Document:

EX-10.2

 Exhibit 10.2 

HYZON MOTORS INC. 

FORM OF RSU AWARD GRANT NOTICE 

(2021 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN) 

Hyzon Motors Inc. (the “Company”) has awarded to you (the “Participant”) the number of restricted stock units
specified and on the terms set forth below (the “RSU Award”). Your RSU Award is subject to all of the terms and conditions as set forth herein and in the Company’s 2021 Equity Incentive Plan (the
“Plan”) and the Award Agreement (the “Agreement”), which are incorporated herein in their entirety. Capitalized terms not explicitly defined herein but defined in the Plan or the Agreement shall have
the meanings set forth in the Plan or the Agreement. 
  

			
		
	Participant:	 	  

		
	Date of Grant:	 	  

		
	Vesting Commencement Date:	 	  

		
	Number of Restricted Stock Units:	 	  

  

			
	Vesting Schedule:	  	[__________________________________________________________________]. Notwithstanding the foregoing, vesting shall terminate upon the Participant’s termination of Continuous Service.
		
	Issuance Schedule:	  	One share of Common Stock will be issued for each restricted stock unit which vests at the time set forth in Section 5 of the Agreement.

 Participant Acknowledgements: By your signature below or by electronic acceptance or authentication in a form
authorized by the Company, you understand and agree that: 
  

	 	•	 	 The RSU Award is governed by this RSU Award Grant Notice (the “Grant Notice”), and the
provisions of the Plan and the Agreement, all of which are made a part of this document. Unless otherwise provided in the Plan, this Grant Notice and the Agreement (together, the “RSU Award Agreement”) may not be modified,
amended or revised except in a writing signed by you and a duly authorized officer of the Company. 

  

	 	•	 	 You have read and are familiar with the provisions of the Plan, the RSU Award Agreement and the Prospectus. In
the event of any conflict between the provisions in the RSU Award Agreement, or the Prospectus and the terms of the Plan, the terms of the Plan shall control. 

 

	 	•	 	 The RSU Award Agreement sets forth the entire understanding between you and the Company regarding the acquisition
of Common Stock and supersedes all prior oral and written agreements, promises and/or representations on that subject with the exception of: (i) other equity awards previously granted to you, and (ii) any written employment agreement,
offer letter, severance agreement, written severance plan or policy, or other written agreement between the Company and you in each case that specifies the terms that should govern this RSU Award. 

 

									
	HYZON MOTORS INC.	 		 	PARTICIPANT:
				
	By:	 	  
	 		 	  

		 	Signature	 		 		 	Signature
	Title:	 	  
	 		 	Date:	 	  

	Date:	 	  
	 		 		 	

 HYZON MOTORS INC. 

2021 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN 

FORM OF AWARD AGREEMENT (RSU AWARD) 

As reflected by your Restricted Stock Unit Grant Notice (“Grant Notice”), Hyzon Motors Inc. Corp. (the
“Company”) has granted you a RSU Award under its 2021 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) for the number of restricted stock units as indicated in your Grant Notice (the “RSU
Award”). The terms of your RSU Award as specified in this Award Agreement for your RSU Award (the “Agreement”) and the Grant Notice constitute your “RSU Award Agreement”. Defined terms not
explicitly defined in this Agreement but defined in the Grant Notice or the Plan shall have the same definitions as in the Grant Notice or Plan, as applicable. 

The general terms applicable to your RSU Award are as follows: 

1. GOVERNING PLAN DOCUMENT. Your RSU Award is subject to all the provisions of the
Plan. Your RSU Award is further subject to all interpretations, amendments, rules and regulations, which may from time to time be promulgated and adopted pursuant to the Plan. In the event of any conflict between the RSU Award Agreement and the
provisions of the Plan, the provisions of the Plan shall control. 
 2. GRANT OF THE
RSU AWARD. This RSU Award represents your right to be issued on a future date the number of shares of the Company’s Common Stock that is equal to the number of restricted stock units indicated in the Grant Notice subject to
your satisfaction of the vesting conditions set forth therein (the “Restricted Stock Units”). Any additional Restricted Stock Units that become subject to the RSU Award pursuant to Capitalization Adjustments as set forth in
the Plan and the provisions of Section 3 below, if any, shall be subject, in a manner determined by the Board, to the same forfeiture restrictions, restrictions on transferability, and time and manner of delivery as applicable to the other
Restricted Stock Units covered by your RSU Award. 
 3. DIVIDENDS. You shall receive no benefit or adjustment to
your RSU Award with respect to any cash dividend, stock dividend or other distribution that does not result from a Capitalization Adjustment as provided in the Plan; provided, however, that this sentence shall not apply with respect to any shares of
Common Stock that are delivered to you in connection with your RSU Award after such shares have been delivered to you. 
 4.
WITHHOLDING OBLIGATIONS. 
 (a) Regardless of any action taken by the Company or, if different, the
Affiliate to which you provide Continuous Service (the “Service Recipient”) with respect to any income tax, social insurance, payroll tax, fringe benefits tax, payment on account or other
tax-related items associated with the grant or vesting of the RSU Award or sale of the underlying Common Stock or other tax-related items related to your participation
in the Plan and legally applicable to you (the “Tax Liability”), you hereby acknowledge and agree that the Tax Liability is your ultimate responsibility and may exceed the amount, if any, actually withheld by the Company or
the Service Recipient. You further acknowledge that the Company and the Service Recipient (i) make no representations or undertakings regarding any Tax Liability in connection with any aspect of this RSU Award, including, but not limited to,
the grant or vesting of the RSU Award, the issuance of Common Stock pursuant to such vesting, the subsequent sale of shares of Common Stock, and the payment of any dividends on the Common Stock; and (ii) do not commit to and are under no
obligation to structure the terms of the grant or any aspect of the RSU Award to reduce or eliminate your Tax Liability or achieve a particular tax result. Further, if you are subject to Tax Liability in more than one jurisdiction, you acknowledge
that the Company and/or the Service Recipient (or former service recipient, as applicable) may be required to withhold or account for Tax Liability in more than one jurisdiction. 

  
 -2- 

 (b) Prior to any relevant taxable or tax withholding event, as applicable, you agree
to make adequate arrangements satisfactory to the Company and/or the Service Recipient to satisfy all Tax Liability. As further provided in Section 9 of the Plan, you hereby authorize the Company and any applicable Service Recipient to satisfy
any applicable withholding obligations with regard to the Tax Liability by any of the following means or by a combination of such means: (i) causing you to pay any portion of the Tax Liability in cash or cash equivalent in a form acceptable to
the Company; (ii) withholding from any compensation otherwise payable to you by the Company or the Service Recipient; (iii) withholding shares of Common Stock from the shares of Common Stock issued or otherwise issuable to you in
connection with the Award; provided, however, that to the extent necessary to qualify for an exemption from application of Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act, if applicable, such share withholding procedure will be subject to the express
prior approval of the Board or the Company’s Compensation Committee; (iv) permitting or requiring you to enter into a “same day sale” commitment, if applicable, with a broker-dealer that is a member of the Financial Industry
Regulatory Authority (a “FINRA Dealer”), pursuant to this authorization and without further consent, whereby you irrevocably elect to sell a portion of the shares of Common Stock to be delivered in connection with your
Restricted Stock Units to satisfy the Tax Liability and whereby the FINRA Dealer irrevocably commits to forward the proceeds necessary to satisfy the Tax Liability directly to the Company or the Service Recipient; and/or (v) any other method
determined by the Company to be in compliance with Applicable Law. Furthermore, you agree to pay the Company or the Service Recipient any amount the Company or the Service Recipient may be required to withhold, collect, or pay as a result of your
participation in the Plan or that cannot be satisfied by the means previously described. In the event it is determined that the amount of the Tax Liability was greater than the amount withheld by the Company and/or the Service Recipient (as
applicable), you agree to indemnify and hold the Company and/or the Service Recipient (as applicable) harmless from any failure by the Company or the applicable Service Recipient to withhold the proper amount. 

(c) The Company may withhold or account for your Tax Liability by considering statutory withholding amounts or other withholding rates
applicable in your jurisdiction(s), including (i) maximum applicable rates in your jurisdiction(s), in which case you may receive a refund of any over-withheld amount in cash (whether from applicable tax authorities or the Company) and you will
have no entitlement to the equivalent amount in Common Stock or (ii) minimum or such other applicable rates in your jurisdiction(s), in which case you may be solely responsible for paying any additional Tax Liability to the applicable tax
authorities or to the Company and/or the Service Recipient. If the Tax Liability withholding obligation is satisfied by withholding shares of Common Stock, for tax purposes, you are deemed to have been issued the full number of shares of Common
Stock subject to the vested portion of the RSU Award, notwithstanding that a number of the shares of Common Stock is held back solely for the purpose of paying such Tax Liability. 

(d) You acknowledge that you may not participate in the Plan and the Company shall have no obligation to deliver shares of Common Stock
until you have fully satisfied the Tax Liability, as determined by the Company. Unless any withholding obligation for the Tax Liability is satisfied, the Company shall have no obligation to deliver to you any Common Stock in respect of the RSU
Award. 
 5. DATE OF ISSUANCE.  

(a) The issuance of shares in respect of the Restricted Stock Units is intended to comply with U.S. Treasury Regulations Section 1.409A-3(a) and will be construed and administered in such a manner. Subject to the satisfaction of the Tax Liability withholding obligation, if any, in the event one or more Restricted Stock Units
vests, the Company shall issue to you one (1) share of Common Stock for each vested Restricted Stock Unit. Each issuance date determined by this paragraph is referred to as an “Original Issuance Date.” 

  
 -3- 

 (b) If the Original Issuance Date falls on a date that is not a business day,
delivery shall instead occur on the next following business day. In addition, if: 
 (i) the Original Issuance Date does not occur
(1) during an “open window period” applicable to you, as determined by the Company in accordance with the Company’s then-effective policy on trading in Company securities, or (2) on a date when you are otherwise permitted to
sell shares of Common Stock on an established stock exchange or stock market (including but not limited to under a previously established written trading plan that meets the requirements of Rule 10b5-1 under
the Exchange Act and was entered into in compliance with the Company’s policies (a “10b5-1 Arrangement)), and 

(ii) either (1) a Tax Liability withholding obligation does not apply, or (2) the Company decides, prior to the Original
Issuance Date, (A) not to satisfy the Tax Liability withholding obligation by withholding shares of Common Stock from the shares otherwise due, on the Original Issuance Date, to you under this Award, and (B) not to permit you to enter into
a “same day sale” commitment with a broker-dealer (including but not limited to a commitment under a 10b5-1 Arrangement) and (C) not to permit you to pay your Tax Liability in cash, then
the shares that would otherwise be issued to you on the Original Issuance Date will not be delivered on such Original Issuance Date and will instead be delivered on the first business day when you are not prohibited from selling shares of the Common
Stock in the open public market, but in no event later than December 31 of the calendar year in which the Original Issuance Date occurs (that is, the last day of your taxable year in which the Original Issuance Date occurs), or, if and only
if permitted in a manner that complies with U.S. Treasury Regulations Section 1.409A-1(b)(4), no later than the date that is the 15th day of the third calendar month of the applicable year following
the year in which the shares of Common Stock under this Award are no longer subject to a “substantial risk of forfeiture” within the meaning of U.S. Treasury Regulations Section 1.409A-1(d).

 6. TRANSFERABILITY. Except as otherwise provided in the Plan, your RSU Award is not transferable, except by
will or by the applicable laws of descent and distribution 
 7. CAPITALIZATION ADJUSTMENT. Your
RSU Award is subject to the terms of any agreement governing a Capitalization Adjustment involving the Company (including a Change in Control), including, without limitation, a provision for the appointment of a stockholder representative that is
authorized to act on your behalf with respect to any escrow, indemnities and any contingent consideration. 
 8. NO
LIABILITY FOR TAXES. As a condition to accepting the RSU Award, you hereby (a) agree to not make any claim against the Company, or any of its Officers, Directors, Employees or
Affiliates related to tax liabilities arising from the RSU Award or other Company compensation and (b) acknowledge that you were advised to consult with your own personal tax, financial and other legal advisors regarding the tax consequences of
the RSU Award and have either done so or knowingly and voluntarily declined to do so. 
 9.
SEVERABILITY. If any part of this Agreement or the Plan is declared by any court or governmental authority to be unlawful or invalid, such unlawfulness or invalidity will not invalidate any portion of this
Agreement or the Plan not declared to be unlawful or invalid. Any Section of this Agreement (or part of such a Section) so declared to be unlawful or invalid will, if possible, be construed in a manner which will give effect to the terms of such
Section or part of a Section to the fullest extent possible while remaining lawful and valid. 
 10. OTHER
DOCUMENTS. You hereby acknowledge receipt of or the right to receive a document providing the information required by Rule 428(b)(1) promulgated under the Securities Act, which includes the Prospectus. In addition, you acknowledge
receipt of the Company’s Trading Policy. 

  
 -4-crnc-ex102_50.htm

 

Exhibit 10.2

SEPARATION AND RELEASE AGREEMENT

This Separation and Release Agreement (“Agreement”) is made by and between Sanjay Dhawan (“Executive”) and Cerence, Inc. (the “Company”) (collectively referred to as the “Parties” or individually referred to as a “Party”).

RECITALS

WHEREAS, Executive was employed by the Company;

WHEREAS, Executive and the Company entered into agreement(s) concerning inventions, confidentiality, or restrictive covenants in connection with Executive’s employment (the “Confidentiality Agreement”), including the Confidential Information, Inventions & Noncompetition Agreement (the “CIIN Agreement”);

WHEREAS, Executive and the Company entered into an Indemnification Agreement (“Indemnification Agreement”);

WHEREAS, Executive and the Company entered into the Change of Control and Severance Agreement dated February 3, 2021 (“Severance Agreement”);

WHEREAS, Executive has elected to resign from employment with the Company (other than for Good Reason) for purposes of the Severance Agreement and, therefore, Executive is not entitled to severance pay, benefits or accelerated vesting pursuant to the Severance Agreement or otherwise;    

WHEREAS, Executive and the Company agree that Executive experienced a separation from service under Internal Revenue Code Section 409A pursuant to the Severance Agreement effective December 15, 2021 (the “Separation Date”); 

WHEREAS, the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) has determined that it is in the best interest of the Company for Executive to be available on an as requested basis during the Transition Advisory Period (as defined below) to provide transitional assistance in connection with Executive’s resignation; 

WHEREAS, in exchange for (i) Executive’s entering into and complying with this Agreement, and (ii) Executive’s continued compliance with any agreements between Executive and the Company concerning inventions, confidentiality or restrictive covenants ((i) and (i) together, the “Conditions”), Executive will continue to have a service relationship under the terms of the Company’s 2019 Equity Incentive Plan (as may be amended from time to time, the “Plan”) during the Transition Advisory Period solely with respect to the equity that would have accelerated in the event Executive’s employment with the Company had been terminated by the Company without Cause or Executive had resigned from Executive’s employment with the Company for Good Reason (as listed in Section 2(d) below, the “Specified Equity Awards”); and

1

 

 

WHEREAS, the Parties wish to resolve any and all disputes, claims, complaints, grievances, charges, actions, petitions, and demands that Executive may have against the Company and any of the Releasees as defined below, including, but not limited to, any and all claims arising out of or in any way related to Executive’s employment with or separation from the Company.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises made herein, the Company and Executive hereby agree as follows:

COVENANTS

	
 
	
1.
	
Resignation; Ending of Employment.  The Parties agree that Executive’s employment with the Company shall end on the Separation Date, and that the ending of Executive’s employment is a voluntary resignation by Executive other than for Good Reason.  Executive acknowledges and agrees that he is not eligible for any of the severance payments or benefits set forth in Section 3(a), (b) or (c) of the Severance Agreement nor is he eligible for any other severance payments or benefits or enhanced equity treatment, whether pursuant to a Company plan, policy or otherwise.  Executive will be deemed to have resigned from all officer and/or director positions held at the Company and its affiliates on the Separation Date including as a member of the Board.  

	
 
	
2.
	
Transition Advisory Period.  

a.On the Separation Date, Executive shall be retained by the Company as an independent contractor, with no break in service relationship solely for purposes of continued vesting in the Specified Equity Awards.  Executive shall continue to serve as an independent contractor of the Company until the twelve month anniversary of the Separation Date, unless Executive sooner resigns or unless the Company sooner terminates the consulting arrangement for a material breach by Executive of any of the Condition(s) (such period, the “Transition Advisory Period”). Notwithstanding the foregoing, if this Agreement does not become effective, then the Transition Advisory Period shall immediately end on the date that this Agreement can no longer become effective.  

b.During the Transition Advisory Period, Executive shall be available to the Board and/or the Company’s new Chief Executive Officer (the “New CEO”) on an as requested basis to assist with the transition (the “Services”). Executive agrees that he will not (i) interface with any employees (other than the New CEO), customers, vendors or partners, in connection with his Services unless directed by the Board or the New CEO, (ii) other than in the course of providing the Services, use or disclose any confidential information of the Company or any third party the Company owes a duty of confidentiality. This confidentiality obligation is in addition to, and not in lieu of, the CIIN Agreement and any other confidentiality obligations Executive has to Company. Executive shall continue to be subject to the Company’s Insider Trading Policy to the extent applicable.  

c.During the Transition Advisory Period, Executive shall no longer be an employee of the Company, but shall be retained as an independent contractor and shall have no authority to bind the Company. Executive shall not be eligible to participate in any vacation, group medical or life insurance, disability, profit sharing or retirement benefits, or any other fringe 

2

 

 

benefits or benefit plans offered by Company to its employees. Executive shall bear sole responsibility for all taxes, insurance and benefits, if any, and shall indemnify and hold Company harmless from and against any liability with respect thereto. 

d.As the sole consideration for the Services, during the Transition Advisory Period, Executive shall continue to vest in the following “Specified Equity Awards”: 

	
 
	
(i)
	
31,908 RSUs and 31,908 PSUs from the Fiscal 2020 Initial Award granted November 14, 2019;

	
 
	
(ii)
	
39,885 RSUs from the Fiscal 2020 Launch Award granted November 14, 2019; and

	
 
	
(iii)
	
15,783 RSUs from the Fiscal 2021 Annual LTI granted November 4, 2020; 

The Executive’s  Services will be a continued service relationship with the Company solely for purposes of the equity award agreements applicable to the Specified Equity Awards and the Plan (collectively along with all of Executive’s award agreements, the “Equity Documents”) and the awards will vest in accordance with the vesting schedule with respect to each applicable grant, provided the PSUs will no longer be subject to performance metrics and, instead, will vest at target (31,908 PSUs) on the twelve month anniversary of the Separation Date if the Transition Advisory Period was not earlier terminated in accordance with this Agreement.  In the event of a Covered Transaction (as defined in the Plan) during the Transition Advisory Period that would result in the termination of the Specified Equity Awards without consideration, the vesting of any Specified Equity Awards outstanding as of immediately prior to the completion of the Covered Transaction shall automatically accelerate such that all outstanding Specified Equity Awards shall become fully vested upon completion of the Covered Transaction. 

 

For the avoidance of doubt, (i) if Executive serves for the entire twelve month Transition Advisory Period, Executive will vest in a total of 119,484 RSUs/PSUs; (ii) notwithstanding anything to the contrary in any equity award agreement, equity incentive plan or otherwise, any portion of any equity award held by Executive and not listed above shall cease vesting on the Separation Date, including, without limitation, the 39,885 unvested Launch PSUs granted to Executive on November 14, 2019, and shall terminate and be forfeited for no consideration; and (iii) except as modified herein, the Equity Documents are in full force and effect.      

 

Executive acknowledges that without this Agreement, Executive is otherwise not entitled to continue vesting in the Specified Equity Awards beyond the Separation Date.  Executive further acknowledges that he will not receive any additional equity awards or any other compensation during the Transition Advisory Period.

 

	
 
	
3.
	
Restrictive Covenants and Indemnification Agreement.  Executive acknowledges that, separate from this Agreement, Executive remains bound by the post-employment terms and conditions of the CIIN Agreement, including, but not limited to, Sections 2 and 8 of the CIIN Agreement, which govern non-disclosure of Company confidential information and non-competition after Executive’s employment with the Company ends.  Similarly, the Company remains bound by the post-termination provisions of the 

3

 

 

	
 
		
Indemnification Agreement and all the restrictive covenants contained in Executive’s equity award agreements, the terms of which are incorporated by reference.    

	
 
	
4.
	
Benefits.  Executive’s health insurance benefits shall cease on the last day of the month in which the Separation Date occurred, subject to Executive’s right to continue Executive’s health insurance under COBRA, as provided under applicable law.  Executive’s participation in all benefits and incidents of employment, including, but not limited to, vesting in stock (except as specified herein) and the accrual of bonuses, vacation, and paid time off, ceased as of the Separation Date.

	
 
	
5.
	
Payment of Salary and Receipt of All Benefits.  Executive acknowledges and represents that, other than the consideration set forth in this Agreement and the payment of salary and accrued but unused vacation through the Separation Date, the Company has paid or provided, all salary, wages, bonuses, accrued vacation/paid time off, premiums, leaves, housing allowances, relocation costs, interest, severance, outplacement costs, fees, reimbursable expenses, commissions, stock, stock options, vesting, and any and all other benefits and compensation that are due or may be due to Executive.

	
 
	
6.
	
Release of Claims. Executive agrees that the opportunity to continue his service relationship with the Company during the Transition Advisory Period in order to continue vesting in the Specified Equity Awards is sufficient consideration to support this Agreement and represents settlement in full of all outstanding obligations owed to Executive by the Company and its current and former officers, directors, employees, agents, investors, attorneys, shareholders, administrators, affiliates, benefit plans, divisions, subsidiaries, predecessor and successor corporations, and assigns (collectively, the “Releasees”).  Executive, on Executive’s own behalf and on behalf of Executive’s respective heirs, family members, executors, agents, and assigns, hereby and forever releases the Releasees from, and agrees not to sue concerning, or in any manner to institute, prosecute, or pursue, any claim, complaint, charge, duty, obligation, demand, or cause of action relating to any matters of any kind, whether presently known or unknown, suspected or unsuspected, that Executive may possess against any of the Releasees arising from any omissions, acts, facts, or damages related to the Company or Executive’s employment and termination with the Company that have occurred up until and including the date Executive signs this Agreement, including, without limitation:

a.any and all claims relating to or arising from Executive’s employment relationship with the Company and the termination of that relationship;

b.any and all claims relating to, or arising from, Executive’s right to purchase, or actual purchase of shares of stock of the Company, including, without limitation, any claims for fraud, misrepresentation, breach of fiduciary duty, breach of duty under applicable state corporate law, and securities fraud under any state or federal law;

c.any and all claims for wrongful discharge of employment, termination in violation of public policy, discrimination, harassment, retaliation, breach of contract (both express and implied), breach of covenant of good faith and fair dealing (both express and implied), 

4

 

 

promissory estoppel, negligent or intentional infliction of emotional distress, fraud, negligent or intentional misrepresentation, negligent or intentional interference with contract or prospective economic advantage, unfair business practices, defamation, libel, slander, negligence, personal injury, assault, battery, invasion of privacy, false imprisonment, conversion, and disability benefits;

d.any and all claims for violation of any federal, state, or municipal statute, including, but not limited to, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Civil Rights Act of 1991, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Equal Pay Act, the Fair Labor Standards Act, the Fair Credit Reporting Act, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act, the Immigration Reform and Control Act, the National Labor Relations Act, the California Family Rights Act, the California Labor Code, the California Workers’ Compensation Act, the California Fair Employment and Housing Act, the Texas Commission on Human Rights/Texas Employment Discrimination Law, the Texas Disability Discrimination Law, the Texas Minimum Wage Act, the Texas Wage Payment Law, the Texas Disaster and Emergency Responder Protection Law, and the Texas Wiretapping Protection Law;

e.any and all claims for violation of the federal or any state constitution;

f.any and all claims arising out of any other laws and regulations relating to employment or employment discrimination;

g.any claim for any loss, cost, damage, or expense arising out of any dispute over the withholding or other tax treatment of any of the proceeds received by Executive as a result of his employment or this Agreement; and

h.any and all claims for attorneys’ fees and costs.

Executive agrees that the release set forth in this section shall be and remain in effect in all respects as a complete general release as to the matters released.  This release does not extend to any obligations incurred under this Agreement. This release does not release, and Executive’s covenant not to sue does not extend to, claims that cannot be released as a matter of law; claims that arise after the date Executive signs this Agreement, including claims for breach of this Agreement; Executive’s rights to any vested and nonforfeitable balances in any retirement plan accounts; claims for indemnification to the extent available under the Indemnification Agreement or claims for applicable liability insurance coverage, including directors and officers liability coverage (in each case, to the extent provided under such insurance or coverage).  This release does not extend to any right Executive may have to unemployment compensation benefits.

	
 
	
7.
	
[Intentionally Omitted].

	
 
	
8.
	
California Civil Code Section 1542.  Executive acknowledges that Executive has been advised to consult with legal counsel and is familiar with the provisions of California Civil Code Section 1542, a statute that otherwise prohibits the release of unknown claims, which provides as follows:

5

 

 

A GENERAL RELEASE DOES NOT EXTEND TO CLAIMS THAT THE CREDITOR OR RELEASING PARTY DOES NOT KNOW OR SUSPECT TO EXIST IN HIS OR HER FAVOR AT THE TIME OF EXECUTING THE RELEASE AND THAT, IF KNOWN BY HIM OR HER, WOULD HAVE MATERIALLY AFFECTED HIS OR HER SETTLEMENT WITH THE DEBTOR OR RELEASED PARTY.

Executive, being aware of said code section, agrees to expressly waive any rights Executive may have thereunder, as well as under any other statute or common law principles of similar effect.

	
 
	
9.
	
No Pending or Future Lawsuits.  Executive represents that Executive has no lawsuits, claims, or actions pending in Executive’s name, or on behalf of any other person or entity, against the Company or any of the other Releasees.  Executive also represents that Executive does not intend to bring any claims on Executive’s own behalf or on behalf of any other person or entity against the Company or any of the other Releasees.

	
 
	
10.
	
Application for Employment.  Executive understands and agrees that, as a condition of this Agreement, Executive shall not be entitled to any employment with the Company, and Executive hereby waives any right, or alleged right, of employment or re-employment with the Company.

	
 
	
11.
	
Company Property; Executive’s Belongings.  Executive’s signature below constitutes Executive’s certification under penalty of perjury that Executive has returned or will promptly return by the Separation Date all documents and other items provided to Executive by the Company, developed or obtained by Executive in connection with Executive’s employment with the Company, or otherwise belonging to the Company (with the exception of a copy of the Employee Handbook, Executive’s address book or contacts list and personnel documents specifically relating to Executive). Notwithstanding the forgoing, the Company will permit Executive to keep his Company-issued cell phone (provided all Company-related information has been deleted) and to transfer his cell phone number to his personal plan at Executive’s expense. The Company agrees that Executive shall be permitted to enter the Company’s office within three days of the Separation Date to retrieve his personal belongings.    

	
 
	
12.
	
No Cooperation.  Subject to the Protected Activity provision, Executive agrees that Executive will not knowingly encourage, counsel, or assist any attorneys or their clients in the presentation or prosecution of any disputes, differences, grievances, claims, charges, or complaints by any third party related to his service period against any of the Releasees, unless under a subpoena or other court order to do so or upon written request from an administrative agency or the legislature or as provided in Section 7 above.  Executive agrees both to immediately notify the Company upon receipt of any such subpoena or court order or written request from an administrative agency or the legislature, and to furnish, within three (3) business days of its receipt, a copy of such subpoena or other court order or written request from an administrative agency or the legislature.  If approached by anyone for counsel or assistance in the presentation or prosecution of any disputes, differences, grievances, claims, charges, or complaints related to his service period against any of the Releasees, Executive shall state no more than that Executive cannot provide counsel or assistance.

6

 

 

	
 
	
13.
	
Protected Activity Not Prohibited.  Executive understands that nothing in this Agreement shall in any way limit or prohibit Executive from engaging in any Protected Activity.  Protected Activity includes:  (i) filing and/or pursuing a charge, complaint, or report with, or otherwise communicating, cooperating, or participating in any investigation or proceeding that may be conducted by any federal, state or local government agency or commission, including the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, and the National Labor Relations Board (“Government Agencies”); and/or (ii) disclosing information pertaining to sexual harassment or any other unlawful or potentially unlawful conduct, as such disclosure is protected by applicable law; (iii) disclosing factual information related to a claim filed in a civil action or complaint filed in an administrative action about sexual assault, an act of sexual harassment, or an act of (or failure to prevent) harassment or discrimination based on sex, or an act of retaliation against a person for reporting harassment or discrimination based on sex.  Executive understands that in connection with such Protected Activity, Executive is permitted to disclose documents or other information as permitted by law, without giving notice to, or receiving authorization from, the Company.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, Executive agrees to take all reasonable precautions to prevent any unauthorized use or disclosure of any information that may constitute Company Confidential Information in any manner not protected by applicable law.  Executive further understands that “Protected Activity” does not include the disclosure of any Company attorney-client privileged communications or attorney work product.  Any language in the Confidentiality Agreement regarding Executive’s right to engage in Protected Activity that conflicts with, or is contrary to, this section is superseded by this Agreement.  In addition, pursuant to the Defend Trade Secrets Act of 2016, Executive is notified that an individual will not be held criminally or civilly liable under any federal or state trade secret law for the disclosure of a trade secret that (i) is made in confidence to a federal, state, or local government official (directly or indirectly) or to an attorney solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law, or (ii) is made in a complaint or other document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, if (and only if) such filing is made under seal.  In addition, an individual who files a lawsuit for retaliation by an employer for reporting a suspected violation of law may disclose the trade secret to the individual’s attorney and use the trade secret information in the court proceeding, if the individual files any document containing the trade secret under seal and does not disclose the trade secret, except pursuant to court order.

	
 
	
14.
	
Non-disparagement.  For a period of two (2) years following the Separation Date, Executive shall refrain from any disparagement, defamation, libel, or slander of any of the Company, its directors or its employees.  Executive shall direct any inquiries by potential future employers to the Company’s human resources department.  For the same two (2) year period, the Company (in its official statements including the 8K and press release associated with Executive’s resignation) shall refrain, and will instruct its senior executives and all members of its Board of Directors to refrain from, any disparagement, defamation, libel, or slander of Executive.  Truthful legal testimony or truthful rebuttal of false or misleading statements shall not violate this provision.  Executive shall have an opportunity to review the Company’s 8K and press release 

7

 

 

	
 
		
associated with his resignation prior to the Company’s filing and distribution of such documents.   

	
 
	
15.
	
No Admission of Liability.  Executive understands and acknowledges that with respect to all claims released herein, this Agreement constitutes a compromise and settlement of any and all actual or potential disputed claims by Executive unless such claims were explicitly not released by the release in this Agreement.  No action taken by the Company hereto, either previously or in connection with this Agreement, shall be deemed or construed to be (a) an admission of the truth or falsity of any actual or potential claims or (b) an acknowledgment or admission by the Company of any fault or liability whatsoever to Executive or to any third party.

	
 
	
16.
	
ARBITRATION.  EXCEPT AS PROHIBITED BY LAW, THE PARTIES AGREE THAT ANY AND ALL DISPUTES ARISING OUT OF THE TERMS OF THIS AGREEMENT, THEIR INTERPRETATION, EXECUTIVE’S EMPLOYMENT WITH THE COMPANY OR THE TERMS THEREOF, OR ANY OF THE MATTERS HEREIN RELEASED, SHALL BE SUBJECT TO ARBITRATION PURSUANT TO THE FEDERAL ARBITRATION ACT (THE “FAA”) AND THAT THE FAA INCLUDING ITS PROCEDURAL PROVISIONS, SHALL GOVERN AND APPLY TO THIS ARBITRATION AGREEMENT WITH FULL FORCE AND EFFECT.  EXECUTIVE AGREES THAT, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, EXECUTIVE MAY BRING ANY SUCH ARBITRATION PROCEEDING ONLY IN EXECUTIVE’S INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY.  ANY ARBITRATION WILL OCCUR IN TEXAS, BEFORE JAMS, PURSUANT TO ITS EMPLOYMENT ARBITRATION RULES & PROCEDURES (“JAMS RULES”), EXCEPT AS EXPRESSLY PROVIDED IN THIS SECTION.  THE PARTIES AGREE THAT THE ARBITRATOR SHALL HAVE THE POWER TO DECIDE ANY MOTIONS BROUGHT BY ANY PARTY TO THE ARBITRATION, INCLUDING MOTIONS FOR SUMMARY JUDGMENT AND/OR ADJUDICATION, AND MOTIONS TO DISMISS AND DEMURRERS, APPLYING THE STANDARDS SET FORTH UNDER THE TEXAS CODE OF CIVIL PROCEDURE.  THE PARTIES AGREE THAT THE ARBITRATOR SHALL ISSUE A WRITTEN DECISION ON THE MERITS.  THE PARTIES ALSO AGREE THAT THE ARBITRATOR SHALL HAVE THE POWER TO AWARD ANY REMEDIES AVAILABLE UNDER APPLICABLE LAW, AND THAT THE ARBITRATOR MAY AWARD ATTORNEYS’ FEES AND COSTS TO THE PREVAILING PARTY, WHERE PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW.  THE ARBITRATOR MAY GRANT INJUNCTIONS AND OTHER RELIEF IN SUCH DISPUTES.  THE DECISION OF THE ARBITRATOR SHALL BE FINAL, CONCLUSIVE, AND BINDING ON THE PARTIES TO THE ARBITRATION.  THE PARTIES AGREE THAT THE PREVAILING PARTY IN ANY ARBITRATION SHALL BE ENTITLED TO INJUNCTIVE RELIEF IN ANY COURT OF COMPETENT JURISDICTION TO ENFORCE THE ARBITRATION AWARD.  THE PARTIES HEREBY AGREE TO WAIVE THEIR RIGHT TO HAVE ANY DISPUTE BETWEEN THEM RESOLVED IN A COURT OF LAW BY A JUDGE OR JURY.  NOTWITHSTANDING THE FOREGOING, THIS SECTION WILL NOT PREVENT EITHER PARTY FROM SEEKING INJUNCTIVE RELIEF (OR ANY OTHER PROVISIONAL REMEDY) 

8

 

 

	
 
		
FROM ANY COURT HAVING JURISDICTION OVER THE PARTIES AND THE SUBJECT MATTER OF THEIR DISPUTE RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT AND THE AGREEMENTS INCORPORATED HEREIN BY REFERENCE.  SHOULD ANY PART OF THE ARBITRATION AGREEMENT CONTAINED IN THIS SECTION CONFLICT WITH ANY OTHER ARBITRATION AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE PARTIES, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE ARBITRATION SECTION OF THE CONFIDENTIALITY AGREEMENT, THE PARTIES AGREE THAT THIS ARBITRATION AGREEMENT IN THIS SECTION SHALL GOVERN.

	
 
	
17.
	
Tax Consequences.  The Company makes no representations or warranties with respect to the tax consequences of the payments and any other consideration provided to Executive or made on Executive’s behalf in connection with his employment or under the terms of this Agreement. Executive agrees and understands that Executive is responsible for payment, if any, of local, state, and/or federal taxes on the payments in connection with compensation received in connection with his employment and any other consideration provided hereunder by the Company and any penalties or assessments thereon.  Executive further agrees to indemnify and hold the Releasees harmless from any claims, demands, deficiencies, penalties, interest, assessments, executions, judgments, or recoveries by any government agency against the Company for any amounts claimed due on account of (a) Executive’s failure to pay or delayed payment of federal or state taxes, or (b) damages sustained by the Company by reason of any such claims, including attorneys’ fees and costs.  Within five calendar days of a written request by the Company, Executive agrees to pay the Company an amount necessary to satisfy any outstanding withholding obligations that the Company determines in good faith is owed to taxing authorities in connection with any compensation Executive received in connection with his employment with the Company.             

	
 
	
18.
	
Authority. The Company represents and warrants that the undersigned has the authority to act on behalf of the Company and to bind the Company and all who may claim through it to the terms and conditions of this Agreement.  Executive represents and warrants that Executive has the capacity to act on Executive’s own behalf and on behalf of all who might claim through Executive to bind them to the terms and conditions of this Agreement.  Each Party warrants and represents that there are no liens or claims of lien or assignments in law or equity or otherwise of or against any of the claims or causes of action released herein.

	
 
	
19.
	
Severability.  In the event that any provision or any portion of any provision hereof or any surviving agreement made a part hereof becomes or is declared by a court of competent jurisdiction or arbitrator to be illegal, unenforceable, or void, this Agreement shall continue in full force and effect without said provision or portion of provision.

	
 
	
20.
	
No Oral Modification; Entire Agreement.  This Agreement may only be amended in a writing signed by Executive and an authorized officer of the Company or authorized member of the Company’s Board of Directors. This Agreement, together with the Equity Documents, the Indemnification Agreement, the CIIN and the restrictive 

9

 

 

	
 
		
covenants referenced herein constitutes the entire agreement between Executive and  the Company relating to the subject matter herein and supersedes any previous agreements or understandings between Executive and the Company, including, without limitation, the Severance Agreement.  

	
 
	
21.
	
Governing Law.  This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Texas, without regard for choice-of-law provisions, except that any dispute regarding the enforceability of the arbitration section of this Agreement shall be governed by the FAA.  Executive consents to personal and exclusive jurisdiction and venue in the State of Texas.

	
 
	
22.
	
Effective Date.  This Agreement will become effective upon execution by both parties.   (the “Effective Date”).

	
 
	
23.
	
Counterparts.  This Agreement may be executed in counterparts and each counterpart shall be deemed an original and all of which counterparts taken together shall have the same force and effect as an original and shall constitute an effective, binding agreement on the part of each of the undersigned.  The counterparts of this Agreement may be executed and delivered by facsimile, photo, email PDF, or other electronic transmission or signature.

[THE REMAINDER OF THIS PAGE IS INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK; SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS]

10

 

 

 

	
 
	
24.
	
Voluntary Execution of Agreement.  Executive understands and agrees that Executive executed this Agreement voluntarily and without any duress or undue influence on the part or behalf of the Company or any third party, with the full intent of releasing all of Executive’s claims against the Company and any of the other Releasees.  Executive acknowledges that:

	
 
	
(a)
	
Executive has read this Agreement;

	
 
	
(b)
	
Executive has been represented in the preparation, negotiation, and execution of this Agreement by legal counsel of Executive’s own choice;

	
 
	
(c)
	
Executive understands the terms and consequences of this Agreement and of the releases it contains;

	
 
	
(d)
	
Executive is fully aware of the legal and binding effect of this Agreement; and

	
 
	
(e)
	
Executive has not relied upon any representations or statements made by the Company that are not specifically set forth in this Agreement.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have executed this Agreement on the respective dates set forth below.

SANJAY DHAWAN, an individual

Dated:  Dec. 14, 2021/s/ Sanjay Dhawan

Sanjay Dhawan

11

 

 

 

CERENCE INC.

Dated:  December 14, 2021By  /s/ Leanne Fitzgerald

Name:  Leanne Fitzgerald

Title:  General Counsel and Secretary

 

12

Source: [{"source": "alea-institute/alea-institute/kl3m-data-edgar-agreements/train-00339-of-00352.parquet"}, [{"source": "alea-institute/alea-institute/kl3m-data-edgar-agreements/train-00339-of-00352.parquet"}]]