Document:

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                                                                     EXHIBIT 4.1

                          INTRASERVER TECHNOLOGY, INC.

                             1998 STOCK OPTION PLAN

                            1.   PURPOSE OF THE PLAN

     The purpose of this Plan is to encourage and enable employees,
consultants, directors and others who are in a position to make significant
contributions to the successor of INTRASERVER TECHNOLOGY, INC. (the
"Corporation") and of its affiliated corporations, if any, upon whose judgment,
initiative and efforts the Corporation depends for the successful conduct of
its business, to acquire a closer identification of their interests with those
of the Corporation by providing them with opportunities to purchase stock in
the Corporation pursuant to options granted hereunder, thereby stimulating
their efforts on behalf of the Corporation and strengthening their desire to
remain involved with the Corporation. Any employee, consultant or advisor
designated to participate in the Plan is referred to as a "Participant."

                                2.   DEFINITIONS

2.1. "Affiliated Corporation" means any stock corporation of which a majority of
the voting common or capital stock is owned directly or indirectly by the
Corporation.

2.2. "Award" means an Option granted under Section 5.

2.3. "Board" means the Board of Directors of the Corporation or, if one or more
has been appointed, a Committee of the Board of Directors of the Corporation.

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2.4. "Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to
time.

2.5. "Committee" means a Committee of not less than two members of the Board
appointed by the Board to administer the Plan.

2.6. "Corporation" means INTRASERVER TECHNOLOGY, INC., a Massachusetts
corporation, or its successor.

2.7. "Employee" means any person who is a regular full-time or part-time
employee of the Corporation or an Affiliated Corporation on or after July 1,
1998.

2.8. "Incentive Stock Option" ("ISO") means an option which qualifies as an
incentive stock option as defined in Section 422 of the Code, as amended.

2.9. "Non-Qualified Option" means any option not intended to qualify as an
Incentive Stock Option.

2.10. "Option" means an Incentive Stock Option or Non-Qualified Option granted
by the Board under Section 5 of this Plan in the form of a right to purchase
Stock evidenced by an instrument containing such provisions as the Board may
establish. Except as otherwise expressly provided with respect to an Option
grant, no Option granted pursuant to the Plan shall be an Incentive Stock
Option.

2.11. "Participant" means a person selected by the Committee to receive an
award under the Plan.

2.12. "Plan" means this 1998 Stock Option Plan.

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2.13. "Reporting Person" means a person subject to Section 16 of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 or any successor provision.

2.14. "Restricted Period" means the period of time selected by the Committee
during which an award may be forfeited by the person.

2.15. "Stock" means the Common stock, no par value, of the Corporation or any
successor, including any adjustments in the event of changes in capital
structure of the type described in Section 11.

                        3.    ADMINISTRATION OF THE PLAN

3.1.  Administration by Board. This Plan shall be administered by the Board of
Directors of the Corporation. The Board may, from time to time, delegate any of
its functions under this plan to one or more Committees. All references in this
Plan to the Board shall also include the Committee or Committees, if one or
more have been appointed by the Board. From time to time the Board may increase
the size of the Committee or committees and appoint additional members thereto,
remove members (with or without cause) and appoint new members in substitution
therefor, fill vacancies however caused, or remove all members of the Committee
or committees and thereafter directly administer the Plan. No member of the
Board or a committee shall be liable for any action or determination made in
good faith with respect to the Plan or any options granted under it.

      If a Committee is appointed by the Board, a majority of the members of
the Committee shall constitute a quorum, and all determinations of the
Committee under the Plan may be made

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without notice or meeting of the Committee by a writing signed by a majority of
Committee members. On or after registration of the Stock under the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, the Board shall delegate the power to select directors
and officers to receive Awards under the Plan, and the timing, pricing and
amount of such Awards to a Committee, all members of which shall be
"disinterested persons" within the meaning of Rule 16-b-3 under that Act.

3.2.  Powers. The Board of Directors and/or any committee appointed by the
Board shall have full and final authority to operate, manage and administer the
Plan on behalf of the Corporation. This authority includes, but it not limited
to:

      (a)   The power to grant Awards conditionally or unconditionally,

      (b)   The power to prescribe the form or forms of any instruments
            evidencing Awards granted under this Plan,

      (c)   The power to interpret the Plan,

      (d)   The power to provide regulations for the operation of the incentive
            features of the Plan, and otherwise to prescribe and rescind
            regulations for interpretation, management and administration of
            the Plan,

      (e)   The power to delegate responsibility for Plan operation, management
            and administration on such terms, consistent with the Plan, as the
            Board may establish,

      (f)   The power to delegate to other persons the responsibility of
            performing ministerial acts in furtherance of the Plan's purpose,
            and

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      (g)   The power to engage the services of persons, companies, or
            organizations in furtherance of the Plan's purpose, including but
            not limited to, banks, insurance companies, brokerage firms and
            consultants.

3.3.  Additional Powers. In addition, as to each Option to buy Stock of the
Corporation, the Board shall have full and final authority in its discretion:
(a) to determine the number of shares of Stock subject to each Option; (b) to
determine the time or times at which Options will be granted; (c) to determine
the option price of the shares of Stock subject to each Option, which price
shall be not less than the minimum price specified in Section 5 of this Plan;
(d) to determine the time or times when each Option shall become exercisable
and the duration of the exercise period (including the acceleration of any
exercise period), which shall not exceed the maximum period specified in
Section 5; (e) to determine whether each Option granted shall be an Incentive
Stock Option or a Non-qualified Option; and (f) to waive compliance by a
Participant with any obligation to be performed by him under an Option, to
waive any condition or provision of an Option, and to amend or cancel any
Option (and if an Option is cancelled, to grant a new Option on such terms as
the Board may specify), except that the Board may not take any action with
respect to an outstanding option that would adversely affect the rights of the
Participant under such Option without such Participant's consent. Nothing in
the preceding sentence shall be construed as limiting the power of the Board to
make adjustments required by Section 11.

      In no event may the Company grant an Employee any Incentive Stock Option
that is first exercisable during any one calendar year to the extent the
aggregate fair market value of the Stock (determined at the time the options
are granted) exceeds $100,000 (under all stock option

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plans of the Corporation and any Affiliated Corporation); provided, however,
that this paragraph shall have no force and effect if its inclusion in the Plan
is not necessary for Incentive Stock Options issued under the Plan to qualify
as such pursuant to Section 422(d)(1) of the Code.

                                4.  ELIGIBILITY

4.1.  Eligible Employees. All Employees (including Directors who are Employees)
are eligible to be granted Incentive Stock Option and Non-Qualified Option
Awards under this Plan.

4.2.  Consultants, Directors and other Non-Employees. Any Consultant, Director
(whether or not an Employee) and any other Non-Employee is eligible to be
granted Non-Qualified Option Awards under the Plan, provided the person has not
irrevocably elected to be ineligible to participate in the Plan.

4.3.  Relevant Factors. In selecting individual Employees, Consultants,
Directors and other Non-Employees to whom Awards shall be granted, the Board
shall weigh such factors as are relevant to accomplish the purpose of the Plan
as stated in Section 1. An individual who has been granted an Award may be
granted one or more additional Awards, if the Board so determines. The granting
of an Award to any individual shall neither entitle that individual to, nor
disqualify him from, participation in any other grant of Awards.

                            5.  STOCK OPTION AWARDS

5.1.  Number of Shares. Subject to the provisions of Section 11 of this Plan,
the aggregate number of shares of Stock for which Options may be granted under
this Plan shall not exceed shares. The shares to be delivered upon exercise of
Options under this Plan shall be made

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available, at the discretion of the Board, either from authorized but unissued
shares or from previously issued and reacquired shares of Stock held by the
Corporation as treasury shares, including shares purchased in the open market.

     Stock issuable upon exercise of an option granted under the Plan may be
subject to such restrictions on transfer, repurchase rights or other
restrictions as shall be determined by the Board of Directors.

5.2. Effect of Expiration, Termination or Surrender. If an Option under this
Plan shall expire or terminate unexercised as to any shares covered thereby, or
shall cease for any reason to be exercisable in whole or in part, or if the
Company shall reacquire any unvested shares issued pursuant to Options under
the Plan, such shares shall thereafter be available for the granting of other
Options under this Plan.

5.3  Term of Options. The full term of each Option granted hereunder shall be
for such period as the Board shall determine. In the case of Incentive Stock
Options granted hereunder, the term shall not exceed ten (10) years from the
date of granting thereof. Each Option shall be subject to earlier termination
as provided in Section 6.3 and 6.4. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the term of
options intended to qualify as "Incentive Stock Options" shall not exceed five
(5) years from the date of granting thereof if such option is granted to any
employee who at the time such option is granted owns more than ten percent
(10%) of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of the
Corporation.

5.4  Option Price. The Option price shall be determined by the Board at the
time any Option is granted. In the case of Incentive Stock Options, the
exercise price shall not be less than 100%

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of the fair market value of the shares covered thereby at the time the
Incentive Stock Option is granted (but in no event less than par value),
provided that no Incentive Stock Option shall be granted hereunder to any
Employee if at the time of grant the Employee, directly or indirectly, owns
Stock possessing more than 10% of the combined voting power of all classes of
stock of the Corporation ad its Affiliated Corporations unless the Incentive
Option price equals not less than 110% of the fair market value of the shares
covered thereby at the time the Incentive Stock Option is granted. In the case
of Non-Qualified Stock Options, the exercise price shall not be less than par
value.

5.5. Fair Market Value. If, at the time an Option is granted under the Plan,
the Corporation's Stock is publicly traded, "fair market value" shall be
determined as of the last business day for which the prices or quotes discussed
in this sentence are available prior to the date such Option is granted and
shall mean (i) the average (on that date) of the high and low prices of the
Stock on the principal national securities exchange on which the Stock is
traded, if the Stock is then traded on a national securities exchange; or (ii)
the last reported sale price (on that date) of the Stock on the NASDAQ National
Market List, if the Stock is not then traded on a national securities exchange;
or (iii) the closing bid price (or average of bid prices) last quoted (on that
date) by an established quotation service for over-the-counter securities, if
the Stock is not reported on the NASDAQ National Market List. However, if the
Stock is not publicly traded at the time an Option is granted upon the Plan,
"fair market value" shall be deemed to be the fair value of the Stock as
determined by the Board after taking into consideration all factors which it
deems appropriate, including, without limitation, recent sale and offer prices
of the Stock in private

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transactions negotiated at arm's length.

5.6.  Non-Transferability of Options. No Option granted under this Plan shall
be transferable by the grantee otherwise than by will or the laws of descent
and distribution, and such Option may be exercised during the grantee's
lifetime only by the grantee.

5.7.  Foreign Nationals. Awards may be granted to Participants who are foreign
nationals or employed outside the United States on such terms and conditions
different from those specified in the Plan as the Committee considers necessary
or advisable to achieve the purposes of the Plan or comply with applicable laws.

                             6.  EXERCISE OF OPTION

6.1.  Exercise. Each Option granted under this Plan shall be exercisable on
such date or dates and during such period and for such number of shares as
shall be determined pursuant to the provisions of the instrument evidencing
such Option. The Board shall have the right to accelerate the date of exercise
of any option, provided that, the Board shall not accelerate the exercise date
of any Incentive Stock Option granted if such acceleration would violate the
annual vesting limitation contained in Section 422(d)(1) of the Code.

6.2.  Notice of Exercise. A person electing to exercise an Option shall give
written notice to the Corporation of such election and of the number of shares
he or she has elected to purchase and shall at the time of exercise tender the
full purchase price of the shares he or she has elected to purchase. The
purchase price can be paid partly or completely in shares of the Corporation's
stock valued at Fair Market Value as defined in Section 5.5 hereof, or by any
such other lawful

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consideration as the Board may determine. Until such person has been issued a
certificate or certificates for the shares so purchased, he or she shall
possess no rights of a record holder with respect to any of such shares.

6.3. Option Unaffected by Change in Duties. No Incentive Stock Option (and,
unless otherwise determined by the Board of Directors, no Non-Qualified Option
granted to a person who is, on the date of the grant, an Employee of the
Corporation or an Affiliated Corporation) shall be affected by any change of
duties or position of the optionee (including transfer to or from an Affiliated
Corporation), so long as he or she continues to be an Employee. Employment
shall be considered as continuing uninterrupted during any bona fide leave of
absence (such as those attributable to illness, military obligations or
governmental service) provided that the period of such leave does not exceed 90
days or, if longer, any period during which such optionee's right to
reemployment is guaranteed by statute. A bona fide leave of absence with the
written approval of the Board shall not be considered an interruption of
employment under the Plan, provided that such written approval contractually
obligates the Corporation or any Affiliated Corporation to continue the
employment of the optionee after the approved period of absence.

     If the optionee shall cease to be an Employee for any reason other than
death, such Option shall thereafter be exercisable only to the extent of the
purchase rights, if any, which have accrued as of the date of such cessation;
provided that (i) the Board may provide in the instrument evidencing any Option
that the Board may in its absolute discretion, upon any such cessation of
employment, determine (but be under no obligation to determine) that such
accrued

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purchase rights shall be deemed to include additional shares covered by such
Option; and (ii) unless the Board shall otherwise provide in the instrument
evidencing any Option, upon any such cessation of employment, such remaining
rights to purchase shall in any event terminate upon the earlier of (A) the
expiration of the original term of the Option; or (B) where such cessation of
employment is on account of disability, the expiration of one year from the
date of such cessation of employment and, otherwise, the expiration of three
months from such date. For purposes of the Plan, the term "disability" shall
mean "permanent and total disability" as defined in Section 22(e)(3) of the
Code.

     In the case of a Participant who is not an employee, provisions relating
to the exercisability of an Option following termination of service shall be
specified in the award. If not so specified, all Options held by such
Participant shall terminate on termination of service to the Corporation.

6.4. Death of Optionee. Should an optionee die while in possession of the legal
right to exercise an Option or Options under this Plan, such persons as shall
have acquired, by will or by the laws of descent and distribution, the right to
exercise any Options theretofore granted, may, unless otherwise provided by the
Board in any instrument evidencing any Option, exercise such Options at any
time prior to one year from the date of death; provided, that such Option or
Options shall expire in all events no later than the last day of the original
term of such Option; provided, further, that any such exercise shall be limited
to the purchase rights which have accrued as of the date when the optionee
ceased to be an Employee, whether by death or otherwise, unless the Board
provides in the instrument evidencing such Option that, in the discretion of
the Board, additional shares covered by such Option may become subject to

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purchase immediately upon the death of the optionee.

                        7. REPORTING PERSON LIMITATIONS

7.1. To the extent required to qualify for the exemption provided by Rule 16b-3
under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and any successor provision, at
least six months must elapse from the date of acquisition of an Option by a
Reporting Person to the date of disposition of such Option (other than upon
exercise) or its underlying Common stock.

                       8. TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF OPTIONS

     Options shall be evidenced by instruments (which need not be identical) in
such forms as the Board may from time to time approve. Such instruments shall
conform to the terms and conditions set forth in Section 5 and 6 hereof and may
contain such other provisions as the Board deems advisable which are not
inconsistent with the Plan, including restrictions applicable to shares of Stock
issuable upon exercise of Options. In granting any Non-Qualified Option, the
Board may specify that such Non-Qualified Option shall be subject to the
restrictions set forth herein with respect to Incentive Stock Options, or to
such other termination and cancellation provisions as the Board may determine.
The Board may from time to time confer authority and responsibility on one or
more of its own members and/or one or more officers of the Corporation to
execute and deliver such instruments. The proper officers of the Corporation are
authorized and directed to take any all action necessary or advisable from time
to time to carry out the terms of such instruments.

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                               9.  BENEFIT PLANS

      Awards under the Plan are discretionary and are not a part of regular
salary. Awards may not be used in determining the amount of compensation for
any purpose under the benefit plans of the Corporation, or an Affiliated
Corporation, except as the Board may from time to time expressly provide.
Neither the Plan, an Option or any instrument evidencing an Option confers upon
any Participant any right to continue as an employee of, or consultant or
advisor to, the Company or an Affiliated Corporation or affect the right of the
Corporation or any Affiliated Corporation to terminate them at any time. Except
as specifically provided by the Board in any particular case, the loss of
existing or potential profits granted under this Plan shall not constitute an
element of damages in the event of termination of the relationship of a
Participant even if the termination is in violation of an obligation of the
Corporation to the Participant by contract or otherwise.

             10.  AMENDMENT, SUSPENSION OR TERMINATION OF THE PLAN

      The Board may suspend the Plan or any part thereof at any time or may
terminate the Plan in its entirety. Awards shall not be granted after Plan
termination. The Board may also amend the Plan from time to time, except that
amendments which affect the following subjects must be approved by stockholders
of the Corporation:

      (a)   Except as provided in Section 11 relative to capital changes, the
            number of shares as to which Options may be granted pursuant to
            Section 5;

      (b)   The maximum term of Options granted;

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                             FOLEY HOAG & ELIOT LLP

     (c)  The minimum price at which Options may be granted;

     (d)  The term of the Plan; and

     (e)  The requirements as to eligibility for participation in the Plan.

          Awards granted prior to suspension or termination of the Plan may not
be cancelled solely because of such suspension or termination, except with the
consent of the grantee of the Award.

                       11.  CHANGES IN CAPITAL STRUCTURE

     The instruments evidencing Options granted hereunder shall be subject to
adjustment in the event of changes in the outstanding Stock of the Corporation
by reason of Stock dividends, Stock splits, recapitalizations, reorganizations,
mergers, consolidations, combinations, exchanges or other relevant changes in
capitalization occurring after the date of an Award to the same extent as would
affect an actual share of Stock issued and outstanding on the effective date of
such change. Such adjustment to outstanding Options shall be made without
change in the total price applicable to the unexercised portion of such
options, and a corresponding adjustment in the applicable option price per
share shall be made. In the event of any such change, the aggregate number and
classes of shares for which Options may thereafter be granted under Section 5.1
of this Plan may be appropriately adjusted as determined by the Board so as to
reflect such change.

     Notwithstanding the foregoing, any adjustments made pursuant to this
Section 11 with respect to Incentive Stock Options shall be made only after the
Board, after consulting with counsel for the Corporation, determines whether
such adjustments would constitute a

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"modification" of such Incentive Stock Options (as that term is defined in
Section 424 of the Code) or would cause any adverse tax consequences for the
holders of such Incentive Stock Options. If the Board determines that such
adjustments made with respect to Incentive Stock Options would constitute a
modification of such Incentive Stock Options, it may refrain from making such
adjustments.

      In the event of the proposed dissolution or liquidation of the
Corporation, each Option will terminate immediately prior to the consummation
of such proposed action or at such other time and subject to such other
conditions as shall be determined by the Board.

      Except as expressly provided herein, no issuance by the Corporation of
shares of stock of any class, or securities convertible into shares of stock of
any class, shall affect, and no adjustment by reason thereof shall be made with
respect to, the number or price of shares subject to Options. No adjustments
shall be made for dividends paid in cash or in property other than securities
of the Corporation.

      No fractional shares shall be issued under the Plan and the optionee shall
receive from the Corporation cash in lieu of such fractional shares.

                   12.   EFFECTIVE DATE AND TERM OF THE PLAN

      The Plan shall become effective on July 1, 1998. The Plan shall continue
until such time as it may be terminated by action of the Board or the Committee;
provided, however, that no Options may be granted under this Plan on or after
the tenth anniversary of the effective date hereof.

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    13.  CONVERSION OF ISOs INTO NON-QUALIFIED OPTIONS; TERMINATION OF ISOs

      The Board, at the written request of any optionee, may in its discretion
take such actions as may be necessary to convert such optionee's Incentive
Stock Options, that have not been exercised on the date of conversion, into
Non-Qualified Options at any time prior to the expiration of such Incentive
Stock Options, regardless of whether the optionee is an employee of the
Corporation or an Affiliated Corporation at the time of such conversion. Such
actions may include, but not be limited to, extending the exercise period or
reducing the exercise price of such Options. At the time of such conversion,
the Board or the Committee (with the consent of the optionee) may impose such
conditions on the exercise of the resulting Non-Qualified Options as the Board
or the Committee in its discretion may determine, provided that such conditions
shall not be inconsistent with the Plan. Nothing in the Plan shall be deemed to
give any optionee the right to have such optionee's Incentive Stock Options
converted into Non-Qualified Options, and no such conversion shall occur until
and unless the Board or the Committee takes appropriate action. The Board, with
the consent of the optionee, may also terminate any portion of any Incentive
Stock Option that has not been exercised at the time of such termination.

                           14.  APPLICATION OF FUNDS

      The proceeds received by the Corporation from the sale of shares pursuant
to Options granted under the Plan shall be used for general corporate purposes.

                          15.  GOVERNMENTAL REGULATION

      The Corporation's obligation to sell and deliver shares of Stock under
this Plan is subject

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to the approval of any governmental authority required in connection with the
authorization, issuance or sale of such shares.

                  16.  WITHHOLDING OF ADDITIONAL INCOME TAXES

      Upon the exercise of a Non-Qualified Option or the making of a
Disqualifying Disposition (as defined in Section 17) the Corporation, in
accordance with Section 3402(a) of the Code, may require the optionee to pay
additional withholding taxes in respect of the amount that is considered
compensation includible in such person's gross income. The Board in its
discretion may condition the exercise of an Option on the payment of such
additional withholding taxes.

              17.  NOTICE TO COMPANY OF DISQUALIFYING DISPOSITION

      Each employee who receives an Incentive Stock Option must agree to notify
the Corporation in writing immediately after the employee makes a Disqualifying
Disposition of any Stock acquired pursuant to the exercise of an Incentive
Stock Option. A Disqualifying Disposition is any disposition (including any
sale) of such Stock before the later of (a) two years after the date the
employee was granted the Incentive Stock Option or (b) one year after the date
the employee acquired Stock by exercising the Incentive Stock Option. If the
employee has died before such stock is sold, these holding period requirements
do not apply and no Disqualifying Disposition can occur thereafter.

                        18.  GOVERNING LAW; CONSTRUCTION

      The validity and construction of the Plan and the instruments evidencing
Options shall be governed by the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
(without regard to the conflict of

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law principles thereof). In construing this Plan, the singular shall include
the plural and the masculine gender shall include the feminine and neuter,
unless the context otherwise requires.

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                                                                    EXHIBIT 10.9

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

                   LIMITED EXCLUSIVE PATENT LICENSE AGREEMENT

                                       FOR

                                A MICROFABRICATED
                      SLEEVE TYPE CHEMICAL REACTION CHAMBER

                                     BETWEEN

                   THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA

                                       AND

                                     CEPHEID

                            LLNL CASE NO. TL-1355-96

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

                                   MARCH 1997

<PAGE>   2

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

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

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

1.      BACKGROUND

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

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

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

                                       1
<PAGE>   4

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

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

The Parties agree as follows:

2.      DEFINITIONS

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

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

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

2.4     "Licensed Patents" are:

                                       2
<PAGE>   5

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

        2.4.2 reissues and continuations of 2.4.1 above; and

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

                                       3
<PAGE>   6

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

                                       4
<PAGE>   7

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

3.      LICENSE GRANT

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

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

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

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

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

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

                                       5
<PAGE>   8

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

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

4.      LICENSE FEES, ROYALTIES, AND PAYMENTS

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

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

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

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

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

                                       6
<PAGE>   9

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

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

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

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

5.      DUE DILIGENCE

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

                                       7
<PAGE>   10

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

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

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

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

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

                                       8
<PAGE>   11

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

                                       9
<PAGE>   12

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

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

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

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

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

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

                                       10
<PAGE>   13

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

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

                                       11
<PAGE>   14

7.      BOOKS AND RECORDS

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

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

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

8.      LIFE OF THE AGREEMENT

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

9.      TERMINATION

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

                                       12
<PAGE>   15

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

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

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

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

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

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

                                       13
<PAGE>   16

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

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

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

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

10.     PATENT PROSECUTION AND MAINTENANCE

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

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

                                       14
<PAGE>   17

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

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

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

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

11.     PATENT INFRINGEMENT

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

                                       15
<PAGE>   18

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

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

        11.2.1 Commence suit on their own account; or

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

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

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

                                       16
<PAGE>   19

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

12.     USE OF NAMES AND TRADEMARKS

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

13.     LIMITED WARRANTY

13.1    THE REGENTS has the right to grant this license.

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

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

13.4    Nothing in this Agreement will be interpreted as:

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

                                       17
<PAGE>   20

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

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

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

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

14.     INDEMNIFICATION AND INSURANCE

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

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

        14.2.1 Prior to first commercial sale:

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

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

                                       18
<PAGE>   21

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

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

        14.2.2 Upon the first commercial sale:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

14.5    Insurance coverage required under this Article must:

                                       19
<PAGE>   22

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

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

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

15.     WAIVER

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

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

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

17.     LATE PAYMENTS

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

                                       20
<PAGE>   23

18.     NOTICES

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

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

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

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

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

                                       21
<PAGE>   24

19.     DISPUTES AND GOVERNING LAWS

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

20.     PATENT MARKING

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

21.     GOVERNMENT APPROVAL OR REGISTRATION

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

                                       22
<PAGE>   25

22.     EXPORT CONTROL LAWS

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

23.     FORCE MAJEURE

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

24.     UNITED STATES PREFERENCE

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

25.     CONFIDENTIALITY

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

                                       23
<PAGE>   26

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

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

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

26.     MISCELLANEOUS

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

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

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

                                       24
<PAGE>   27

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

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

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

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

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

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

CEPHEID                               THE REGENTS OF THE
                                      UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA

By: /s/ KURT PETERSEN                 By: /s/ JEFFREY WADSWORTH
   --------------------------------      -----------------------------------
               (Signature)                          (Signature)

Name: Kurt Petersen                   Name: JEFFREY WADSWORTH
   --------------------------------      -----------------------------------

                                             Deputy Director
Title: President                      Title: Science and Technology
   --------------------------------      -----------------------------------

Date: 3/10/97                         Date: 3/12/97
   --------------------------------      -----------------------------------

                                       25
<PAGE>   28

                          EXHIBIT A - LICENSED PATENTS

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

                        United States Patent Application

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

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

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

                           Foreign Patent Application

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

                                       26
<PAGE>   29

                            EXHIBIT B - LICENSE GRANT

                                     NOTICE

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

A.      EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS GRANTED

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

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

B.      SUBLICENSING RIGHTS GRANTED

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

C.      RIGHTS EXCLUDED

                                       27
<PAGE>   30

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

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

D.      CONDITIONS AND SCHEDULE [MILESTONES]

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

        LICENSEE will achieve gross sales according to the following schedule:

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

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

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

                                       28
<PAGE>   31

                       EXHIBIT C - ISSUE FEE AND ROYALTIES

                                     NOTICE

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

A.      ISSUE FEE

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

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

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

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

B.      EARNED ROYALTIES

                                       29
<PAGE>   32

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

                                       30
<PAGE>   33

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

C.      MINIMUM ANNUAL ROYALTIES

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

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

                                       31
<PAGE>   34
                   EXHIBIT D - MUTUAL NONDISCLOSURE AGREEMENT

           MUTUAL NONDISCLOSURE AGREEMENT FOR EXCHANGE OF INFORMATION
                  WITH LAWRENCE LIVERMORE NATIONAL LABORATORY

This Agreement is effective this 16 day of January, 1996, by and between Cepheid
located at San Jose, CA 95148 and THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA,
located at 300 Lakeside Drive, Oakland, CA 94612-3550 ("THE REGENTS"), under
its Contract No. W-7405-ENG-48 with the U.S. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY ("DOE"), as
operators of the LAWRENCE LIVERMORE NATIONAL LABORATORY, located at 7000 East
Avenue, Livermore, CA 94550 ("LLNL").

WHEREAS, THE REGENTS, as operators of LLNL, and Cepheid (hereinafter
individually referred to as the "PARTY", or collectively as the "PARTIES") wish
to exchange certain confidential and proprietary information relating to micro
reactor system and flow cytometry ("PROPRIETARY INFORMATION"), this Agreement
will govern the conditions of mutual disclosure of PROPRIETARY INFORMATION by
the PARTIES.

The PARTIES hereby agree:

     (1)  To perform all terms of this Agreement and to maintain the PROPRIETARY
          INFORMATION in confidence, giving it the same degree of care, but no
          less than a reasonable degree of care, as the PARTIES exercise with
          their own proprietary information to prevent its unauthorized
          disclosure;

     (2)  To exchange and use the PROPRIETARY INFORMATION solely for the purpose
          of [evaluation, testing, and development of potential collaborations,
          joint ventures, and/or license of the technology];

     (3)  That neither PARTY, without the prior written consent of the other,
          will disclose any portion of the PROPRIETARY INFORMATION to others
          except to their employees, agents, consultants, subcontractors or
          Government personnel having a need to know in order to accomplish the
          sole purpose stated above, and who are bound by a like obligation of
          confidentiality under this Agreement;

     (4)  That neither PARTY nor DOE will have any obligation or assume any
          liability with respect to any portion of the PROPRIETARY
          INFORMATION that:

          (a)  the receiving PARTIES can demonstrate by written record was
               previously known to them;

          (b)  is, or becomes, available to the public through no fault of the
               PARTIES;

          (c)  is lawfully obtained by the PARTIES from a third party and is not
               subject to an obligation of confidentiality owed to the third
               party; or

          (d)  is independently developed by or for the receiving PARTY
               independent of any disclosure hereunder;

     (5)  That PROPRIETARY INFORMATION disclosed by the PARTIES will be in
          writing and clearly marked "PROPRIETARY INFORMATION" or its
          equivalent. If such PROPRIETARY INFORMATION is initially disclosed
          orally or by demonstration, the disclosing PARTY will identify it as
          PROPRIETARY INFORMATION or its equivalent at the time of disclosure.
          The disclosing PARTY will reduce it to writing or other tangible form,
          referencing the date and type of PROPRIETARY INFORMATION disclosed,
          and mark as PROPRIETARY INFORMATION or its equivalent. The disclosing
          PARTY will deliver a copy to the receiving PARTY within thirty (30)
          days thereafter. All protections and restrictions as to use and
          disclosure will apply during such thirty (30) day period.

     (6)  That all rights and title to the PROPRIETARY INFORMATION disclosed
          under this Agreement will remain the property of the disclosing PARTY
          unless otherwise agreed to in writing by the PARTIES.
<PAGE>   35
<TABLE>
<S>                                          <C>
TECHNICAL CONTACT FOR COMPANY:               TECHNICAL CONTACT FOR LLNL:

Name:     Kurt Petersen                      Name:     M. Allen Northrup
Company:  Cepheid                            Company:  Lawrence Livermore
                                                       National Laboratory
Address:  3655 Valley Ridge Lane             Address:  7000 East Avenue
                                                       P.O. Box 808, L-222
          San Jose, CA 95148                           Livermore, CA 94550
Phone:    (408) 274-3834                     Phone:    (510) 422-1638
Fax:                                         Fax:
</TABLE>

The PARTIES agree that the furnishing of PROPRIETARY INFORMATION does not
constitute any grant or license to the other PARTY for any legal rights now or
hereinafter held by either PARTY.

This Agreement will be subject to, and interpreted in accordance with, the laws
of the State of California.

This Agreement will remain in effect for [two (2)] year(s) from the effective
date first written above, at which time the receiving PARTY will return or
destroy the PROPRIETARY INFORMATION within thirty (30) days of the effective
day. If the PROPRIETARY INFORMATION is destroyed, a certificate of destruction
must be furnished to the disclosing PARTY within the thirty (30) days. The
secrecy and non-use obligations of the receiving PARTY set forth above will
remain in effect for [five (5)] years from the effective date.

The receiving PARTY acknowledges its obligations to control access to technical
data under the U.S. Export Laws and Regulations and agrees to adhere to such
Laws and Regulations with regard to any technical data received under this
Agreement.

Any modification to this Agreement must be in writing and signed by the duly
authorized representative of each PARTY.

           CEPHEID                     THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY
------------------------------         OF CALIFORNIA, LAWRENCE
     (company name)                    LIVERMORE NATIONAL LABORATORY

By:  /s/ KURT PETERSEN                 By:  /s/ RODNEY D. KIEFER
   ---------------------------            ---------------------------
         (signature)                             (signature)

Name:    Kurt Petersen                 Name:    Rodney D. Kiefer
     -------------------------              -------------------------
         (please print)                          (please print)

Title:   President                     Title:   Deputy Director IPAC
      ------------------------                -----------------------

Date:    1/10/96                       Date:    1/16/96
      ------------------------               ------------------------

RETURN TO:     Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
               ATTN: Janice Wallace
               7000 East Avenue
               P.O. Box 808, L-703
               Livermore, CA 94550

cc: (Technical Contact)

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