Document:

ex_428149.htm

 

Exhibit 10.4

 

TERMINATION AGREEMENT

 

THIS TERMINATION AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) is entered into on September 30, 2022 (the “Effective Date”) by and among ChromaDex Corporation, a Delaware corporation (“CDXC”), Crystal Lake Developments Limited, a company incorporated under the laws of the British Virgin Islands (“Crystal Lake”), Pioneer Idea Holdings Limited, a company organized under the laws of the British Virgin Islands (“Pioneer Idea”) and Hong Kong Taikuk (China) Group Ltd, a company organized under the laws of Hong Kong (“Taikuk”). Each of CDXC, Crystal Lake, Pioneer Idea and Taikuk are hereinafter referred to as a “Party” and collectively the “Parties”).

 

WHEREAS, reference is made to that certain Joint Venture Agreement dated as of May 19, 2022 between the Parties attached as Exhibit A (as amended, restated and/or supplemented from time to time, the “Term Sheet”); and

 

WHEREAS, the Parties desire to terminate their rights and obligations under the Term Sheet as of the Effective Date.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the promises and the mutual covenants and provisions herein set forth, and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the Parties, upon the terms and subject to the conditions contained herein, hereby agree as follow:

 

1.    The Parties hereby agree that the Term Sheet (and all provisions therein, including, for the avoidance of doubt, any provisions therein that are stated as surviving the termination of said Term Sheet) is terminated effective as of the Effective Date and each Party is irrevocably and unconditionally released from its respective obligations (whether past, present or future) under the Term Sheet and that there are no actual, contingent or prospective claims, rights of action, outstanding obligations or liabilities, costs and expenses (past, present and future) whatsoever arising under or in connection with the Term Sheet and furthermore to the extent of any claims, losses, rights of action, outstanding obligations or liabilities, costs and expenses whatsoever airing under or in connection with the Term Sheet (including, without limitation, for breach of any obligations thereunder), each Party is irrevocably and unconditionally discharged and released from any claims, losses, rights of action, outstanding obligations or liabilities, costs and expenses (whether present or future, actual or contingent, known or unknown and whether incurred alone or jointly with any other party) incurred or owed by them to any other Party by, or arising pursuant to, the Term Sheet.

 

2.    The terms of this Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the law of the State of California, without regard to the conflicts of law principals thereof. Each Party hereto irrevocably consents to the exclusive jurisdiction and venue of any federal court located in the Southern District of the State of California or state court in Los Angeles County to determine any dispute arising in connection with this Agreement, including disputes relating to any non-contractual obligations.

 

3.    This Agreement supersedes any other oral or written agreements between the Parties regarding the subject matter hereof. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Parties and their respective successors and assigns. Whenever possible, each provision of this Agreement shall be interpreted in such manner as to be effective and valid under applicable law, but if any provision of this Agreement or the application of any such provision shall be held to be prohibited by or invalid, illegal or unenforceable under applicable law in any respect by a court of competent jurisdiction, then such provision shall be ineffective only to the extent of such prohibition or invalidity, illegality or unenforceability, without invalidating the remainder of such provision or the remaining provisions of this Agreement. Furthermore, in lieu of such illegal, invalid or unenforceable provision, there shall be added automatically as a part of this Agreement a legal, valid and enforceable provision as similar in terms to such illegal, invalid, or unenforceable provision as may be possible.

 

4.    This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts (including via electronic signature and .pdf), each of which is deemed to be an original, but all of which together constitute one (1) and the same instrument.

 

[Signature page follows]

 

 

 

-1-

 

 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have executed and delivered this Termination Agreement as of the date first set forth above.

 

 

	 	
			CHROMADEX CORPORATION

			 

			By: /s/ Brianna Gerber

			Name: Brianna Gerber

			Its:      Interim Chief Financial Officer

			 

			
	 	
			CRYSTAL LAKE DEVELOPMENTS LIMITED

			 

			By: /s/ Neil McGee 

			Name: Neil McGee

			Its:      Director

			 

			PIONEER IDEA HOLDINGS LIMITED

			 

			By: /s/ Tony Pun

			Name: Tony Pun

			Its:       Authorized Signatory

			 

			HONG KONG TAIKUK (CHINA) GROUP LTD.

			 

			By: /s/ Tian Yi Zheng

			Name:  Tian Yi Zheng

			Its:        Chairman

			

 

 

 

 

 

-2-

 

 

 

EXHIBIT A

TERM SHEET

 

 

 

 

-3-Exhibit
10.1

 

SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT

 

This Settlement
Agreement (“Agreement”) is entered into as of the date of the last signature to this Agreement (“Effective Date”),
by and between VPR BRANDS, LP (“VPR”), a Delaware limited partnership authorized to do business in Florida with a principal
place of business located at 3001 Griffin Road, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312 on the one hand; and MONQ, LLC (“MONQ”),
a Tennessee limited liability company with a principal place of business at 842 Conference Drive, Goodlettsville, TN 37072, on the other
hand. Each of the foregoing may be referred to hereafter as a “Party”, and together as the “Parties.”

 

WHEREAS, VPR and MONQ are parties to a
lawsuit captioned VPR Brands, LP. v. MONQ, LLC, Civil Action No. 3:21-cv-00172, which is currently pending in the United
States District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee (the “Action”);

 

WHEREAS, VPR alleges patent infringement of United States Patent No.
8,205,622 (the “‘622 Patent”), which allegations MONQ denies and to which MONQ raises affirmative defenses and counterclaims
of non-infringement, invalidity and unenforceability of the ‘622 Patent, among others;

 

WHEREAS,
VPR desires to license the ‘622 Patent and related patents and applications to MONQ (“the Patent Rights”), and MONQ
desires to acquire a license to such intellectual property as hereinafter provided;

 

WHEREAS, the Parties hereto both desire
a mutually beneficial, dispute-avoiding arrangement;

 

WHEREAS, VPR and MONQ wish to settle
and compromise the Action, and all other claims, demands, and controversies between them relating to the Action;

 

NOW THEREFORE
and in consideration of the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and
sufficiency of which are hereby mutually acknowledged, the Parties agree as follows:

 

	1.	Settlement Payment by MONQ

 

Each
Party shall bear its own attorneys’ fees and costs relating to the Action, and each party waives any and all claims for
monetary relief related to the Action.

 

		1.1	Settlement Sum.

 

In exchange
for and in consideration of the License, Covenants, and other agreements made herein, MONQ shall pay VPR the sum of Two Hundred Seventy
Five thousand dollars ($275,000.00) (the “Settlement Sum”) in accordance with the Payment Schedule detailed in 1.2 below.
Payment shall be made by wire to the SRIPLAW TRUST Account. SRIPLAW will provide a wire instructions in a separate secured PDF.

 

The Parties
agree and acknowledge that the payment of the Settlement Sum shall not be construed as an admission or acknowledgment that reflects, evidences,
or supports any of the alleged harm and alleged damages as asserted by the Plaintiff.

 

    Page 1 of 7

     

    

 

SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT

 

		1.2	Payment Schedule. The Settlement sum shall be paid
at the following schedule:

 

	$25,000	 	On or before October 10, 2022.
	$25,000	 	On or before November 1, 2022.
	$25,000	 	On or before December 1, 2022.
	$25,000	 	On or before January 1, 2023.
	$25,000	 	On or before February 1, 2023.
	$25,000	 	On or before March 1, 2023.
	$15,000	 	On or before April 1, 2023.
	$15,000	 	On or before May 1, 2023.
	$15,000	 	On or before June 1, 2023.
	$15,000	 	On or before July 1, 2023.
	$15,000	 	On or before August 1, 2023.
	$15,000	 	On or before September 1, 2023.
	$15,000	 	On or before October 1, 2023.
	$10,000	 	On or before November 1, 2023.
	$10,000	 	On or before December 1, 2023

 

The Parties
agree and acknowledge that the Settlement Sum shall not be construed as an admission or acknowledgment that reflects, evidences, or supports
any of the alleged harm and alleged damages as asserted by the Plaintiff. No other outside party will be entitled to a set off, or otherwise,
with respect to the Settlement Sum. Each party shall bear its own attorney’s fees and costs incurred in connection with all proceedings
and related to this matter, including the preparation and drafting of this Agreement.

 

	2.	Grant of Non-Exclusive License to MONQ; Covenant Not to
Challenge; Assignment

 

		2.1	Grant of License for past use.

 

In exchange for the Settlement Sum, VPR hereby grants MONQ a non-exclusive
license through and including the Effective Date for MONQ’s use of the invention in the ‘622 Patent and all related patents
and applications, including, without limitation, the rights to make, have made, use, import, license, offer to sell, and sell its devices.
Failure to make a payment in accordance with the Payment Schedule described in 1.2 above will automatically result in breach of this agreement.
To retain the License described herein, MONQ shall pay the outstanding balance in accordance with the Payment Schedule described in 1.2
above within ten (10) business days. Failure to make payment after 10 business days will result in revocation of this License.

 

		2.2	Grant of Non-Exclusive License for Future Use of the ‘622 Patent.

 

Subject to
full receipt of the Settlement Sum, VPR hereby grants MONQ, a non-exclusive and non-assignable license to the ‘622 Patent to allow
MONQ to continue make, use, sell, offer for sale, import, export, supply, lease, distribute, purchase, perform, provide, display, transmit,
or otherwise practice the ‘622 patent, with respect to manufacturing, marketing, and selling its devices.

 

		2.3	Patent Marking by MONQ

 

MONQ shall
mark the Covered Products with “Pat. 8,205,622” to be visible for consumers. The Patent Marking must be “fixed”
on the Covered Products. If the character of the article itself prevents fixing notice to its devices, MONQ shall mark the device’s
packaging or container.

 

    Page 2 of 7

     

    

 

SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT

 

		2.4	Covenant Not to Challenge ‘622 Patent.

 

MONQ covenants that they will take no action, directly or indirectly
to render any claim of the ‘622 Patent invalid or unenforceable or not infringed, and that they will take no action, directly or
indirectly to aid or assist any third-party to render any claim of any ‘622 Patent invalid or unenforceable or not infringed.

 

		2.5	Covenant Not-to-Sue.

 

VPR, on behalf
of itself and its successors and assigns, and Affiliates if any, covenants not to assert or threaten to assert (or cooperate with, instruct,
encourage, aid, or consent to a Third Party asserting or otherwise threating to assert) (the “Covenant”): (i) any claim under
the Licensed Patent, (ii) any claim related to, based upon, or arising under the Licensed Patent, or (iii) any other right under the Licensed
Patent arising under Title 35 of the United States Code, against MONQ, or end customers using MONQ’s products.

 

		2.6	Assignment by MONQ.

 

MONQ shall
NOT assign this Agreement, or assign or delegate any right or obligation under this Agreement, in whole or in part, without the prior
written consent of VPR, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, except that MONQ, may assign its non-exclusive license to an
acquirer of all or substantially all of the equity or assets of MONQ’s businesses to which this Agreement relates or the surviving
entity in any merger, consolidation, equity exchange, or reorganization of their businesses to which this Agreement relates, and any assignment
shall be limited to the Covered Products.

 

		2.7	Assignment by VPR.

 

VPR may not assign this Agreement or its rights under the ‘622
Patent unless such assignments or transfers of rights are made subject to the rights granted to MONQ in this Agreement.

 

	3.	Releases.

 

		3.1	Release by VPR to MONQ.

 

Except
for matters relating to the enforcement or breach of this Agreement, VPR, its partners, representatives, agents, attorneys,
employees, successors, affiliates, employers, heirs, and assigns, following receipt of full payment of the Consideration, does
hereby fully and forever remise, release, acquit, satisfy, and forever discharge MONQ and its respective representatives, officers,
employees, agents, independent contractors, members, shareholders, attorneys, insurers, heirs, successors, and assigns (collectively
the “Released Parties”) of and from any and all claims, costs, attorneys’ fees, expenses, compensation, losses,
demands, and all manner of actions, causes and causes of action, suits, debts, dues, sums of money, accounts, reckonings, bonds,
bills, specialties, covenants, contracts, controversies, agreements, promises, variances, trespasses, torts, damages, judgments, and
executions, whatsoever in law or in equity, known or unknown, matured or unmatured, accrued or unaccrued, suspected or unsuspected,
which VPR ever had, has, or may have against the Released Parties from the beginning of the world to the day of this Agreement
arising out of, that were raised in, that could have been raised in, or are related to the Action.

 

		3.2	Release by MONQ to VPR.

 

MONQ, on behalf
of itself, its partners, representatives, agents, attorneys, employees, successors, affiliates, employers, heirs and assigns, and each
of them, hereby release and forever discharges VPR and its past, present and future, employees, employers, attorneys, partners, agents,
heirs, beneficiaries, subsidiaries, successor in interest, affiliates, assigns, of and from any and all claims, demands, allegations,
obligations, costs, damages, fees or causes of action of any nature whatsoever, from the beginning of the world to the day of this Agreement
arising out of, that were raised in, that could have been raised in, or are related to the Action.

 

    Page 3 of 7

     

    

 

SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT

 

	4.	Notice of Settlement and Dismissal of the Action.

 

Immediately
upon the Parties’ agreement to the essential terms of this Agreement, the Parties shall file a Notice of Settlement with the Court.
The Parties will submit to the Court, within 14 days of receipt of the Settlement Sum, a stipulation of dismissal of the Action, in the
form attached hereto as Exhibit A, between VPR and MONQ in its entirety, with prejudice, including all claims and counterclaims, with
each side to bear its own attorneys’ fees and costs. See Exhibit A, Joint Stipulation of Dismissal with Prejudice.

 

	5.	Governing Law and Venue.

 

This Agreement
shall be governed by the laws of the United States and the laws of the State of Tennessee. The Parties agree that any suit, action, or
other proceeding arising out of, or in connection with this Agreement shall be brought exclusively in the U.S. District Court for the
Middle District of Tennessee, and each Party hereby irrevocably consents and submits itself to, the proper and exclusive jurisdiction
and venue of the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee for such purpose.

 

	6.	Attorneys’ Fees for Enforcement of Agreement.

 

In the event
of any litigation or proceeding, relating to the enforcement, interpretation, or breach of this Agreement, the prevailing party shall
recover its reasonable attorneys’ fees, costs, and expenses incurred in connection with such litigation or proceedings, and including
all such fees, costs, or expenses on appeal.

 

	7.	Binding Effect and Parties Bound.

 

This Agreement
shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of the Parties to this Agreement, their legal successors, agents, heirs, assigns,
partners, officers, directors, representatives, owners, shareholders, affiliated corporations, and business entities.

 

	8.	Authority.

 

Each of the
undersigned signatories who signs this Agreement on behalf of another entity represents and warrants that they are authorized to execute
this Agreement on behalf of that Party. The Parties further declare, covenant, and warrant that they or their representatives are over
the age of eighteen (18) years, and that they are not suffering from any legal, mental, or physical disabilities which would impair or
disable them from executing this Agreement and that there have been no representations and/or statements made by the Parties hereto or
their agents, employees, or representatives to influence the Parties in making or executing this Agreement.

 

	9.	Mutual Representations and Warranties.

 

Each Party
represents and warrants that, as of the Effective Date, (1) it has the authority to execute this Agreement and has full right, power,
and authority to enter into this Agreement and to be legally bound by the terms, conditions, covenants, and releases set forth herein,
and (2)this Agreement and its performance under this Agreement will not violate any other agreements between it and any other entity.

 

	10.	Entire Agreement.

 

The Parties
acknowledge and represent that no promise or representation not contained in this Agreement has been made to them, and that this Agreement
contains the entire understanding and agreement between the Parties. This Agreement supersedes all prior negotiations and agreements,
proposed or otherwise, written or oral, concerning the subject matter hereof, and contains all terms and conditions pertaining to the
compromise and settlement of any and all disputes relating to the Action.

 

    Page 4 of 7

     

    

 

SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT

 

	11.	Headings and Captions.

 

Headings
and captions contained in this Agreement are for convenience only, and shall not be considered for any purpose in construing this Agreement.

 

	12.	No Presumption Against Drafting Party.

 

This Agreement
and the provisions contained herein shall not be construed or interpreted for or against any Party hereto because said Party drafted or
caused the Party’s legal representative to draft any of the provisions.

 

	13.	Severability.

 

Each provision
of this Agreement shall be considered severable. If for any reason any provision or provisions herein are determined to be invalid or
contrary to any existing or future law, such invalidity shall not impair the operation or effect of any other provision of this Agreement.

 

	14.	Amendments.

 

No modification
of this Agreement shall be binding unless in writing and signed by the party to be charged.

 

	15.	Notices.

 

All notices,
requests, consents, claims, demands, waivers, and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been
given: (a) when delivered by hand to such Party’s address set out herein with written confirmation of receipt; (b) when received
by the addressee if sent by a nationally recognized overnight courier, receipt requested; (c) on the fifth day after the date mailed to
such Party’s address set out herein, by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid; or (d) when sent
by electronic mail to counsel at the addresses below.

 

	 	VPR’s Notices shall be made to:	 	MONQ’s Notices shall be made to:	 
	 	 	 	 	 
	 	Kevin Frija	 	Dr. Eric Fishman	 
		3001 Griffin Road

	 	842 Conference Drive,	 
	 	Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312	 	Goodlettsville, TN 37072	 
	 	kevin.frija@vprbrands.com	 	 	 
	 	 	 	 	 
	 	with courtesy copy to: SRIPLAW	 	 	 
	 	Attn: Joel Rothman 21301	 	 	 
	 	Powerline Road, Suite 100	 	 	 
	 	Boca Raton, FL 33433	 	 	 
	 	joel@sriplaw.com	 	 	 

 

	16.	Counterparts.

 

This Agreement
may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which so executed shall be deemed to be an original, and such counterparts together
constitute one and the same Agreement. The facsimile or electronic PDF signatures of the Parties shall be enforceable just as though they
were the original signatures of the Parties.

 

    Page 5 of 7

     

    

 

SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT

 

	17.	Declaration.

 

Each Party
has executed this Agreement freely and voluntarily after consulting with their own counsel. In settling this dispute, none of the Parties
hereto admit or concede the truth or any of the allegations contained in the pleadings herein or concede or acknowledge that they have
any liability to one another and are settling to avoid the cost and expense of further proceedings, and to bring finality to this matter.
The Parties agree that the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee shall maintain jurisdiction to enforce the provisions
of this Agreement.

 

	18.	Bankruptcy.

 

Each
party acknowledges that all rights and licenses granted by it under or pursuant to this Agreement are, and shall otherwise be deemed
to be, for purposes of Section 365(n) of the United States Bankruptcy Code (the “Bankruptcy Code”), licenses of rights
to “intellectual property” as defined under Section 101(35A) of the Bankruptcy Code. Each party acknowledges that if
such party, as a debtor in possession or a trustee-in-bankruptcy in a case under the Bankruptcy Code, rejects this Agreement, the
other party may elect to retain its rights under this Agreement as provided in Section 365(n) of the Bankruptcy Code. Each party
irrevocably waives all arguments and defenses arising under 11 U.S.C. § 365(c)(1) or successor provisions to the effect that
applicable law excuses the party, other than the debtor, from accepting performance from or rendering performance to an entity other
than the debtor or debtor in possession as a basis for opposing assumption of the Agreements by the other party in a case under
Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code to the extent that such consent is required under 11 U.S.C. § 365(c)(1) or any successor
statute.

 

	19.	Waiver.

 

The waiver of any breach of any provision
of this Agreement by any Party hereto shall not be deemed to be a waiver of any preceding or subsequent breach under this Agreement.

 

    Page 6 of 7

     

    

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF and intended to legally
bound, the Parties have hereunto set their hands as of the date below.

 

		ACCEPTED AND AGREED TO BY: 
	 	 
	 	VPR BRANDS, LP.
	 	 	 
	Dated: September 30, 2022	By: 	/s/ Kevin Frija
	 	Name: 	Kevin Frija
	 	Title:	CEO
	 	 	 
		MONQ, LLC
	 	 	 
	Dated: September 30, 2022	By: 	/s/ Eric Fishman M.D.
	 	Name: 	Dr. Eric Fishman
	 	Title:	CEO

 

 

Page 7 of 7

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