Document:

EX-10.1

 Exhibit 10.1 

RAMBUS INC. 
 EMPLOYMENT
AGREEMENT 
 This Employment Agreement (the “Agreement”) is made and entered into by and between Luc Seraphin
(“Executive”) and Rambus Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), effective as of October 25, 2018 (the “Effective Date”). This Agreement supersedes in its entirety the Employment
Agreement (the “Prior Agreement”) made and entered into by and between Executive and the Company, effective as of June 28, 2018 (the “Prior Agreement Effective Date”) governing Executive’s
employment as the Company’s interim President and Chief Executive Officer. 
 1.    Duties and Scope of
Employment. 
 (a)    Positions and Duties. As of the Effective Date, Executive will serve as the
Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer (the “CEO”) reporting directly to the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”). In such role, Executive will render such business and professional services
in the performance of his duties, consistent with Executive’s position within the Company, as will reasonably be assigned to him by the Board. The period Executive is employed by the Company under this Agreement is referred to herein as the
“Employment Term.” 
 (b)    Obligations. During the Employment Term, Executive will devote
Executive’s full business efforts and time to the Company and will use good faith efforts to discharge Executive’s obligations under this Agreement to the best of Executive’s ability and in accordance with the Company’s Code of
Business Conduct and Ethics. For the duration of the Employment Term, Executive agrees not to actively engage in any other employment, occupation, or consulting activity, including membership of boards of directors or advisors, for any direct or
indirect remuneration without the prior approval of the Board. Executive further agrees to comply with all Company policies, including, for the avoidance of any doubt, any insider trading policies and compensation clawback policies currently in
existence or that may be adopted by the Company during the Employment Term. 
 (c)    Other Entities. Executive
agrees to serve and may be appointed, without additional compensation, as an officer and director for each of the Company’s subsidiaries, partnerships, joint ventures, limited liability companies and other affiliates, including entities in
which the Company has a significant investment as determined by the Company. As used in this Agreement, the term “affiliates” will include any entity controlled by, controlling, or under common control of the Company. 

(d)    Term of Agreement. This Agreement will have an initial term of three (3) years commencing on the
Effective Date (the “Initial Term”). On the third anniversary of the Effective Date, this Agreement will renew automatically for additional one (1) year terms (each an “Additional Term”), unless either party
provides the other party with written notice of non-renewal at least ninety (90) days prior to the date of automatic renewal. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this paragraph, if an initial
occurrence of an act or omission by the Company constituting the grounds for “Good Reason” in accordance with Section 8(g) hereof has occurred (the “Initial Grounds”), and the expiration date of the Company cure
period (as such 

 
term is used in Section 8(g)) with respect to such Initial Grounds could occur following the expiration of the Initial Term or an Additional Term, the term of this Agreement will extend
automatically through the date that is thirty (30) days following the expiration of such cure period, but such extension of the term will only apply with respect to the Initial Grounds. If Executive incurs a termination of employment that
entitles Executive to receive the payments and benefits described in Section 6, this Agreement will not terminate until all of the obligations of the parties hereto with respect to this Agreement have been satisfied. 

2.    At-Will Employment. The Company and Executive acknowledge that
Executive’s employment is and will continue to be at-will, as defined under applicable law. As an at-will employee, either the Company or Executive may terminate
the employment relationship at any time, with or without Cause. Executive understands and agrees that neither Executive’s job performance nor promotions, commendations, bonuses or the like from the Company give rise to or in any way serve as
the basis for modification, amendment, or extension, by implication or otherwise, of Executive’s employment with the Company. However, as described in this Agreement, Executive may be entitled to severance payments and benefits depending on the
circumstances of Executive’s termination of employment with the Company. 
 3.    Compensation. 

(a)    Base Salary. As of the Effective Date, the Company will pay Executive an annual salary of $550,000 as
compensation for his services (such annual salary, as is then effective, the “Base Salary”). The Base Salary will be paid periodically in accordance with the Company’s normal payroll practices and be subject to the usual,
required withholdings. 
 (b)    Annual Incentive. Executive will be eligible to receive annual incentives
payable for the achievement of performance goals established by the Compensation Committee of the Board (the “Compensation Committee”), with a target bonus, effective as of the Effective Date and for the remainder of fiscal 2018,
equal to $550,000, less applicable withholdings (such target bonus, as is then effective, the “Target Bonus”). For purposes of clarification, Executive’s Target Bonus for the period between the start of fiscal 2018 through the
Prior Agreement Effective Date will be such target bonus amount as was in effect immediately prior to the Prior Agreement Effective Date and Executive’s Target Bonus for the period between the Prior Agreement Effective Date and the Effective
Date will be such target bonus amount as was in effect immediately prior to the Effective Date. The actual earned Target Bonus, if any, payable to Executive for any performance period will depend upon the extent to which the applicable performance
goal(s) specified by the Compensation Committee are achieved or exceeded (the “Earned Bonus”). All annual incentive payments are contingent upon Executive remaining employed with the Company through the payment date. In no event
will payment of any Earned Bonus be made later than March 15th of the year following the year to which the Earned Bonus relates. 

(c)    Restricted Stock Units. The Company will recommend to the Board or the Compensation Committee that Executive
receive an award of restricted stock units (“RSUs”) with a grant date fair value of approximately $338,000 (the “RSU Award”). The number of RSUs subject to the RSU Award will be determined by dividing
$338,000 by the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant, rounded up to the nearest whole RSU. One hundred percent (100%) of the RSUs subject to the RSU Award will vest on the one (1) year

  
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anniversary of the date of grant, subject to Executive continuing to be a “Service Provider” (as defined in the Plan) through the vesting date. The RSUs will be subject to the terms and
conditions of the Company’s 2015 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) and a restricted stock unit award agreement thereunder. 

(d)    Equity. Executive will be eligible to receive awards of stock options, restricted stock units or other
equity awards pursuant to any plans or arrangements the Company may have in effect from time to time. The Board or Compensation Committee will determine in its discretion whether Executive will be granted any such equity awards and the terms of any
such award in accordance with the terms of any applicable plan or arrangement that may be in effect from time to time. 

(e)    Review and Adjustments. Executive’s Base Salary, Target Bonus, and other compensatory arrangements will
be subject to review and adjustment in accordance with the Company’s applicable policies. 
 4.    Employee
Benefits. 
 (a)    Generally. Executive will be eligible to participate in accordance with the terms of all
Company employee benefit plans, policies and arrangements that are applicable to other executive officers of the Company, as such plans, policies and arrangements may exist from time to time. 

(b)    Vacation. Executive will be entitled to receive paid annual vacation in accordance with Company policy for
other senior executive officers. 
 5.    Expenses. The Company will reimburse Executive for reasonable travel,
entertainment and other expenses incurred by Executive in the furtherance of the performance of Executive’s duties hereunder, in accordance with the Company’s expense reimbursement policy as in effect from time to time. 

6.    Severance Benefits. 

(a)    Termination without Cause or Resignation for Good Reason Outside of the Change of Control Period. If the
Company terminates Executive’s employment with the Company without Cause (and not by reason of Executive’s death or Disability), or if Executive resigns from such employment for Good Reason, and, in each case, such termination occurs
outside of the Change of Control Period, then subject to Section 7, Executive will receive the following: 

(i)    Accrued Compensation. The Company will pay Executive all accrued but unpaid vacation, expense
reimbursements, wages, and other benefits due to Executive under any Company-provided plans, policies, and arrangements when legally required. 

(ii)    Severance Payment. Executive will receive a lump-sum payment (less
applicable withholding taxes) equal to one hundred percent (100%) of Executive’s Base Salary as in effect immediately prior to Executive’s termination date (or if the termination is due to a resignation for Good Reason based on a
material reduction in Base Salary, as applicable, then Executive’s Base Salary in effect immediately prior to the reduction). 

  
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 (iii)    Bonus Payment. Executive will receive a lump-sum payment (less applicable withholding taxes) equal to one hundred percent (100%) of Executive’s Target Bonus as in effect immediately prior to Executive’s termination date (or if the termination is
due to a resignation for Good Reason based on a material reduction in the level of employee benefits, including bonuses, then Executive’s Target Bonus in effect immediately prior to the reduction). 

(iv)    Continuation Coverage. If Executive elects continuation coverage pursuant to the Consolidated Omnibus
Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, as amended (“COBRA”) within the time period prescribed pursuant to COBRA for Executive and Executive’s eligible dependents, the Company will reimburse Executive for the premiums necessary to
continue group health insurance benefits under COBRA for Executive and Executive’s eligible dependents until the earlier of (A) a period of twelve (12) months from the date of Executive’s termination of employment, (B) the
date upon which Executive and/or Executive’s eligible dependents becomes covered under similar plans or (C) the date upon which Executive ceases to be eligible for coverage under COBRA (such reimbursements, the “COBRA
Premiums”). However, if the Company determines in its sole discretion that it cannot pay the COBRA Premiums without potentially violating applicable law (including, without limitation, Section 2716 of the Public Health Service Act),
the Company will in lieu thereof provide to Executive a taxable lump-sum payment in an amount equal to the monthly COBRA premium that Executive would be required to pay to continue Executive’s group
health coverage in effect on the date of Executive’s termination of employment (which amount will be based on the premium for the first month of COBRA coverage), multiplied by twelve (12), which payment will be made regardless of whether
Executive elects COBRA continuation coverage. For the avoidance of doubt, the taxable payments in lieu of COBRA Premiums may be used for any purpose, including, but not limited to continuation coverage under COBRA, and will be subject to all
applicable tax withholdings. 
 (v)    Accelerated Vesting of Equity Awards. Executive’s then-outstanding
and unvested Equity Awards that vest solely based upon Executive’s continued service with the Company will immediately accelerate vesting as to that number of shares that would have otherwise vested had Executive remained employed by the
Company for twelve (12) months following Executive’s termination date. This includes equity compensation awards with a mixture of performance-based vesting and service-based vesting provisions as to which the performance metric has been
achieved by the termination date, but not as to any such awards as to which the performance metric has not been achieved by the termination date. 

(b)    Termination During the Change of Control Period; Voluntary Resignation; Termination for Cause. If
Executive’s employment with the Company terminates (i) for any reason during the Change of Control Period, (ii) voluntarily by Executive (other than for Good Reason outside of the Change of Control Period) or (iii) for Cause
by the Company, then Executive will not be entitled to receive severance or other benefits except for those (if any) as may then be established under the Company’s then existing severance and benefits plans and practices or pursuant to
other written agreements with the Company, including, but not limited to, the Change of Control Severance Agreement entered into between Executive and the Company, effective as of March 12, 2015, as amended on October 25, 2018 (the
“Change of Control Agreement”). 

  
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 (c)    Non-Duplication of Payment or Benefits. For purposes of
clarity, in the event Executive becomes eligible to receive benefits under the Change of Control Agreement, any severance payments and benefits to be provided to Executive under the Change of Control Agreement will be reduced by any amounts that
already were provided to Executive under Section 6(a). Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, if Executive is entitled to any cash severance, continued health coverage benefits, or vesting acceleration of any Equity
Awards (other than under this Agreement) by operation of applicable law or under a plan, policy, contract, or arrangement sponsored by or to which the Company is a party, including the Change of Control Agreement (“Other Benefits”),
then the corresponding severance payments and benefits under this Agreement will be reduced by the amount of Other Benefits paid or provided to Executive. 

(d)    Disability; Death. If the Company terminates Executive’s employment as a result of Executive’s
Disability, or Executive’s employment terminates due to Executive’s death, then Executive will not be entitled to receive severance or other benefits except for those (if any) as may then be established under the Company’s then
existing written severance and benefits plans and practices or pursuant to other written agreements with the Company. 

(e)    Exclusive Remedy. In the event of a termination of Executive employment as set forth in Section 6(a) of
this Agreement, the provisions of Section 6 are intended to be and are exclusive and in lieu of any other rights or remedies to which Executive or the Company otherwise may be entitled, whether at law, tort or contract, in equity, or under this
Agreement (other than the payment of accrued but unpaid wages, as required by law, and any unreimbursed reimbursable expenses). Executive will be entitled to no benefits, compensation or other payments or rights upon a termination of employment
other than those benefits expressly set forth in Section 6 of this Agreement. 
 7.    Conditions to Receipt of
Severance. 
 (a)    Release of Claims Agreement. The receipt of any severance payments or benefits (other
than the accrued benefits set forth in Section 6(a)(i)) pursuant to this Agreement is subject to Executive signing and not revoking a separation agreement and release of claims in a form acceptable to the Company (the
“Release”), which must become effective and irrevocable no later than the sixtieth (60th) day following Executive’s termination of employment (the “Release Deadline”). Any severance payments or benefits
under this Agreement will be paid on, or, in the case of installments, will not commence until, the tenth (10th) day following the date the Release becomes effective and irrevocable (the “Release Effective Date”), or, if later,
such time as required by Section 7(c)(iii), except that the acceleration of vesting of Equity Awards not subject to Section 409A will become effective on the Release Effective Date. Except as required by Section 7(c)(i) and/or
Section 7(c)(iii), any lump sum or installment payments that would have been made to Executive during the period between the date of Executive’s separation from service and the tenth (10th) day following the Release Effective Date but for
the preceding sentence will be paid to Executive on the tenth (10th) day following the Release Effective Date, and the remaining payments will be made as provided in this Agreement. If the Release does not become effective and irrevocable by the
Release Deadline, Executive will forfeit any right to severance payments or benefits under this Agreement. In no event will severance payments or benefits be paid or provided until the Release actually becomes effective and irrevocable. 

  
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 (b)    Confidential Information and Invention Assignment
Agreements. Executive’s receipt of any payments or benefits under Section 6 (other than the accrued benefits set forth in Section 6(a)(i)) will be subject to Executive continuing to comply with the terms of the Confidentiality
Agreement between the Company and Executive, as such agreement may be amended from time to time. 
 (c)    Section
409A. 
 (i)    Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, no severance pay or benefits to be paid
or provided to Executive, if any, pursuant to this Agreement that, when considered together with any other severance payments or separation benefits, are considered deferred compensation under Section 409A of the Code, and the final regulations
and any guidance promulgated thereunder (“Section 409A”) (together, the “Deferred Payments”) will be paid or otherwise provided until Executive has a “separation from service”
within the meaning of Section 409A. Similarly, no severance payable to Executive, if any, pursuant to this Agreement that otherwise would be exempt from Section 409A pursuant to Treasury Regulation
Section 1.409A-1(b)(9) will be payable until Executive has a “separation from service” within the meaning of Section 409A. Notwithstanding anything in Section 7(a) to the
contrary, any severance payments or benefits under this Agreement that would be considered Deferred Payments will be paid on, or in the case of installments, will not commence until, the sixtieth
(60th) day following Executive’s separation from service, or if later, such time as required by Section 7(c)(iii). Except as required by Section 7(c)(iii), any lump sum or
installment payments that would have been made to Executive during the sixty (60) day period immediately following Executive’s separation from service but for the preceding sentence will be paid to Executive on the sixtieth (60th) day following his separation from service and the remaining payments will be made as provided in this Agreement. In no event will Executive have discretion to determine the taxable year of payment
of any Deferred Payments. 
 (ii)    It is intended that none of the severance payments under this Agreement will
constitute Deferred Payments but rather will be exempt from Section 409A as a payment that would fall within the “short-term deferral period” as described in Section 7(c)(iv) below or resulting from an involuntary separation
from service as described in Section 7(c)(v) below. 
 (iii)    Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in
this Agreement, if Executive is a “specified employee” within the meaning of Section 409A at the time of Executive’s separation from service (other than due to death), then the Deferred Payments, if any, that are payable within
the first six (6) months following Executive’s separation from service, will become payable on the first payroll date that occurs on or after the date six (6) months and one (1) day following the date of Executive’s
separation from service. All subsequent Deferred Payments, if any, will be payable in accordance with the payment schedule applicable to each payment or benefit. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, if Executive dies following
Executive’s separation from service, but before the six (6) month anniversary of the separation from service, then any payments delayed in accordance with this paragraph will be payable in a lump sum as soon as administratively practicable
after the date of Executive’s death and all other Deferred Payments will be payable in accordance with the payment schedule applicable to each payment or benefit. Each payment and benefit payable under this Agreement is intended to constitute a
separate payment under Section 1.409A-2(b)(2) of the Treasury Regulations. 

  
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 (iv)    Any amount paid under this Agreement that satisfies the
requirements of the “short-term deferral” rule set forth in Section 1.409A-1(b)(4) of the Treasury Regulations will not constitute Deferred Payments for purposes of clause (i) above.

 (v)    Any amount paid under this Agreement that qualifies as a payment made as a result of an involuntary
separation from service pursuant to Section 1.409A-1(b)(9)(iii) of the Treasury Regulations that does not exceed the Section 409A Limit (as defined below) will not constitute Deferred
Payments for purposes of clause (i) above. 
 (vi)    The foregoing provisions are intended to comply with or be
exempt from the requirements of Section 409A so that none of the severance payments and benefits to be provided hereunder will be subject to the additional tax imposed under Section 409A, and any ambiguities herein will be interpreted to
be exempt or so comply. The Company and Executive agree to work together in good faith to consider amendments to this Agreement and to take such reasonable actions which are necessary, appropriate or desirable to avoid imposition of any additional
tax or income recognition before actual payment to Executive under Section 409A. In no event will the Company reimburse Executive for any taxes that may be imposed on Executive as a result of Section 409A. 

8.    Definition of Terms. The following terms referred to in this Agreement will have the following meanings: 

(a)    Cause. “Cause” means (i) any act of personal dishonesty taken by Executive in
connection with his responsibilities as an employee and intended to result in substantial personal enrichment of Executive; (ii) Executive’s conviction of a felony; (iii) a willful act by Executive which constitutes gross misconduct
and which is injurious to the Company; and (iv) following delivery to Executive of a written demand for performance from the Company which describes the basis for the Company’s belief that Executive has not substantially performed his
duties, continued violations by Executive of Executive’s obligations to the Company which are demonstrably willful and deliberate on Executive’s part. 

The foregoing definition does not in any way limit the Company’s ability to terminate Executive’s employment relationship at any
time as provided in Section 2 above, and the term “Company” will be interpreted to include any subsidiary, parent, affiliate or successor thereto, if applicable. 

(b)    Change of Control Period. “Change of Control Period” has the meaning of such term as set
forth in the Change of Control Agreement. 
 (c)    Code. “Code” means the Internal Revenue Code
of 1986, as amended. 
 (d)    Confidentiality Agreement. “Confidentiality Agreement” means the
Company’s At Will Employment, Confidential Information, Invention Assignment, and Arbitration Agreement that Executive previously executed in connection with the commencement of Executive’s employment with the Company. 

  
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 (e)    Disability. “Disability” means that
Executive (i) is unable to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less
than twelve (12) months, or (ii) is, by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than twelve (12) months, receiving income replacement
benefits for a period of not less than three (3) months under an accident and health plan covering Company employees. 

(f)    Equity Awards. “Equity Awards” means Executive’s outstanding stock options, stock
appreciation rights, restricted stock units, performance shares, performance stock units and any other Company equity compensation awards. 

(g)    Good Reason. “Good Reason” means Executive’s resignation within thirty (30) days
following the expiration of any Company cure period (discussed below) following the occurrence of one or more of the following, without Executive’s consent: (i) a significant reduction of Executive’s duties, authority or
responsibilities, relative to Executive’s duties, authority or responsibilities as in effect immediately prior to such reduction, or the assignment to Executive of such reduced duties, authority or responsibilities, provided that any
determination as to whether a significant reduction of Executive’s duties, authority or responsibilities or the assignment to Executive of reduced duties, authority or responsibilities has occurred will relate to changes from, and as compared
to, Executive’s duties, authority or responsibilities as in effect immediately following the Effective Date; (ii) a substantial reduction, without good business reasons, of the facilities and perquisites (including the office space and
location made available to Executive immediately following the Effective Date) available to Executive immediately prior to such reduction; (iii) a material reduction by the Company in Executive’s Base Salary as in effect immediately prior
to such reduction; (iv) a material reduction by the Company in the kind or level of employee benefits, including bonuses, to which Executive was entitled immediately prior to such reduction, with the result that Executive’s overall
benefits package is significantly reduced; (v) the relocation of Executive to a facility or location more than fifty (50) miles from Executive’s then present location, (vi) any purported termination of Executive by the Company
which is not effected for Disability or Cause, or any purported termination for which the grounds relied upon are not valid; or (vii) any act or set of facts or circumstances which would, under California case law or statute constitute a
constructive termination of Executive. In order for an event to qualify as Good Reason, Executive must not terminate employment with the Company without first providing the Company with written notice of the acts or omissions constituting the
grounds for “Good Reason” within ninety (90) days of the initial existence of the grounds for “Good Reason” and a reasonable cure period of not less than thirty (30) days following the date of such notice, and such
grounds must not have been cured during such time. 
 (h)    Section 409A Limit.
“Section 409A Limit” means two (2) times the lesser of: (i) Executive’s annualized compensation based upon the annual rate of pay paid to Executive during Executive’s taxable year preceding
Executive’s taxable year of Executive’s termination of employment as determined under, and with such adjustments as are set forth in, Treasury Regulation 1.409A-1(b)(9)(iii)(A)(1) and any
Internal Revenue Service guidance issued with respect thereto; or (ii) the maximum amount that may be taken into account under a qualified plan pursuant to Section 401(a)(17) of the Code for the year in which Executive’s
employment is terminated 

  
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 9.    Successors. 

(a)    The Company’s Successors. Any successor to the Company (whether direct or indirect and whether by
purchase, merger, consolidation, liquidation or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the Company’s business and/or assets will assume the obligations under this Agreement and agree expressly to perform the obligations under this
Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent as the Company would be required to perform such obligations in the absence of a succession. For all purposes under this Agreement, the term “Company” will include any successor to the
Company’s business and/or assets which executes and delivers the assumption agreement described in this Section 9(a) or which becomes bound by the terms of this Agreement by operation of law. 

(b)    Executive’s Successors. The terms of this Agreement and all rights of Executive hereunder will inure to
the benefit of, and be enforceable by, Executive’s personal or legal representatives, executors, administrators, successors, heirs, distributees, devisees and legatees. 

10.    Notices. 

(a)    General. Notices and all other communications contemplated by this Agreement will be in writing and will be
deemed to have been duly given when sent electronically or personally delivered when mailed by U.S. registered or certified mail, return receipt requested and postage prepaid or when delivered by a private courier service such as UPS, DHL or Federal
Express that has tracking capability. In the case of Executive, notices will be sent to the e-mail address or addressed to Executive at the home address, in either case which Executive most recently
communicated to the Company in writing. In the case of the Company, electronic notices will be sent to the e-mail address of the Chief Executive Officer and the General Counsel and mailed notices will be
addressed to its corporate headquarters, and all notices will be directed to the attention of its Chief Executive Officer and General Counsel. 

(b)    Notice of Termination. Any termination by the Company for Cause or by Executive for Good Reason will be
communicated by a notice of termination to the other party hereto given in accordance with Section 10(a) of this Agreement. Such notice will indicate the specific termination provision in this Agreement relied upon, will set forth in reasonable
detail the facts and circumstances claimed to provide a basis for termination under the provision so indicated, and will specify the termination date (which will be not more than ninety (90) days after the giving of such notice). 

11.    Resignation. Upon the termination of Executive’s employment for any reason, Executive will be deemed to
have resigned from all officer and/or director positions held at the Company and its affiliates voluntarily, without any further required action by Executive, as of the end of Executive’s employment and Executive, at the Board’s
request, will execute any documents reasonably necessary to reflect Executive’s resignation. 

  
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 12.    Confidential Information. Executive confirms
Executive’s continuing obligations under the Confidentiality Agreement.  
 13.    Protected Activity Not
Prohibited. Executive understands that nothing in this Agreement, or any other agreement or policy with or by the Company, will in any way limit or prohibit Executive from engaging in any Protected Activity. For purposes of this Agreement,
“Protected Activity” will mean filing a charge, complaint, or report with, or otherwise communicating, cooperating, or participating in any investigation or proceeding that may be conducted by, any federal, state or local government
agency or commission, including the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, and the National Labor Relations Board (“Government Agencies”).
Executive understands that in connection with such Protected Activity, Executive is permitted to disclose documents or other information as permitted by law, and without giving notice to, or receiving authorization from, the Company. Notwithstanding
the foregoing, Executive agrees to take all reasonable precautions to prevent any unauthorized use or disclosure of any information that may constitute Company confidential information under the Confidentiality Agreement to any parties other than
the Government Agencies. Executive further understands that “Protected Activity” does not include the disclosure of any Company attorney-client privileged communications. Any language in the Confidentiality Agreement, or any other
agreement or policy of the Company, regarding Executive’s right to engage in Protected Activity that conflicts with, or is contrary to, this paragraph is superseded by this provision. In addition, pursuant to the Defend Trade Secrets Act of
2016, Executive is notified that an individual will not be held criminally or civilly liable under any federal or state trade secret law for the disclosure of a trade secret that (a) is made in confidence to a federal, state, or local
government official (directly or indirectly) or to an attorney solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law, or (b) is made in a complaint or other document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, if (and
only if) such filing is made under seal. In addition, an individual who files a lawsuit for retaliation by an employer for reporting a suspected violation of law may disclose the trade secret to the individual’s attorney and use the trade
secret information in the court proceeding, if the individual files any document containing the trade secret under seal and does not disclose the trade secret, except pursuant to court order. 

14.    Miscellaneous Provisions. 

(a)    No Duty to Mitigate. Executive will not be required to mitigate the amount of any payment contemplated by
this Agreement, nor will any such payment be reduced by any earnings that Executive may receive from any other source except as provided in Section 6(c) hereof. 

(b)    Waiver. No provision of this Agreement will be modified, waived or discharged unless the modification,
waiver or discharge is agreed to in writing and signed by Executive and by an authorized officer of the Company (other than Executive). No waiver by either party of any breach of, or of compliance with, any condition or provision of this Agreement
by the other party will be considered a waiver of any other condition or provision or of the same condition or provision at another time. 

  
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 (c)    Headings. All captions and section headings used in this
Agreement are for convenient reference only and do not form a part of this Agreement. 
 (d)    Entire Agreement.
This Agreement, along with the Confidentiality Agreement and the Change of Control Agreement, constitutes the entire agreement of the parties hereto and supersedes in their entirety all prior representations, understandings, undertakings or
agreements (whether oral or written and whether expressed or implied) of the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof, including, but not limited to, the Prior Agreement. No waiver, alteration, or modification of any of the provisions
of this Agreement will be binding unless in writing and signed by duly authorized representatives of the parties hereto and which specifically mention this Agreement. 

(e)    Choice of Law. The validity, interpretation, construction and performance of this Agreement will be governed
by the laws of the State of California (with the exception of its conflict of laws provisions). Any claims or legal actions by one party against the other arising out of the relationship between the parties contemplated herein (whether or not
arising under this Agreement) will be commenced or maintained in any state or federal court located in the jurisdiction where Executive resides, and Executive and the Company hereby submit to the jurisdiction and venue of any such court. 

(f)    Severability. The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision or provisions of this Agreement will not
affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision hereof, which will remain in full force and effect. 

(g)    Withholding. All payments made pursuant to this Agreement will be subject to withholding of applicable
income, employment and other taxes. 
 (h)    Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each
of which will be deemed an original, but all of which together will constitute one and the same instrument. 
 [Signature Page to
Follow] 

  
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 IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties has executed this Agreement, in the case of the
Company by its duly authorized officer, as of the day and year set forth below. 
  

							
	COMPANY	 		 	RAMBUS INC.
				
		 		 	By:	 	             /s/ Jae Kim

		 		 	Title:	 	SVP, General Counsel
		 		 	Date:	 	October 25, 2018
				
	EXECUTIVE	 		 	By:	 	             /s/ Luc Seraphin

		 		 	Title:	 	CEO
		 		 	Date:	 	October 25, 2018

 [SIGNATURE PAGE TO EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT] 

  
 -12-EX-10.2

 Exhibit 10.2 

RAMBUS INC. 
 AMENDED
AND RESTATED CHANGE OF CONTROL SEVERANCE AGREEMENT 
 This Amended and Restated Change of Control Severance Agreement (the
“Agreement”) is made and entered into by and between Luc Seraphin (“Executive”) and Rambus Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), effective as of
October 25, 2018 (the “Effective Date”). 
 RECITALS 

1.    The Compensation Committee (the “Committee”) of the Board of Directors of the Company (the
“Board”) believes that it is in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders (i) to assure that the Company will have the continued dedication and objectivity of Executive, notwithstanding the possibility,
threat, or occurrence of a Change of Control and (ii) to provide Executive with an incentive to continue Executive’s employment prior to a Change of Control and to motivate Executive to maximize the value of the Company upon a Change of
Control for the benefit of its stockholders. 
 2.    The Committee believes that it is imperative to provide Executive
with certain severance benefits upon Executive’s termination of employment under certain circumstances. These benefits will provide Executive with enhanced financial security and incentive and encouragement to remain with the Company
notwithstanding the possibility of a Change of Control. 
 3.    This Agreement amends and restates the Change of
Control Severance Agreement between the Company and Executive effective as of March 12, 2015. 
 4.    Certain
capitalized terms used in the Agreement are defined in Section 6 below. 
 AGREEMENT 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants contained herein, the parties hereto agree as follows: 

1.    Term of Agreement. This Agreement will have an initial term of three (3) years commencing on the
Effective Date (the “Initial Term”). On the third anniversary of the Effective Date, this Agreement will renew automatically for additional one (1) year terms (each an “Additional Term”), unless
either party provides the other party with written notice of non-renewal at least ninety (90) days prior to the date of automatic renewal. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this paragraph,
(a) if a Change of Control occurs when there are fewer than twenty-four (24) months remaining during the Initial Term or occurs during an Additional Term, the term of this Agreement will extend automatically through the date that is
twenty-four (24) months following the effective date of the Change of Control, or (b) if an initial occurrence of an act or omission by the Company constituting the grounds for “Good Reason” in accordance with Section 6(g)
hereof has occurred (the “Initial Grounds”), and the expiration date of the Company cure period (as such term is used in Section 6(g)) with respect to such 

 
Initial Grounds could occur following the expiration of the Initial Term or an Additional Term, the term of this Agreement will extend automatically through the date that is thirty (30) days
following the expiration of such cure period, but such extension of the term will only apply with respect to the Initial Grounds. If Executive becomes entitled to benefits under Section 3 during the term of this Agreement, the Agreement will
not terminate until all of the obligations of the parties hereto with respect to this Agreement have been satisfied. 

2.    At-Will Employment. The Company and Executive acknowledge that
Executive’s employment is and will continue to be at-will, as defined under applicable law. As an at-will employee, either the Company or Executive may terminate
the employment relationship at any time, with or without Cause. 
 3.    Severance Benefits. 

(a)    Termination without Cause or Resignation for Good Reason During the Change of Control Period. If the Company
terminates Executive’s employment with the Company without Cause (and not by reason of Executive’s death or Disability) or if Executive resigns from such employment for Good Reason, and, in each case, such termination occurs during
the Change of Control Period, then subject to Section 4, Executive will receive the following: 

(i)    Accrued Compensation. The Company will pay Executive all accrued but unpaid vacation, expense
reimbursements, wages, and other benefits due to Executive under any Company-provided plans, policies, and arrangements when legally required. 

(ii)    Severance Payment. Executive will receive a lump-sum payment (less
applicable withholding taxes) equal to two hundred percent (200%) of Executive’s annual base salary as in effect immediately prior to Executive’s termination date or, if greater, at the level in effect immediately prior to the Change
of Control. 
 (iii)    Bonus Payment. Executive will receive a lump-sum
payment (less applicable withholding taxes) equal to two hundred percent (200%) of Executive’s full bonus and commission for the year of termination (whether established on a quarterly, semi-annual, annual and/or other periodic basis) at target
level as in effect immediately prior to Executive’s termination date, or, if greater, at the level in effect immediately prior to the Change of Control. 

(iv)    Continuation Coverage. If Executive elects continuation coverage pursuant to the Consolidated Omnibus
Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, as amended (“COBRA”) within the time period prescribed pursuant to COBRA for Executive and Executive’s eligible dependents, the Company will reimburse Executive for the premiums
necessary to continue group health insurance benefits under COBRA for Executive and Executive’s eligible dependents until the earlier of (A) a period of eighteen (18) months from the date of Executive’s termination of employment,
(B) the date upon which Executive and/or Executive’s eligible dependents becomes covered under similar plans or (C) the date upon which Executive ceases to be eligible for coverage under COBRA (such reimbursements, the
“COBRA Premiums”). However, if the Company determines in its sole discretion that it cannot pay the 

  
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COBRA Premiums without potentially violating applicable law (including, without limitation, Section 2716 of the Public Health Service Act), the Company will in lieu thereof provide to
Executive a taxable lump-sum payment in an amount equal to the monthly COBRA premium that Executive would be required to pay to continue Executive’s group health coverage in effect on the date of
Executive’s termination of employment (which amount will be based on the premium for the first month of COBRA coverage), multiplied by eighteen (18), which payment will be made regardless of whether Executive elects COBRA continuation coverage.
For the avoidance of doubt, the taxable payments in lieu of COBRA Premiums may be used for any purpose, including, but not limited to continuation coverage under COBRA, and will be subject to all applicable tax withholdings. 

(v)    Accelerated Vesting of Equity Awards. One hundred percent (100%) of Executive’s then-outstanding
and unvested Equity Awards will become vested in full. If, however, an outstanding Equity Award is to vest and/or the amount of the award to vest is to be determined based on the achievement of performance criteria, then the Equity Award will vest
as to one hundred percent (100%) of the amount of the Equity Award assuming the performance criteria had been achieved at target levels for the relevant performance period(s). 

(b)    Termination Outside of the Change of Control Period; Voluntary Resignation; Termination for Cause. If
Executive’s employment with the Company terminates (i) for any reason outside of the Change of Control Period, (ii) voluntarily by Executive (other than for Good Reason during the Change of Control Period) or (iii) for Cause
by the Company, then Executive will not be entitled to receive severance or other benefits except for those (if any) as may then be established under the Company’s then existing severance and benefits plans and practices or pursuant to
other written agreements with the Company. 
 (c)    Disability; Death. If the Company terminates
Executive’s employment as a result of Executive’s Disability, or Executive’s employment terminates due to Executive’s death, then Executive will not be entitled to receive severance or other benefits except for those (if any) as
may then be established under the Company’s then existing written severance and benefits plans and practices or pursuant to other written agreements with the Company. 

(d)    Exclusive Remedy. In the event of a termination of Executive employment as set forth in Section 3(a) of
this Agreement, the provisions of Section 3 are intended to be and are exclusive and in lieu of any other rights or remedies to which Executive or the Company otherwise may be entitled, whether at law, tort or contract, in equity, or under this
Agreement (other than the payment of accrued but unpaid wages, as required by law, and any unreimbursed reimbursable expenses). Executive will be entitled to no benefits, compensation or other payments or rights upon a termination of employment
other than those benefits expressly set forth in Section 3 of this Agreement. 
 4.    Conditions to Receipt of
Severance; No Duty to Mitigate 
 (a)    Release of Claims Agreement. The receipt of any severance payments or
benefits (other than the accrued benefits set forth in Section 3(a)(i)) pursuant to this Agreement is subject to Executive signing and not revoking a separation agreement and release of claims in a form acceptable to the Company (the
“Release”), which must become effective and irrevocable 

  
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no later than the sixtieth (60th) day following Executive’s termination of employment (the “Release Deadline”). Any severance payments or benefits under this
Agreement will be paid on, or, in the case of installments, will not commence until, the tenth (10th) day following the date the Release becomes effective and irrevocable (the “Release Effective Date”), or, if later,
(A) with respect to the benefits provided in Section 3(a)(ii), 3(a)(iii) or 3(a)(v), if the Executive’s termination date occurs within the Change of Control Period but prior to the closing of the Change of Control, on the date of the
closing of the Change of Control or (B) such time as required by Section 4(c)(iii), except that the acceleration of vesting of Equity Awards not subject to Section 409A will become effective on the Release Effective Date, or, if
later, with respect to the benefits provided in Section 3(a)(v), if Executive’s termination date occurs within the Change of Control Period but prior to the closing of the Change of Control, on the date of the closing of the Change of
Control. Except as required by Section 4(c)(i) and/or Section 4(c)(iii), any lump sum or installment payments that would have been made to Executive during the period between the date of the Executive’s separation from service and the
tenth (10th) day following the Release Effective Date but for the preceding sentence will be paid to Executive on the tenth (10th) day following the Release Effective Date, or, if later, with respect to the benefits provided in
Section 3(a)(ii), 3(a)(iii) or 3(a)(v), if Executive’s termination date occurs within the Change of Control Period but prior to the closing of the Change of Control, on the date of the closing of the Change of Control, and the remaining
payments will be made as provided in this Agreement. If the Release does not become effective and irrevocable by the Release Deadline, Executive will forfeit any right to severance payments or benefits under this Agreement. In no event will
severance payments or benefits be paid or provided until the Release actually becomes effective and irrevocable. 

(b)    Confidential Information and Invention Assignment Agreements. Executive’s receipt of any payments or
benefits under Section 3 (other than the accrued benefits set forth in Section 3(a)(i)) will be subject to Executive continuing to comply with the terms of the At Will Employment, Confidential Information, Invention Assignment, and
Arbitration Agreement between the Company and Executive, as such agreement may be amended from time to time. 

(c)    Section 409A. 

(i)    Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, no severance pay or benefits to be paid or provided to
Executive, if any, pursuant to this Agreement that, when considered together with any other severance payments or separation benefits, are considered deferred compensation under Section 409A of the Code, and the final regulations and any
guidance promulgated thereunder (“Section 409A”) (together, the “Deferred Payments”) will be paid or otherwise provided until Executive has a “separation
from service” within the meaning of Section 409A. Similarly, no severance payable to Executive, if any, pursuant to this Agreement that otherwise would be exempt from Section 409A pursuant to Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(b)(9) will be payable until Executive has a “separation from service” within the meaning of Section 409A. Notwithstanding anything in Section 4(a) to the contrary, any
severance payments or benefits under this Agreement that would be considered Deferred Payments will be paid on, or in the case of installments, will not commence until, the sixtieth (60th) day
following Executive’s separation from service, or if later, (A) with respect to severance payments or benefits payable under Sections 3(a)(ii), (iii) or (v), if Executive’s 

  
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termination date occurs within the Change of Control Period but prior to the closing of the Change of Control, on the date of the closing of the Change of Control, or (B) such time as
required by Section 4(c)(iii). Except as required by Section 4(c)(iii), any lump sum or installment payments that would have been made to Executive during the sixty (60) day period immediately following Executive’s separation
from service but for the preceding sentence will be paid to Executive on the sixtieth (60th) day following his or her separation from service and the remaining payments will be made as provided in
this Agreement. In no event will Executive have discretion to determine the taxable year of payment of any Deferred Payments. 

(ii)    It is intended that none of the severance payments under this Agreement will constitute Deferred Payments but
rather will be exempt from Section 409A as a payment that would fall within the “short-term deferral period” as described in Section 4(c)(iv) below or resulting from an involuntary separation from service as described in
Section 4(c)(v) below. 
 (iii)    Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, if Executive
is a “specified employee” within the meaning of Section 409A at the time of Executive’s separation from service (other than due to death), then the Deferred Payments, if any, that are payable within the first six (6) months
following Executive’s separation from service, will become payable on the first payroll date that occurs on or after the date six (6) months and one (1) day following the date of Executive’s separation from service. All
subsequent Deferred Payments, if any, will be payable in accordance with the payment schedule applicable to each payment or benefit. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, if Executive dies following Executive’s separation from
service, but before the six (6) month anniversary of the separation from service, then any payments delayed in accordance with this paragraph will be payable in a lump sum as soon as administratively practicable after the date of
Executive’s death and all other Deferred Payments will be payable in accordance with the payment schedule applicable to each payment or benefit. Each payment and benefit payable under this Agreement is intended to constitute a separate payment
under Section 1.409A-2(b)(2) of the Treasury Regulations. 

(iv)    Any amount paid under this Agreement that satisfies the requirements of the “short-term deferral” rule
set forth in Section 1.409A-1(b)(4) of the Treasury Regulations will not constitute Deferred Payments for purposes of clause (i) above. 

(v)    Any amount paid under this Agreement that qualifies as a payment made as a result of an involuntary separation
from service pursuant to Section 1.409A-1(b)(9)(iii) of the Treasury Regulations that does not exceed the Section 409A Limit (as defined below) will not constitute Deferred Payments for
purposes of clause (i) above. 
 (vi)    The foregoing provisions are intended to comply with or be exempt from
the requirements of Section 409A so that none of the severance payments and benefits to be provided hereunder will be subject to the additional tax imposed under Section 409A, and any ambiguities herein will be interpreted to be exempt or
so comply. The Company and Executive agree to work together in good faith to consider amendments to this Agreement and to take such reasonable actions which are necessary, appropriate or desirable to avoid imposition of any additional tax or income
recognition before actual payment to Executive under Section 409A. In no event will the Company reimburse Executive for any taxes that may be imposed on Executive as a result of Section 409A. 

  
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 5.    Limitation on Payments. In the event that the severance and
other benefits provided for in this Agreement or otherwise payable to Executive (i) constitute “parachute payments” within the meaning of Section 280G of the Code, and (ii) but for this Section 5, would be subject to
the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code, then Executive’s benefits under Section 3 will be either: 

(a)    delivered in full, or 

(b)    delivered as to such lesser extent which would result in no portion of such benefits being subject to excise tax
under Section 4999 of the Code, 
 whichever of the foregoing amounts, taking into account the applicable federal, state and local income taxes and the
excise tax imposed by Section 4999, results in the receipt by Executive on an after-tax basis, of the greatest amount of benefits, notwithstanding that all or some portion of such benefits may be taxable
under Section 4999 of the Code. If a reduction in severance and other benefits constituting “parachute payments” is necessary so that benefits are delivered to a lesser extent, reduction will occur in the following order:
(i) reduction of cash payments in reverse chronological order (that is, the cash payment owed on the latest date following the occurrence of the event triggering the excise tax will be the first cash payment to be reduced); (ii) cancellation of
Equity Awards that were granted “contingent on a change in ownership or control” within the meaning of Code Section 280G (if two or more Equity Awards are granted on the same date, each award will be reduced on a pro-rata basis); (iii) reduction of the accelerated vesting of Equity Awards in the reverse order of date of grant of the awards (i.e., the vesting of the most recently granted Equity Awards will be cancelled first
and if more than one Equity Award was made to Executive on the same date of grant, all such awards will have their acceleration of vesting reduced pro rata); and (iv) reduction of employee benefits in reverse chronological order (i.e., the
benefit owed on the latest date following the occurrence of the event triggering the excise tax will be the first benefit to be reduced). In no event will the Executive have any discretion with respect to the ordering of payment reductions. 

Unless the Company and Executive otherwise agree in writing, any determination required under this Section 5 will be made in writing by
the Company’s independent public accountants immediately prior to a Change of Control or such other person or entity to which the parties mutually agree (the “Firm”), whose determination will be conclusive and binding
upon Executive and the Company. For purposes of making the calculations required by this Section 5, the Firm may make reasonable assumptions and approximations concerning applicable taxes and may rely on reasonable, good faith interpretations
concerning the application of Sections 280G and 4999 of the Code. The Company and Executive will furnish to the Firm such information and documents as the Firm may reasonably request in order to make a determination under this Section. The Company
will bear all costs the Firm may incur in connection with any calculations contemplated by this Section 5. 

  
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 6.    Definition of Terms. The following terms referred to in
this Agreement will have the following meanings: 
 (a)    Cause. “Cause” will mean
(i) any act of personal dishonesty taken by Executive in connection with his responsibilities as an employee and intended to result in substantial personal enrichment of Executive; (ii) Executive’s conviction of a felony; (iii) a
willful act by Executive which constitutes gross misconduct and which is injurious to the Company; and (iv) following delivery to Executive of a written demand for performance from the Company which describes the basis for the Company’s
belief that Executive has not substantially performed his duties, continued violations by Executive of Executive’s obligations to the Company which are demonstrably willful and deliberate on Executive’s part. 

The foregoing definition does not in any way limit the Company’s ability to terminate Executive’s employment relationship at any time as provided in
Section 2 above, and the term “Company” will be interpreted to include any subsidiary, parent, affiliate or successor thereto, if applicable. 

(b)    Change of Control. “Change of Control” means the occurrence of any of the following
events: 
 (i)    A change in the ownership of the Company which occurs on the date that any one person, or more
than one person acting as a group (“Person”), acquires ownership of the stock of the Company that, together with the stock held by such Person, constitutes more than fifty percent (50%) of the total voting power of the
stock of the Company; provided, however, that for purposes of this subsection, the acquisition of additional stock by any one Person, who is considered to own more than fifty percent (50%) of the total voting power of the stock of the Company
will not be considered a Change of Control; provided, however, that for purposes of this clause (i), (1) the acquisition of beneficial ownership of additional stock by any one Person who is considered to beneficially own more than fifty percent
(50%) of the total voting power of the stock of the Company will not be considered a Change of Control; and (2) if the stockholders of the Company immediately before such change in ownership continue to retain immediately after the change in
ownership, in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of shares of the Company’s voting stock immediately prior to the change in ownership, direct or indirect beneficial ownership of fifty percent (50%) or more of the total voting
power of the stock of the Company or of the ultimate parent entity of the Company, such event will not be considered a Change of Control under this clause (i). For this purpose, indirect beneficial ownership will include, without limitation, an
interest resulting from ownership of the voting securities of one or more corporations or other business entities which own the Company, as the case may be, either directly or through one or more subsidiary corporations or other business entities;
or 
 (ii)    A change in the effective control of the Company which occurs on the date that a majority of members of
the Board is replaced during any twelve (12) month period by Directors whose appointment or election is not endorsed by a majority of the members of the Board prior to the date of the appointment or election. For purposes of this clause (ii),
if any Person is considered to be in effective control of the Company, the acquisition of additional control of the Company by the same Person will not be considered a Change of Control; or 

(iii)    A change in the ownership of a substantial portion of the Company’s assets which occurs on the date that
any Person acquires (or has acquired during the 

  
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twelve (12) month period ending on the date of the most recent acquisition by such person or persons) assets from the Company that have a total gross fair market value equal to or more
than fifty percent (50%) of the total gross fair market value of all of the assets of the Company immediately prior to such acquisition or acquisitions; provided, however, that for purposes of this subsection (iii), the following will not
constitute a change in the ownership of a substantial portion of the Company’s assets: (A) a transfer to an entity that is controlled by the Company’s stockholders immediately after the transfer, or (B) a transfer of assets by
the Company to: (1) a stockholder of the Company (immediately before the asset transfer) in exchange for or with respect to the Company’s stock, (2) an entity, fifty percent (50%) or more of the total value or voting power
of which is owned, directly or indirectly, by the Company, (3) a Person, that owns, directly or indirectly, fifty percent (50%) or more of the total value or voting power of all the outstanding stock of the Company, or (4) an entity,
at least fifty percent (50%) of the total value or voting power of which is owned, directly or indirectly, by a Person described in this subsection (iii)(B)(3). For purposes of this subsection (iii), gross fair market value means the value of
the assets of the Company, or the value of the assets being disposed of, determined without regard to any liabilities associated with such assets. 

For purposes of this definition, persons will be considered to be acting as a group if they are owners of a corporation that enters into a
merger, consolidation, purchase or acquisition of stock, or similar business transaction with the Company. 
 Notwithstanding the
foregoing, a transaction will not be deemed a Change of Control unless the transaction qualifies as a change in control event within the meaning of Code Section 409A, as it has been and may be amended from time to time, and any proposed or
final Treasury Regulations and Internal Revenue Service guidance that has been promulgated or may be promulgated thereunder from time to time. 

Further and for the avoidance of doubt, a transaction will not constitute a Change of Control if: (i) its sole purpose is to change the
state of the Company’s incorporation, or (ii) its sole purpose is to create a holding company that will be owned in substantially the same proportions by the persons who held the Company’s securities immediately before such
transaction. 
 (c)    Change of Control Period. “Change of Control Period” will mean the
period beginning three (3) months prior to, and ending twenty-four (24) months following, the first Change of Control to occur after the Effective Date. 

(d)    Code. “Code” will mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. 

(e)    Disability. “Disability” will mean that Executive (i) is unable to engage in
any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than twelve (12) months, or
(ii) is, by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than twelve (12) months, receiving income replacement benefits for a period of not less than
three (3) months under an accident and health plan covering Company employees. 

  
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 (f)    Equity Awards. “Equity Awards”
will mean Executive’s outstanding stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock units, performance shares, performance stock units and any other Company equity compensation awards. 

(g)    Good Reason. “Good Reason” will mean Executive’s resignation within thirty
(30) days following the expiration of any Company cure period (discussed below) following the occurrence of one or more of the following, without Executive’s consent: (i) a significant reduction of Executive’s duties, authority
or responsibilities, relative to Executive’s duties, authority or responsibilities as in effect immediately prior to such reduction, or the assignment to Executive of such reduced duties, authority or responsibilities; (ii) a substantial
reduction, without good business reasons, of the facilities and perquisites (including office space and location) available to Executive immediately prior to such reduction; (iii) a material reduction by the Company in the base salary of
Executive as in effect immediately prior to such reduction; (iv) a material reduction by the Company in the kind or level of employee benefits, including bonuses, to which Executive was entitled immediately prior to such reduction, with the
result that Executive’s overall benefits package is significantly reduced; (v) the relocation of Executive to a facility or location more than fifty (50) miles from Executive’s then present location, (vi) any purported
termination of Executive by the Company which is not effected for Disability or Cause, or any purported termination for which the grounds relied upon are not valid; or (vii) any act or set of facts or circumstances which would, under California
case law or statute constitute a constructive termination of Executive. In order for an event to qualify as Good Reason, Executive must not terminate employment with the Company without first providing the Company with written notice of the acts or
omissions constituting the grounds for “Good Reason” within ninety (90) days of the initial existence of the grounds for “Good Reason” and a reasonable cure period of not less than thirty (30) days following the date of
such notice, and such grounds must not have been cured during such time. 
 (h)    Section 409A Limit.
“Section 409A Limit” will mean two (2) times the lesser of: (i) Executive’s annualized compensation based upon the annual rate of pay paid to Executive during Executive’s
taxable year preceding the Executive’s taxable year of Executive’s termination of employment as determined under, and with such adjustments as are set forth in, Treasury Regulation
1.409A-1(b)(9)(iii)(A)(1) and any Internal Revenue Service guidance issued with respect thereto; or (ii) the maximum amount that may be taken into account under a qualified plan pursuant to
Section 401(a)(17) of the Code for the year in which Executive’s employment is terminated. 

7.    Successors. 

(a)    The Company’s Successors. Any successor to the Company (whether direct or indirect and
whether by purchase, merger, consolidation, liquidation or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the Company’s business and/or assets will assume the obligations under this Agreement and agree expressly to perform the obligations under
this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent as the Company would be required to perform such obligations in the absence of a succession. For all purposes under this Agreement, the term “Company” will include any successor to
the Company’s business and/or assets which executes and delivers the assumption agreement described in this Section 7(a) or which becomes bound by the terms of this Agreement by operation of law. 

  
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 (b)    Executive’s Successors. The terms of this Agreement
and all rights of Executive hereunder will inure to the benefit of, and be enforceable by, Executive’s personal or legal representatives, executors, administrators, successors, heirs, distributees, devisees and legatees. 

8.    Notice. 

(a)    General. Notices and all other communications contemplated by this Agreement will be in writing and will be
deemed to have been duly given when sent electronically or personally delivered when mailed by U.S. registered or certified mail, return receipt requested and postage prepaid or when delivered by a private courier service such as UPS, DHL or Federal
Express that has tracking capability. In the case of Executive, notices will be sent to the e-mail address or addressed to Executive at the home address, in either case which Executive most recently
communicated to the Company in writing. In the case of the Company, electronic notices will be sent to the e-mail address of the Chief Executive Officer and the General Counsel and mailed notices will be
addressed to its corporate headquarters, and all notices will be directed to the attention of its Chief Executive Officer and General Counsel. 

(b)    Notice of Termination. Any termination by the Company for Cause or by Executive for Good Reason will be
communicated by a notice of termination to the other party hereto given in accordance with Section 8(a) of this Agreement. Such notice will indicate the specific termination provision in this Agreement relied upon, will set forth in reasonable
detail the facts and circumstances claimed to provide a basis for termination under the provision so indicated, and will specify the termination date (which will be not more than ninety (90) days after the giving of such notice). 

9.    Resignation. Upon the termination of Executive’s employment for any reason, Executive will be deemed to
have resigned from all officer and/or director positions held at the Company and its affiliates voluntarily, without any further required action by Executive, as of the end of Executive’s employment and Executive, at the Board’s
request, will execute any documents reasonably necessary to reflect Executive’s resignation. 

10.    Arbitration. 

(a)    Arbitration. In consideration of Executive’s employment with the Company, its promise to arbitrate all
employment-related disputes, and Executive’s receipt of the compensation, pay raises and other benefits paid to Executive by the Company, at present and in the future, Executive agrees that any and all controversies, claims, or disputes
with anyone (including the Company and any employee, officer, director, stockholder or benefit plan of the Company in their capacity as such or otherwise) arising out of, relating to, or resulting from Executive’s employment with the
Company or termination thereof, including any breach of this Agreement, will be subject to binding arbitration under the Arbitration Rules set forth in California Code of Civil Procedure Section 1280 through 1294.2, including
Section 1281.8 (the “Act”), and pursuant to California law. The Federal Arbitration Act will also apply with full force and effect, notwithstanding the application of procedural rules set forth under the Act. 

  
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 (b)    Dispute Resolution. Disputes that Executive agrees to
arbitrate, and thereby agrees to waive any right to a trial by jury, include any statutory claims under local, state, or federal law, including, but not limited to, claims under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Americans with
Disabilities Act of 1990, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act, the Sarbanes Oxley Act, the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act, the California Fair Employment and Housing Act, the
Family and Medical Leave Act, the California Family Rights Act, the California Labor Code, claims of harassment, discrimination, and wrongful termination, and any statutory or common law claims. Executive further understands that this Agreement to
arbitrate also applies to any disputes that the Company may have with Executive. 
 (c)    Procedure. Executive
agrees that any arbitration will be administered by the Judicial Arbitration & Mediation Services, Inc. (“JAMS”), pursuant to its Employment Arbitration Rules & Procedures (the “JAMS
Rules”). The arbitrator will have the power to decide any motions brought by any party to the arbitration, including motions for summary judgment and/or adjudication, motions to dismiss and demurrers, and motions for class
certification, prior to any arbitration hearing. The arbitrator will have the power to award any remedies available under applicable law, and the arbitrator will award attorneys’ fees and costs to the prevailing party, except as prohibited by
law. The Company will pay for any administrative or hearing fees charged by the administrator or JAMS, and all arbitrator’s fees, except that Executive will pay any filing fees associated with any arbitration that Executive initiates, but only
so much of the filing fee as Executive would have instead paid had Executive filed a complaint in a court of law. Executive agrees that the arbitrator will administer and conduct any arbitration in accordance with California law, including the
California Code of Civil Procedure and the California Evidence Code, and that the arbitrator will apply substantive and procedural California law to any dispute or claim, without reference to the rules of conflict of law. To the extent that the JAMS
Rules conflict with California law, California law will take precedence. The decision of the arbitrator will be in writing. Any arbitration under this Agreement will be conducted in Santa Clara County, California. 

(d)    Remedy. Except as provided by the Act, arbitration will be the sole, exclusive, and final remedy for any
dispute between Executive and the Company. Accordingly, except as provided by the Act and this Agreement, neither Executive nor the Company will be permitted to pursue court action regarding claims that are subject to arbitration.
Notwithstanding, the arbitrator will not have the authority to disregard or refuse to enforce any lawful Company policy, and the arbitrator will not order or require the Company to adopt a policy not otherwise required by law which the Company has
not adopted. 
 (e)    Administrative Relief. Executive is not prohibited from pursuing an administrative claim
with a local, state, or federal administrative body or government agency that is authorized to enforce or administer laws related to employment, including, but not limited to, the Department of Fair Employment and Housing, the Equal Employment
Opportunity Commission, the National Labor Relations Board, or the Workers’ Compensation Board. However, Executive may not pursue court action regarding any such claim, except as permitted by law. 

  
 -11- 

 (f)    Voluntary Nature of Agreement. Executive acknowledges and
agrees that Executive is executing this Agreement voluntarily and without any duress or undue influence by the Company or anyone else. Executive further acknowledges and agrees that Executive has carefully read this Agreement and that Executive has
asked any questions needed for Executive to understand the terms, consequences and binding effect of this Agreement and fully understands it, including that EXECUTIVE IS WAIVING EXECUTIVE’S RIGHT TO A JURY TRIAL. Finally,
Executive agrees that Executive has been provided an opportunity to seek the advice of an attorney of Executive’s choice before signing this Agreement. 

11.    Miscellaneous Provisions. 

(a)    No Duty to Mitigate. Executive will not be required to mitigate the amount of any payment contemplated by
this Agreement, nor will any such payment be reduced by any earnings that Executive may receive from any other source. 

(b)    Waiver. No provision of this Agreement will be modified, waived or discharged unless the modification,
waiver or discharge is agreed to in writing and signed by Executive and by an authorized officer of the Company (other than Executive). No waiver by either party of any breach of, or of compliance with, any condition or provision of this Agreement
by the other party will be considered a waiver of any other condition or provision or of the same condition or provision at another time. 

(c)    Headings. All captions and section headings used in this Agreement are for convenient reference only and do
not form a part of this Agreement. 
 (d)    Entire Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement of
the parties hereto and supersedes in their entirety all prior representations, understandings, undertakings or agreements (whether oral or written and whether expressed or implied) of the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof,
including, without limitation, the Change of Control Severance Agreement between Executive and the Company effective as of March 12, 2015. No waiver, alteration, or modification of any of the provisions of this Agreement will be binding unless
in writing and signed by duly authorized representatives of the parties hereto and which specifically mention this Agreement. 

(e)    Choice of Law. The validity, interpretation, construction and performance of this Agreement will be governed
by the laws of the State of California (with the exception of its conflict of laws provisions). Any claims or legal actions by one party against the other arising out of the relationship between the parties contemplated herein (whether or not
arising under this Agreement) will be commenced or maintained in any state or federal court located in the jurisdiction where Executive resides, and Executive and the Company hereby submit to the jurisdiction and venue of any such court. 

(f)    Severability. The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision or provisions of this Agreement will not
affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision hereof, which will remain in full force and effect. 

(g)    Withholding. All payments made pursuant to this Agreement will be subject to withholding of applicable
income, employment and other taxes. 

  
 -12- 

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

[Signature Page to Follow] 

  
 -13- 

 IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties has executed this Agreement as of the date first
written above, in the case of the Company by its duly authorized officer. 
  

							
	COMPANY	 		 	RAMBUS INC.
			
		 		 	   /s/ Jae Kim

		 		 	By:	 	Jae Kim
		 		 	Title:	 	SVP, General Counsel
			
	EXECUTIVE	 		 	   /s/ Luc Seraphin

		 		 	By:	 	Luc Seraphin
		 		 	Title:	 	President and Chief Executive Officer

 [signature page of the Amended and Restated Change of Control Severance Agreement] 

  
 -14-

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