as necessary to carry out my assigned responsibilities as a Thoratec employee, and (b) after
termination of my employment, only as specifically authorized in writing by an officer of Thoratec.
“Confidential Information” is all information related to any aspect of Thoratec’s business which
is either information not known by actual or potential competitors of the Company or is proprietary
information of the Company, whether of a technical nature or otherwise. Confidential Information
includes computer programs, computer source code, inventions, discoveries, ideas, designs,
circuits, schematics, formulas, algorithms, trade secrets, secret procedures, works of authorship,
developmental or experimental work, processes, techniques, methods, improvements, know-how, data, financial information and forecasts,
product plans, marketing/ sales plans and strategies, and customer lists.

 

 

	 	4.	 	INFORMATION OF OTHERS

                    I will safeguard and keep confidential the proprietary information of customers, vendors,
consultants, and other parties with which Thoratec does business to the same extent as if it were
Thoratec Confidential Information. I will not, during my employment with the Company or otherwise,
use or disclose to the Company any confidential, trade secret, or other proprietary information or
material of any previous employer or other person, and I will not bring onto the Company’s premises
any unpublished document or any other property belonging to any former employer without the written
consent of that former employer.

	 	5.	 	THORATEC PROPERTY

                    All papers, records, data, notes, drawings, files, documents, samples, devices, products,
equipment, and other materials, including copies, relating to Thoratec’s business that I possess or
create as a result of my employment with Thoratec, whether or not confidential, are the sole and
exclusive property of Thoratec. In the event of the termination of my employment, I will promptly
deliver all such materials to Thoratec and will sign and deliver to the Company the “Termination
Certificate” attached hereto as Exhibit A.

	 	6.	 	OWNERSHIP OF INVENTIONS

                    All computer programs, computer source code, inventions, ideas, designs, circuits, schematics,
formulas, algorithms, trade secrets, works of authorship, developments, processes, techniques,
improvements, and related know-how which result from work performed by me, alone or with others, on
behalf of Thoratec or from access to Thoratec Confidential Information or property, whether or not
patentable or copyrightable, (collectively “Inventions”) shall be the property of Thoratec, and, to
the extent permitted by law, shall be “works made for hire.” I hereby assign and agree to assign
to Thoratec or its designee, without further consideration, my entire right, title, and interest in
and to all Inventions, other than those described in Paragraph 7 of this Agreement, including all
rights to obtain, register, perfect, and enforce patents, copyrights, and other intellectual
property protection for Inventions. I will disclose promptly and in writing to the individual
designated by Thoratec or to my immediate supervisor all Inventions which I have made or reduced to
practice. During my employment and for four years after, I will assist Thoratec (at its expense)
to obtain and enforce patents, copyrights, and other forms of intellectual property protection on
Inventions.

	 	7.	 	EXCLUDED INVENTIONS

                    Attached as Schedule 1 to this Agreement is a list of all inventions, improvements, and
original works of authorship, which I desire to exclude from this Agreement, each of which has been
made or reduced to practice by me prior to my employment by Thoratec. If no list is attached to
this Agreement, there are no inventions to be excluded at the time of my signing of this Agreement.
I understand that this Agreement requires disclosure, but not assignment, of any invention that
qualifies under Section 2870 of the California Labor Code, which reads:

	 	 	 	“Any provision in an employment agreement which provides that an employee shall
assign or offer to assign any of his or her rights in an invention to his or her
employer shall not apply to an invention that the employee developed entirely on
his or her own time without using the employer’s equipment, supplies, facilities, or
trade secret information except for those inventions that either:

 

 

	 	 	 	(a)   relate at the time of conception or reduction to practice of the invention to
the employer’s business or actual or demonstrably anticipated research or
development of the employer; or
	 
	 	 	 	(b)   result from any work performed by the employee for the employer.”

	 	8.	 	PRIOR CONTRACTS

                    I represent that there are no other contracts to assign inventions that are now in
existence between any other person or entity and me. I further represent that I have no other
employments, consultancies, or undertakings which would restrict or impair my performance of this
Agreement.

	 	9.	 	NON-SOLICITATION

                    During the term of my employment by the Company, and for twelve (12) months thereafter, I
shall not, directly or indirectly, without the prior written consent of the Company: (i) solicit or
induce any employee of the Company to leave the employ of the Company; (ii) hire for any purpose
any employee of the Company or any former employee who has left the employment of the Company
within six months of the date of termination of such employee’s employment with the Company.

	 	10.	 	AGREEMENTS WITH THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT AND OTHER THIRD PARTIES

                    I acknowledge that the Company from time to time may have agreements with other persons or
with the United States Government or agencies thereof which impose obligations or restrictions on
the Company regarding Inventions made during the course of work under such agreements or regarding
the confidential nature of such work. I agree to be bound by all such obligations or restrictions
and to take all action necessary to discharge the obligations of the Company thereunder.

	 	11.	 	NO EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

                    I agree that unless specifically provided in another writing signed by me and an officer of
the Company, my employment by the Company is not for a definite period of time. Rather, my
employment relationship with the Company is one of employment at will and my continued employment
is not obligatory by either myself or the Company.

	 	12.	 	MISCELLANEOUS

	 	12.1	 	Governing Law

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

	 	12.2	 	Enforcement

                               If any provision of this Agreement shall be determined to be invalid or unenforceable for any
reason, it shall be adjusted rather than voided, if possible, in order to achieve the intent of the
parties to the extent possible. In any event, all other provisions of this Agreement, shall be
deemed valid, and enforceable to the full extent possible.

 

 

	 	12.3	 	Injunctive Relief; Consent to Jurisdiction

                               I acknowledge and agree that damages will not be an adequate remedy in the event of a breach
of any of my obligations under this Agreement. I therefore agree that the Company shall be
entitled (without limitation of any other rights or remedies otherwise available to the Company) to
obtain, without posting bond, specific performance and preliminary and permanent injunction from
any court of competent jurisdiction prohibiting the continuance or recurrence of any breach of this
Agreement. I hereby submit myself to the jurisdiction and venue of the courts of the State of
California for purposes of any such action. I further agree that service upon me in any such
action or proceeding may be made by first class mail, certified or registered, to my address as
last appearing on the records of the Company.

	 	12.4	 	Arbitration

                              I further agree that the Company, at its option, may elect to submit any dispute or
controversy arising out of this Agreement for final settlement by arbitration conducted in Alameda
County or San Francisco County in accordance with the then existing rules of the American
Arbitration Association, and judgment upon the award rendered by the arbitrators shall be
specifically enforceable and may be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof.

	 	12.5	 	Attorneys’ Fees

                               If any party seeks to enforce its rights under this Agreement, by legal proceedings or
otherwise, the non-prevailing party shall pay all costs and expenses of the prevailing party.

	 	12.6	 	Binding Effect; Waiver

                              This Agreement shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of the successors,
executors, administrators, heirs, representatives, and assigns of the parties. The waiver by the
Company of a breach of any provision of this Agreement shall not operate or be construed as a
waiver of any subsequent breach of the same or any other provision hereof.

	 	12.7	 	Headings

                              The Section headings herein are intended for reference and shall not by themselves determine
the construction or interpretation of this Agreement.

	 	12.8	 	Entire Agreement; Modifications

                              This Employee Confidential Information and Inventions Agreement contains the entire agreement
between the Company and the undersigned employee concerning the subject matter hereof and
supersedes any and all prior and contemporaneous negotiations, correspondence, understandings, and
agreements, whether oral or written, respecting that subject matter. All modifications to this
Agreement must be in writing and signed by the party against whom enforcement of such modification
is sought.

 

 

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have executed this document as of the 13th day of January, 2006.

	 	 	 	 	 
	 	 	 
	 	                                                  /s/ Gerhard F. Burbach
 	 
	 	Employee  Gary Burbach 	 
	 	 	 
	 

RECEIPT ACKNOWLEDGED:

THORATEC CORPORATION

By: /s/ David Lehman                         

 

 

SCHEDULE 1

(Excluded Inventions, Improvements, and

Original Works of Authorship)

	 	 	 	 	 
	 	 	 	 	Identifying Number
	Title	 	Date	 	Or Brief Description
	 
	 	N/A	 	 

 

 

EXHIBIT A

Thoratec Corporation

TERMINATION CERTIFICATION

     This is to certify that I do not have in my possession, nor have I failed to return, any
papers, records, data, notes, drawings, files, documents, samples, devices, products, equipment,
and other materials, including reproductions of any of the aforementioned items, belonging to
Thoratec Corporation, its subsidiaries, affiliates, successors, or assigns (together, the
“Company”).

     I further certify that I have complied with all the terms of the Company’s Confidential
Information and Inventions Agreement signed by me, including the reporting of any inventions and
original works of authorship (as defined therein) conceived or made by me (solely or jointly with
others) covered by that agreement.

     I further agree that, in compliance with the Confidential Information and Inventions
Agreement, I will hold in confidence and will not disclose, use, copy, publish, or summarize any
Confidential Information (as defined in the Company’s Confidential Information and Inventions
Agreement) of the Company or of any of its customers, vendors, consultants, and other parties with
which it does business.

Date:                     

	 	 	 	 	 
	 	 	 
	 	
 	 
	 	
Employee’s Signature	 
	 	 	 
	 

	 	 	 	 	 
	 	 	 
	 	
 	 
	 	
Type/Print Employee’s Name	 
	 	 	 
	 

California Labor Code § 2870. Application of provision providing that employee shall assign or
offer to assign rights in invention to employer.

	(a)	 	Any provision in an employment agreement which provides that an employee shall assign, or
offer to assign, any of his or her rights in an invention to his or her employer shall not
apply to an invention that the employee developed entirely on his or her own time without
using the employer’s equipment, supplies, facilities, or trade secret information except for
those inventions that either:

 

 

	 	(1)	 	Relate at the time of conception or reduction to practice of the invention to the
employer’s business, or actual or demonstrably anticipated research or development of
the employer; or
	 
	 	(2)	 	Result from any work performed by the employee for the employer.

	(b)	 	To the extent a provision in an employment agreement purports to require an employee to
assign an invention otherwise excluded from being required to be assigned under subdivision
(a), the provision is against the public policy of this state and is unenforceable.

Added Stats 1979 ch 1001 § 1; Amended Stats 1986 ch 346 § 1.

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