Document:

cue-ex1026_791.htm

 

EXHIBIT 10.26

CUE BIOPHARMA, INC.

THIRD AMENDED AND RESTATED EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

This Third Amended and Restated Executive Employment Agreement (“Agreement”), dated as of March 4, 2021 (the “Effective Date”), is made by and between Cue Biopharma, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Cue” or the “Company”) and Daniel Passeri (“Executive,” and together with Cue, the “Parties”).

WHEREAS, the Company and Executive are parties to an Amended and Restated Employment Agreement dated as of October 3, 2019 (the “Original Agreement”), as amended by the Second Amended and Restated Executive Employment Agreement; and

WHEREAS, the Company and Executive desire to enter into this Agreement to amend and restate the Original Agreement in its entirety and to set forth in this Agreement the conditions under which the Employee is to be employed by the Company.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing, of the mutual promises contained herein and of other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Parties hereby agree as follows:

1.POSITION AND DUTIES.

(a)As of the Effective Date, Cue shall continue to employ Executive as its Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”).  In his role as CEO, Executive shall have such duties and authority commensurate with the positions of CEO, and such other duties commensurate with the positions that may be assigned by the Board of Directors of Cue (the “Board”).

(b)Executive shall report directly to the Chairman of the Board.

(c)Executive, upon being duly elected, shall also serve as a member of the Board or as an officer or director of any Affiliate (as defined below) for no additional compensation.

(d)Executive shall devote all of Executive’s business time, energy, judgment, knowledge and skill and Executive’s best efforts to the performance of Executive’s duties with Cue, provided that the foregoing shall not prevent Executive from (i) participating in charitable, civic, educational, professional, community or industry affairs or (ii) managing Executive’s passive personal investments, so long as such activities in the aggregate do not interfere or conflict with Executive’s duties hereunder or create a potential business or fiduciary conflict.

2.TERM.  This Agreement shall begin on the Effective Date and continue in effect until terminated in accordance with Section 8 below (the “Term”).

3.BASE SALARY.  Cue shall pay Executive a base salary (“Base Salary”) at the rate of $42,916.66 per month, which equates to an annual rate of $515,000 during the Term, in accordance with the regular payroll practices of Cue.  The Base Salary shall be subject to annual review and 

 

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adjustment at the sole discretion of the Board, provided however, that the Base Salary shall not be reduced during the Term unless mutually agreed by the Parties.

4.ANNUAL BONUS.  Each year during the Term, Executive shall be eligible to receive an annual incentive bonus (the “Annual Bonus”) of up to 50% of the Base Salary, subject to achievement of key performance indicators for Cue, with the level of achievement determined by the Board in its sole discretion.  The Compensation Committee of the Board (the “Committee”) shall establish such key performance indicators for each year after consultation with Executive.  The terms of the Annual Bonus developed by the Committee shall govern any Annual Bonus that may be paid.  Any Annual Bonus shall be paid in all events within two and one-half months after the end of the year in which such Annual Bonus becomes earned, provided that no Annual Bonus shall be considered earned until the Board makes all necessary determinations with respect to the Annual Bonus.

5.STOCK OPTIONS.  Prior to the Effective Date, Executive was granted an Option (as defined in the Cue Biopharma, Inc.  2016 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the “Plan”)) to purchase 150,000 shares of Cue’s Common Stock (the “Option”).  The exercise price per share of the Option was equal to the Fair Market Value (as defined in the Plan) of a share of Common Stock as of the Grant Date (as defined in the Plan).  The Option has a term that expires ten years from the Grant Date.  The Option is subject to the terms and conditions applicable to Options granted under the Plan, as described in the Plan and the applicable Award Agreement (as defined in the Plan).  The Option shall become exercisable over four years in equal, semi-annual installments beginning six months from the Grant Date, subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan and the applicable Award Agreement, but in all cases subject to accelerated vesting and post-termination exercise provisions as provided for herein.  The Option and any other stock option granted to you by the Company during the Term shall be exercisable by your estate or the beneficiary that you designate (on a form provided for such purpose by the Company) following your death through the expiration of the Option or such other stock option as set forth in the plan and award agreement pursuant to which such Option or such other stock option is granted.

6.RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS.  Prior to the Effective Date, Executive was granted 150,000 Restricted Stock Units (as defined in the Plan) (the “RSUs”).  The RSUs are subject to the terms and conditions applicable to RSUs granted under the Plan, as described in the Plan and the applicable Award Agreement.  The RSUs vest as follows:  One half of the RSUs shall vest on September 30, 2021 and the balance shall vest on March 31, 2022, subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan and the applicable Award Agreement, but would not be subject to accelerated vesting pursuant to Section 9(c).  The Award Agreement for the RSUs provides that Executive shall have the right to elect to meet any tax withholding requirement by having withheld shares with a Fair Market Value (as defined in the Plan) equal to the amount of any taxes required to be withheld.

7.EMPLOYEE BENEFITS.

(a)BENEFIT PLANS.  During the Term, Executive shall be entitled to participate in any employee benefit plans that Cue has adopted or may adopt, maintains or contributes to for the benefit of its employees generally, subject to satisfying the applicable eligibility requirements, 

 

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except to the extent such plans are duplicative of the benefits otherwise provided to Executive hereunder.  Executive’s participation shall be subject to the terms of the applicable plan documents and generally applicable Cue policies.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, Cue may modify or terminate any employee benefit plan at any time.

(b)VACATIONS.  During the Term, Executive shall be entitled to paid vacation time in accordance with Cue’s policy applicable to senior management employees as in effect from time to time (the “Vacation Policy”).  Since vacation time is not accrued, unused vacation time may not be carried forward from one calendar year to any subsequent calendar year and shall not be paid out upon termination.

(c)BUSINESS EXPENSES.  Upon presentation of reasonable substantiation and documentation as Cue may require from time to time, Executive shall be reimbursed in accordance with Cue’s expense reimbursement policy, for all reasonable out-of-pocket business expenses incurred and paid by Executive during the Term and in connection with the performance of Executive’s duties hereunder.

8.TERMINATION.  Executive’s employment under this Agreement shall terminate on the first to occur of the following:

(a)DISABILITY.  Upon 10 days’ prior written notice by Cue to Executive of termination due to Disability.  “Disability” shall mean Executive is unable to perform each of the essential duties of Executive’s position by reason of a medically determinable physical or mental impairment that is potentially permanent in character or that can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months.

(b)DEATH.  Automatically upon the death of Executive.

(c)CAUSE.  Immediately upon written notice by Cue to Executive of a termination for Cause.  “Cause” shall mean:

(i)the commission of any act by Executive constituting financial dishonesty against Cue or its Affiliates (which act would be chargeable as a crime under applicable law);

(ii)Executive’s engaging in any other act of dishonesty, fraud, intentional misrepresentation, moral turpitude, illegality or harassment that would (a) materially adversely affect the business or the reputation of Cue or any of its Affiliates with their respective current or prospective customers, suppliers, lenders or other third parties with whom such entity does or might do business or (b) expose Cue or any of its Affiliates to a risk of civil or criminal legal damages, liabilities or penalties;

(iii)the repeated failure by Executive to follow the directives of the Board;

(iv)any material misconduct, violation of Cue’s or Affiliates’ policies, or willful and deliberate non-performance of duty by Executive in connection with the business affairs of Cue or its Affiliates; or

 

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(v)Executive’s material breach of this Agreement.

Executive shall be given written notice detailing the specific Cause event and a period of 10 days following Executive’s receipt of such notice to cure such event (if susceptible to cure) to the reasonable satisfaction of the Board.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, Executive’s right to cure as set forth in the preceding sentence shall not apply if there are habitual or repeated breaches by Executive.  A termination for Cause shall be deemed to include a determination by the Board or its designee following Executive’s termination of service that circumstances existing prior to such termination would have entitled Cue to have terminated Executive for Cause.  All rights Executive has or may have under this Agreement shall be suspended automatically during the pendency of any investigation by the Board or its designee, or during any negotiations between the Board or its designee and Executive, regarding any actual or alleged act or omission by Executive of the type described in this definition of Cause.

(d)GOOD REASON.  Upon written notice by Executive to Cue of a termination for Good Reason.  “Good Reason” shall mean the occurrence of any of the following events, without the consent of Executive, unless such events are fully corrected in all material respects by Cue within 30 days following written notification by Executive to Cue of the occurrence of one of the events:

(i)a material diminution in Executive’s Base Salary or Annual Bonus opportunity;

(ii)a material diminution in Executive’s authority or duties set forth in Section 1 above, other than temporarily while physically or mentally incapacitated, as required by applicable law;

(iii)a relocation of Executive’s primary work location by more than 25 miles from its then current location other than any such relocation that is recommended or approved by Executive in his role as CEO and is within 50 miles of the then current location;

(iv)a material breach by Cue of a material term of this Agreement.

Executive shall provide Cue with a written notice detailing the specific circumstances alleged to constitute Good Reason within 30 days after the first occurrence of such circumstances, and actually terminate employment within 30 days following the expiration of Cue’s 30-day cure period described above.  Otherwise, any claim of such circumstances as Good Reason shall be deemed irrevocably waived by Executive.

(e)WITHOUT CAUSE.  Immediately upon written notice by Cue to Executive of an involuntary termination without Cause (other than for death or Disability).

(f)VOLUNTARY TERMINATION.  Upon 60 days’ prior written notice by Executive to Cue of Executive’s voluntary termination of employment without Good Reason (which Cue may, in its sole discretion, make effective earlier than any notice date).

 

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9.CONSEQUENCES OF TERMINATION.

(a)DEATH/DISABILITY.  In the event that Executive’s employment ends on account of Executive’s death or Disability, Executive or Executive’s estate, as the case may be, shall be entitled to the following (with the amounts due under Sections 9(a)(i) through 9(a)(iv) below to be paid within 60 days following termination of employment, or such earlier date as may be required by applicable law):

(i)any unpaid Base Salary through the date of termination;

(ii)any Annual Bonus earned but unpaid prior to the date of termination;

(iii)reimbursement for any unreimbursed business expenses incurred through the date of termination;

(iv)any accrued but unused vacation time in accordance with Cue policy, which shall be prorated for any year in which Executive’s employment with Cue is terminated;

(v)all other payments, benefits or fringe benefits to which Executive shall be entitled under the terms of any applicable compensation arrangement or benefit, equity or fringe benefit plan or program or grant (collectively, Sections 9(a)(i) through 9(a)(v) hereof shall be hereafter referred to as the “Accrued Benefits”); and

(vi)an Annual Bonus for the year in which such termination occurs, determined and payable pursuant to the terms and conditions of Section 4 above as though no such termination had occurred.

(b)TERMINATION FOR CAUSE OR WITHOUT GOOD REASON.  If Executive’s employment is terminated (i) by Cue for Cause or (ii) by Executive without Good Reason, Cue shall pay to Executive the Accrued Benefits (other than the Annual Bonus described in Section 9(a)(ii) above).

(c)TERMINATION WITHOUT CAUSE OR FOR GOOD REASON.  If Executive’s employment by Cue is terminated by Cue other than for Cause, death or Disability or by Executive for Good Reason, Cue shall pay or provide Executive the following:

(i)the Accrued Benefits;

(ii)subject to Executive’s compliance with Section 10 below and Executive’s continued compliance with Section 11 below, and subject to Section 21, a lump sum cash severance payment in an amount equal to the sum of (A) the target Annual Bonus for the year of termination, prorated based on the number of days that Executive is employed in such year through the date of termination (provided, notwithstanding the foregoing if termination occurs on or prior to March 31, 2020 the amount so paid shall equal the full target Annual Bonus for 2019 which shall be in lieu of any Annual Bonus payment for 2019), plus (B) 12 months of Base Salary, with such lump sum payable on the first payroll date of Cue that occurs more than 60 days after Executive’s termination (collectively, the “Severance Amount”);

 

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(iii)subject to Executive’s compliance with Section 10 below and Executive’s continued compliance with Section 11 below, if Executive elects COBRA coverage for health and/or dental insurance in a timely manner, the Company shall pay the monthly premium payments for such timely elected coverage (consistent with what was in place at termination) when each premium is due until the earliest of the following: (i) 18 months from termination; (ii) the date Executive obtains new employment that offers health and/or dental insurance that is reasonably comparable to that offered by the Company; or (iii) the date COBRA continuation coverage would otherwise terminate in accordance with the provisions of COBRA; and

(iv)The time vesting and exercisability of one hundred percent (100%) of Executive’s stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock units and restricted shares in each case that are issued and outstanding under a Company equity compensation plan (“Equity Awards”) shall accelerate by a period of 12 months; and Executive shall be entitled to exercise such Equity Awards (if exercisable) in accordance with this paragraph.  For purposes of Equity Awards with performance-based vesting conditions (“Performance Awards”), Executive shall be treated under this paragraph as having remained in service for an additional 12 months following actual termination/resignation, provided that Performance Awards shall not become vested or earned solely as a result of this paragraph, and such vesting and earning shall remain subject to the attainment of all applicable performance goals, and such Performance Awards, if and to the extent they become vested or earned, shall be payable at the same time as under the applicable award agreement.  For purposes of determining the accelerated vesting of Equity Awards and the additional service credit for Performance Awards, Executive’s Equity Awards and Performance Awards, as applicable, shall be presumed to vest ratably on a monthly basis over the number of calendar months of the time-based vesting or service-based vesting period established on the Grant Date of the Equity Award or Performance Award.  Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement or any applicable Equity Award agreement to the contrary, in the event of Executive’s termination/resignation initiated by the Company without Cause or by Executive for Good Reason, Executive’s vested and exercisable Equity Awards shall remain exercisable (if exercisable) until the date on which those Equity Awards expire, determined without regard to such termination/resignation.

Payments and benefits provided under this Section 9(c) shall be in lieu of any termination or severance payments or benefits to which Executive may be eligible under any of the plans, policies or programs of Cue or under the Worker Adjustment Retraining Notification Act of 1988, as amended, or any similar state statute or regulation.  Should Executive die prior to the payment of the Severance Amount, the Severance Amount shall be paid to the heirs or estate of Executive in accordance with the schedule set forth herein.

(d)OTHER OBLIGATIONS.  Upon any termination of Executive’s employment with Cue, Executive shall automatically be deemed to have resigned from any and all other positions he then holds as an officer, director or fiduciary of Cue and any other entity that is part of the same consolidated group as Cue or in which capacity Executive serves at the direction of or as a result of his position with Cue; and Executive shall, within 10 days of such termination, take all actions as may be necessary under applicable law or requested by Cue to effect any such resignations.

 

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(e)EXCLUSIVE REMEDY.  The amounts payable to Executive following termination of employment hereunder pursuant to Sections 9(a), (b) and (c) above shall be in full and complete satisfaction of Executive’s rights under this Agreement and any other claims that Executive may have in respect of Executive’s employment with Cue or any of its Affiliates, and Executive acknowledges that such amounts are fair and reasonable, and are Executive’s sole and exclusive remedy, in lieu of all other remedies at law or in equity, with respect to the termination of Executive’s employment hereunder or any breach of this Agreement.

(f)NO MITIGATION OR OFFSET.  Executive shall not be required to seek or accept other employment or otherwise to mitigate damages as a condition to the receipt of benefits pursuant to this Section 9, and amounts payable pursuant to this Section 9 shall not be offset or reduced by any amounts received by Executive from other sources.

(g)NO WAIVER OF ERISA-RELATED RIGHTS.  Nothing in this Agreement shall be construed to be a waiver by Executive of any benefits accrued for or due to Executive under any employee benefit plan (as such term is defined in the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended) maintained by Cue, if any, except that Executive shall not be entitled to any severance benefits pursuant to any severance plan or program of Cue other than as provided herein.

(h)CLAWBACK.  All awards, amounts or benefits received or outstanding under this Agreement shall be subject to clawback, cancellation, recoupment, rescission, payback, reduction or other similar action in accordance with the terms of any applicable law related to such actions, as may be in effect from time to time.  Cue may take such actions as may be necessary to effectuate any provision of applicable law relating to clawback, cancellation, recoupment, rescission, payback or reduction of compensation, whether adopted before or after the Effective Date, without further consideration or action.

(i)CHANGE IN CONTROL EQUITY AWARD ACCELERATION.  If Executive’s employment by Cue is terminated by Cue other than for Cause or Executive’s death or Disability, or is terminated by Executive for Good Reason, in any such case, 90 days prior to or upon or within 24 months following a Change in Control (as defined in the Plan), and notwithstanding anything in the Plan to the contrary, (a) one hundred percent (100%) of Executive’s Equity Awards other than Performance Awards shall become fully vested as of the date of such termination/resignation, and such Equity Awards shall remain exercisable (if exercisable) until the earlier of one year from any termination/resignation or the latest date on which those Equity Awards expire or are eligible to be exercised under the applicable award agreements and (b) the service-based vesting condition of any Performance Award shall be deemed fully satisfied as of the date of such termination/resignation and such performance goals applicable to the Performance Awards shall be deemed to be achieved at the greater of target or actual performance as of the Change in Control, and such Performance Awards shall remain exercisable (if exercisable) until the earlier of one year from such termination/resignation or the latest date on which those Equity Awards expire or are eligible to be exercised under the applicable award agreements.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, in no event shall Executive’s Equity Awards receive less favorable treatment in connection with a Change in Control than is afforded to any other Plan participant’s awards.

 

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10.RELEASE.  The Company’s obligation to make the payments and provide the benefits to the Executive under Sections 9(c) and 9(i) is conditioned upon Executive signing and delivering to the Company a severance and release of claims agreement in a form to be provided by the Company (which will include, at a minimum, a release of all releasable claims, non-disparagement and cooperation obligations, reaffirmation of the Executive’s continuing obligations under this Agreement or the Non-Competition Agreement, and an agreement not to compete with the Company for twelve (12) months after Executive’s separation from employment).  The Release Agreement shall be furnished to Executive within two business days after Executive’s date of termination and must become irrevocable within 60 days following Executive’s date of termination (or such shorter period as the Company may provide).

11.RESTRICTIVE COVENANTS.

(a)CONFIDENTIALITY.

(i)COMPANY INFORMATION.  At all times during the Term and thereafter, Executive shall hold in strictest confidence, and shall not use, except in connection with the performance of Executive’s duties, and shall not disclose to any person or entity, any Confidential Information of Cue.  “Confidential Information” means any Cue proprietary or confidential information, technical data, trade secrets or know-how, including research, product plans, products, services, customer lists and customers, markets, software, developments, inventions, processes, formulas, technology, designs, drawings, engineering, marketing, distribution and sales methods and systems, sales and profit figures, finances and other business information disclosed to Executive by Cue, either directly or indirectly in writing, orally or by drawings or inspection of documents or other tangible property.  However, Confidential Information does not include any of the foregoing items which has become publicly known and made generally available through no wrongful act of Executive.

(ii)EXECUTIVE-RESTRICTED INFORMATION.  During the Term, Executive shall not improperly use or disclose any proprietary or confidential information or trade secrets of any person or entity with whom Executive has an agreement or duty to keep such information or secrets confidential.

(iii)THIRD PARTY INFORMATION.  Executive recognizes that Cue has received and in the future will receive from third parties their confidential or proprietary information subject to a duty on Cue’s part to maintain the confidentiality of such information and to use it only for certain limited purposes.  At all times during the Term and thereafter, Executive shall hold in strictest confidence, and shall not use, except in connection with the performance of Executive’s duties, and shall not disclose to any person or entity, such third party confidential or proprietary information, and shall not use it except as necessary in performing Executive’s duties, consistent with Cue’s agreement with such third party.

(b)NONCOMPETITION.  Executive acknowledges that, in connection with his commencement of employment with the Company, he previously agreed to be bound by certain non-competition restrictions as set forth in the Original Agreement and the amended Agreement with the Company.  To reaffirm such obligations, Executive agrees to execute a Non-Competition Agreement in the form attached hereto as Attachment A as a condition of his continued 

 

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employment.  Executive acknowledges that his eligibility for a $5,000 cash bonus referenced therein is contingent upon his agreement to the non-competition provisions set forth in the Non-Competition Agreement.  Executive further acknowledges that such consideration was mutually agreed upon by him and the Company and is fair and reasonable in exchange for his compliance with such non-competition obligations.  For the avoidance of doubt, any reference elsewhere in the Agreement to Section 11(b) shall hereby incorporate by reference the attached Non-Competition Agreement and obligations referenced therein.

(c)NONSOLICITATION; NONINTERFERENCE.

(i)During Executive’s employment with Cue and for a period of 24 months thereafter, Executive shall not, except in the furtherance of Executive’s duties with Cue, directly or indirectly, individually or on behalf of any other person or entity, (i) solicit, aid or induce any customer of Cue or its Affiliates with whom Executive had meaningful business contact to purchase goods or services then sold by Cue or its Affiliates from another person or entity or assist or aid any other person or entity with whom Executive had meaningful business contact in identifying or soliciting any such customer, or (ii) interfere, or aid or induce any other person or entity with whom Executive had meaningful business contact in interfering, with the relationship between Cue or its Affiliates and any of their respective vendors, customers, joint venturers, licensees or licensors.

(ii)During Executive’s employment with Cue and for a period of 24 months thereafter, Executive shall not, except in the furtherance of Executive’s duties with Cue, directly or indirectly, individually or on behalf of any other person or entity, solicit, aid or induce any employee, consultant, representative or agent of Cue or its Affiliates (or any employee, consultant, representative or agent who has left the employment or retention of Cue or its Affiliates less than one year prior to the date that Executive solicits, aids or induces such person or entity (a “Covered Person”)) to any other person or entity unaffiliated with Cue or hire or retain any such employee, consultant, representative or agent or any Covered Person, or take any action to materially assist or aid any other person or entity in identifying, hiring or soliciting any such employee, consultant, representative or agent or any Covered Person.

(d)NONDISPARAGEMENT.  During the Term and for a period of 24 months thereafter, (A) Executive shall not make negative comments or otherwise disparage Cue or any company or other trade or business that “controls,” is “controlled by” or is “under common control with,” Cue within the meaning of Rule 405 of Regulation C under the Securities Act, including any “subsidiary corporation” of Cue within the meaning of Section 424(f) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (“Affiliates”) or any of their officers, directors, managers, employees, consultants, equityholders, agents or products, (B) in their interactions with Executive concerning the performance of his duties hereunder the members of the Board shall conduct themselves professionally and refrain from disparaging Executive and (C) Cue shall not and shall cause its directors officers and employees with titles of Senior Vice President or above not to make negative comments or otherwise disparage Executive.  The foregoing shall not be violated by truthful statements (i) in response to legal process, required governmental testimony or filings or administrative or arbitral proceedings (including depositions in connection with such proceedings) or (ii) made in the course of Executive discharging his duties for Cue, (iii) made in response to any 

 

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statement made in breach of this paragraph or (iv) Executive making positive statements concerning another company or its technology, whether or not same competes with the Company, in Executive’s reasonable good faith performance of Executive’s duties after the Term to any new employer or entity to which Executive provides services (that are not in breach of any restrictive covenants to which Executive is subject pursuant to this Agreement).

(e)COOPERATION.  Upon the receipt of reasonable notice from Cue, while employed by Cue and thereafter, Executive shall respond and provide information with regard to matters in which Executive has knowledge as a result of Executive’s employment with Cue, and shall provide reasonable assistance to Cue, its Affiliates and their respective representatives in defense of any claims that may be made against Cue or its Affiliates, and shall assist Cue and its Affiliates in the prosecution of any claims that may be made by Cue or its Affiliates, to the extent that such claims may relate to the period of Executive’s employment with Cue (collectively, the “Claims”).  Executive shall promptly inform Cue if Executive becomes aware of any lawsuits involving Claims that may be filed or threatened against Cue or its Affiliates.  Executive also shall promptly inform Cue (to the extent that Executive is legally permitted to do so) if Executive is asked to assist in any investigation of Cue or its Affiliates (or their actions) or another party attempts to obtain information or documents from Executive (other than in connection with any litigation or other proceeding in which Executive is a party-in-opposition) with respect to matters Executive believes in good faith to relate to any investigation of Cue or its Affiliates, in each case, regardless of whether a lawsuit or other proceeding has then been filed against Cue or its Affiliates with respect to such investigation, and shall not do so unless legally required.  During the pendency of any litigation or other proceeding involving Claims, Executive shall not communicate with anyone (other than Executive’s attorneys and tax and/or financial advisors and except to the extent that Executive determines in good faith is necessary in connection with the performance of Executive’s duties hereunder) with respect to the facts or subject matter of any pending or potential litigation or regulatory or administrative proceeding involving Cue or any of its Affiliates without getting the prior written consent of Cue.  Upon presentation of appropriate documentation, Cue shall pay or reimburse Executive for all reasonable out-of-pocket travel, duplicating or telephonic expenses incurred by Executive in accordance with Cue’s applicable policies in complying with this Section 11(e), and Executive shall be compensated by Cue at a reasonable hourly rate for assistance given after the end of the Term.

(f)OWNERSHIP OF INFORMATION, IDEAS, CONCEPTS, IMPROVEMENTS, DISCOVERIES AND INVENTIONS, AND ALL ORIGINAL WORKS OF AUTHORSHIP.

(i)As between the Parties, all information, ideas, concepts, improvements, discoveries and inventions, whether patentable or not, which are conceived, made, developed or acquired by Executive or which are disclosed or made known to Executive, individually or in conjunction with others, during the Term and which relate to Cue’s business, products or services (including all such information relating to corporate opportunities, research, financial and sales data, pricing and trading terms, evaluations, opinions, interpretations, acquisition prospects, the identity of clients or customers or their requirements, the identity of key contacts within the client or customers’ organizations or within the organization of acquisition prospects, or marketing and merchandising techniques, prospective names and marks) are and shall be the sole and exclusive 

 

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property of Cue.  Moreover, all drawings, memoranda, notes, records, files, correspondence, manuals, models, specifications, computer programs, maps and all other writings or materials of any type embodying any of such information, ideas, concepts, improvements, discoveries and inventions are and shall be the sole and exclusive property of Cue.

(ii)In particular, Executive hereby specifically assigns and transfers to Cue all of Executive’s worldwide right, title and interest in and to all such information, ideas, concepts, improvements, discoveries or inventions, and any United States or foreign applications for patents, inventor’s certificates or other industrial rights that may be filed thereon, and applications for registration of such names and marks.  During the Term and thereafter, Executive shall assist Cue and its nominee at all times in the protection of such information, ideas, concepts, improvements, discoveries or inventions, both in the United States and all foreign countries, including the execution of all lawful oaths and all assignment documents requested by Cue or its nominee in connection with the preparation, prosecution, issuance or enforcement of any applications for United States or foreign letters patent, and any application for the registration of such names and marks.

(iii)Moreover, if during the Term, Executive creates any original work of authorship fixed in any tangible medium of expression which is the subject matter of copyright (such as reports, videotapes, written presentations, computer programs, drawings, maps, architectural renditions, models, manuals, brochures or the like) relating to Cue’s business, products or services, whether such work is created solely by Executive or jointly with others, Cue shall be deemed the author of such work if the work is prepared by Executive in the scope of Executive’s employment; or, if the work is not prepared by Executive within the scope of Executive’s employment but is specially ordered by Cue as a contribution to a collective work, as a part of any written or audiovisual work, as a translation, as a supplementary work, as a compilation or as an instructional text, then the work shall be considered to be work made for hire and Cue shall be the author of the work.  In the event such work is neither prepared by Executive within the scope of Executive’s employment or is not a work specially ordered and deemed to be a work made for hire, then Executive shall assign, and by these presents, does assign, to Cue all of Executive’s worldwide right, title and interest in and to such work and all rights of copyright therein.  Both during the Term and thereafter, Executive shall assist Cue and its nominee, at any time, in the protection of Cue’s worldwide right, title and interest in and to the work and all rights of copyright therein, including the execution of all formal assignment documents requested by Cue or its nominee and the execution of all lawful oaths and applications for registration of copyright in the United States and foreign countries; provided, however, that Executive shall be compensated by Cue at a reasonable hourly rate for assistance given after the end of the Term.

(iv)Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 11(f), Cue hereby notifies Executive that the provisions of this Section 11(f) shall not apply to any inventions for which no equipment, supplies, facility or trade secret information of Cue was used and which were developed entirely on Executive’s own time, unless (A) the invention relates (1) to the business of Cue, or (2) to actual or demonstrably anticipated research or development of Cue, or (B) the invention results from any work performed by Executive for Cue.

 

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(g)RETURN OF COMPANY PROPERTY.  On the date of Executive’s termination of employment with Cue for any reason (or at any time prior thereto at Cue’s request), Executive shall return all property belonging to Cue or its Affiliates (including any Cue or Affiliate-provided laptops, computers, cell phones, wireless electronic mail devices or other equipment, or documents or property belonging to Cue or an Affiliate).

(h)EFFECT OF EXECUTIVE BECOMING A BAD LEAVER.  Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, if (i) Executive materially breaches any of the covenants set forth in Section 11(a)(i), 11(a)(ii), 11(a)(iii), 11(b), 11(c), 11(d) or 11(f) hereof at any time during the period commencing on the Effective Date and ending 18 months after Executive’s termination of employment with Cue for any reason and (ii) Executive fails to cure such breach within 10 days of the effective date of written notice of such breach given by Cue, then Executive shall be deemed a “Bad Leaver.”  If Executive is or becomes a Bad Leaver, then (i) any severance being paid to Executive pursuant to this Agreement or otherwise shall immediately cease upon commencement of such action and (ii) Executive shall be liable to repay to Cue any severance previously paid to him by Cue, less $100 to serve as consideration for the release described in Section 10 above.

(i)TOLLING.  If Executive violates any of the terms of the restrictive covenant obligations articulated herein, the obligation at issue will run from the first date on which Executive ceases to be in violation of such obligation.

12.EQUITABLE RELIEF AND OTHER REMEDIES.  Executive acknowledges that Cue’s remedies at law for a breach or threatened breach of any of the provisions of Section 11 above would be inadequate and in the event of such a breach or threatened breach, in addition to any remedies at law, Cue, without posting any bond, shall be entitled to seek to obtain equitable relief in the form of specific performance, a temporary restraining order, a temporary or permanent injunction or any other equitable remedy that may then be available, without the necessity of showing actual monetary damages or the posting of a bond or other security.

13.NO ASSIGNMENTS.  This Agreement is personal to each of the Parties.  Except as provided in this Section 13, neither Party may assign or delegate any rights or obligations hereunder without first obtaining the written consent of the other Party.  Cue may assign this Agreement to any of its Affiliates or to any successor to all or substantially all of the business and/or assets of Cue, provided that Cue shall require such Affiliate or successor to expressly assume and agree to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent that Cue would be required to perform it if no such succession had taken place.  As used in this Agreement, “Cue” shall mean Cue and any Affiliate or successor to its business and/or assets that assumes and agrees to perform the duties and obligations of Cue under this Agreement by operation of law or otherwise.

14.NOTICE.  Any notice that either Party may be required or permitted to give to the other shall be in writing and may be delivered personally, by electronic mail or via a postal service, postage prepaid, to such electronic mail or postal address and directed to such person as Cue may notify Executive from time to time; and to Executive at his electronic mail or postal address as 

 

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shown on the records of Cue from time to time, or at such other electronic mail or postal address as Executive, by notice to Cue, may designate in writing from time to time.

15.SECTION HEADINGS; INCONSISTENCY.  The section headings used in this Agreement are included solely for convenience and shall not affect, or be used in connection with, the interpretation of this Agreement.  In the event of any inconsistency between the terms of this Agreement and any form, award, plan or policy of Cue, the terms of this Agreement shall govern and control.

16.SEVERABILITY.  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 is held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect under any applicable law or rule in any jurisdiction, such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability shall not affect any other provision of this Agreement or any action in any other jurisdiction, but this Agreement shall be reformed, construed and enforced in such jurisdiction.

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

18.APPLICABLE LAW; CHOICE OF VENUE AND CONSENT TO JURISDICTION; SERVICE OF PROCESS; WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL.

(a)All questions concerning the construction, validity and interpretation of this Agreement and the performance of the obligations imposed by this Agreement shall be governed by the internal laws of the State of Delaware applicable to agreements made and wholly to be performed in such state without regard to conflicts of law provisions of any jurisdiction.

(b)For purposes of resolving any dispute that arises directly or indirectly from the relationship of the Parties evidenced by this Agreement, the Parties hereby submit to and consent to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and further agree that any related litigation shall be conducted solely in the courts of Middlesex County, Massachusetts or the federal courts for the United States for the District of Massachusetts, where this Agreement is made and/or to be performed, and no other courts.

(c)Each Party may be served with process in any manner permitted under State of Delaware law, or by United States registered or certified mail, return receipt requested.

(d)BY EXECUTION OF THIS AGREEMENT, THE PARTIES ARE WAIVING ANY RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN CONNECTION WITH ANY SUIT, ACTION OR PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR BASED ON THIS AGREEMENT.

19.MISCELLANEOUS.  No provision of this Agreement may be modified, waived or discharged unless such waiver, modification or discharge is agreed to in writing and signed by Executive and such officer or director as may be designated by Cue.  No waiver by either Party at any time of any breach by the other Party of, or compliance with, any condition or provision of this Agreement to be performed by such other Party shall be deemed a waiver of similar or 

 

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dissimilar provisions or conditions at the same or at any prior or subsequent time.  This Agreement together with all exhibits hereto sets forth the entire agreement of the Parties in respect of the subject matter contained herein and supersedes any and all prior agreements or understandings between Executive and Cue or its Affiliates with respect to the subject matter hereof, including without limitation the Original Agreement.  No agreements or representations, oral or otherwise, express or implied, with respect to the subject matter hereof, have been made by either Party that are not expressly set forth in this Agreement.

20.REPRESENTATIONS.  Executive represents and warrants to Cue that (a) Executive has the legal right to enter into this Agreement and to perform all of the obligations on Executive’s part to be performed hereunder in accordance with its terms, and (b) Executive is not a party to any agreement or understanding, written or oral, and is not subject to any restriction, which, in either case, could prevent Executive from entering into this Agreement or performing all of Executive’s duties and obligations hereunder.

21.TAX MATTERS.

(a)WITHHOLDING.  Any and all amounts payable under this Agreement or otherwise shall be subject to, and Cue may withhold from such amounts, any federal, state, local or other taxes as may be required to be withheld pursuant to any applicable law or regulation.

(b)SECTION 409A COMPLIANCE.

(i)The intent of the Parties is that payments and benefits under this Agreement be exempt from (to the extent possible) or compliant with Section 409A (“Section 409A”) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and the regulations and guidance promulgated thereunder, as amended (collectively, the “Code”) and, accordingly, to the maximum extent permitted, this Agreement shall be interpreted accordingly.  To the extent that any provision hereof is modified in order to comply with Section 409A, such modification shall be made in good faith and shall, to the maximum extent reasonably possible, maintain the original intent and economic benefit to the Parties of the applicable provision without violating the provisions of Section 409A.  In no event shall Cue be liable for any additional tax, interest or penalty that may be imposed on Executive by Section 409A or damages for failing to comply with Section 409A.

(ii)A termination of employment shall not be deemed to have occurred for purposes of any provision of this Agreement providing for the payment of any amounts or benefits that constitute “nonqualified deferred compensation” under Section 409A upon or following a termination of employment unless such termination is also a “separation from service” within the meaning of Section 409A and, for purposes of any such provision of this Agreement, references to a “termination,” “termination of employment” or like terms shall mean “separation from service.”  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, if Executive is deemed on the date of termination to be a “specified employee” under Section 409A, then with regard to any payment or the provision of any benefit that is considered “nonqualified deferred compensation” under Section 409A payable on account of a “separation from service,” such payment or benefit shall not be made or provided until the earlier of (A) the expiration of the six-month period measured from the date of such “separation from service” of Executive, and (B) the date of Executive’s death, to the extent required under Section 409A.  Upon the expiration of the foregoing 

 

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delay period, all payments and benefits delayed pursuant to this Section 21(b)(ii) (whether they would have otherwise been payable in a single sum or in installments in the absence of such delay) shall be paid or reimbursed to Executive in a lump sum on the first business day following the six-month period, and any remaining payments and benefits due under this Agreement shall be paid or provided in accordance with the normal payment dates specified for them herein.

(iii)To the extent that reimbursements or other in-kind benefits under this Agreement constitute “nonqualified deferred compensation” for purposes of Section 409A, (A) all expenses or other reimbursements hereunder shall be made on or prior to the last day of the taxable year following the taxable year in which such expenses were incurred by Executive, (B) any right to reimbursement or in-kind benefits shall not be subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit and (C) no such reimbursement, expenses eligible for reimbursement or in-kind benefits provided in any taxable year shall in any way affect the expenses eligible for reimbursement, or in-kind benefits to be provided, in any other taxable year.

(iv)For purposes of Section 409A, Executive’s right to receive any installment payments pursuant to this Agreement shall be treated as a right to receive a series of separate and distinct payments.  Whenever a payment under this Agreement specifies a payment period with reference to a number of days, the actual date of payment within the specified period shall be at the sole discretion of the Board.

(v)Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement to the contrary, in no event shall any payment under this Agreement that constitutes “nonqualified deferred compensation” for purposes of Section 409A be subject to offset by any other amount unless otherwise permitted by Section 409A.

(c)MODIFICATION OF PAYMENTS.  In the event it shall be determined that any payment, right or distribution by Cue or any other person or entity to or for the benefit of Executive pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or otherwise, in connection with, or arising out of, Executive’s employment with Cue or a change in ownership or effective control of Cue or a substantial portion of its assets (a “Payment”) is a “parachute payment” within the meaning of Code Section 280G on account of the aggregate value of the Payments due to Executive being equal to or greater than three times the “base amount,” as defined in Code Section 280G (the “Parachute Threshold”), so that Executive would be subject to the excise tax imposed by Code Section 4999 (the “Excise Tax”) and the net after-tax benefit that Executive would receive by reducing the Payments to the Parachute Threshold is greater than the net after-tax benefit Executive would receive if the full amount of the Payments were paid to Executive, then the Payments payable to Executive shall be reduced (but not below zero) so that the Payments due to Executive do not exceed the amount of the Parachute Threshold, reducing first any Payments under Section 9 above.

 

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BY SIGNING THIS AGREEMENT BELOW, EXECUTIVE ACKNOWLEDGES THAT EXECUTIVE:

	
 
	
(1)
	
HAS READ AND UNDERSTOOD THE ENTIRE AGREEMENT;

	
 
	
(2)
	
HAS HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO ASK QUESTIONS AND CONSULT COUNSEL OR OTHER ADVISORS ABOUT ITS TERMS; AND

	
 
	
(3)
	
AGREES TO BE BOUND BY IT.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Cue has caused this Agreement to be executed in its name and on its behalf, and Executive acknowledges understanding and acceptance of, and agrees to, the terms of this Agreement, all as of the Effective Date.

 

			
	
CUE BIOPHARMA, INC.
	
 
	
DANIEL R. PASSERI

	
 
	
 
	
 

	
/s/ Frank Morich
	
 
	
/s/ Daniel R. Passeri

	
 
	
 
	
 

	
Print Name:   Frank Morich
	
 
	
 

	
 
	
 
	
 

	
Title:   Chairman of the Board
	
 
	
 

 

 

 

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ATTACHMENT A

NON-COMPETITION AGREEMENT

This Non-Competition (the “Agreement”) is made by and between Cue Biopharma, Inc., a Delaware corporation (hereinafter referred to collectively with its subsidiaries as the “Company”), and the undersigned employee (the “Employee”).

For good consideration, including, without limitation, the continued employment of the Employee by the Company and, with respect to the non-competition restrictions, the additional consideration set forth in Section 1(c), the Employee and the Company agree as follows:

	
 
	
1.
	
Non-Competition.  

a)During the Restricted Period (as defined below), the Employee will not, in the Applicable Territory (as defined below), directly or indirectly, whether as an owner, partner, officer, director, employee, consultant, investor, lender or otherwise, except as the passive holder of not more than 1% of the outstanding stock of a publicly-held company, engage or assist others in engaging in any business or enterprise that is competitive with the Company’s business, including but not limited to any business or enterprise that researches, develops, manufactures, markets, licenses, sells or provides any product or service that competes with any product or service researched, developed, manufactured, marketed, licensed, sold or provided, or planned to be researched, developed, manufactured, marketed, licensed, sold or provided by the Company (a “Competitive Company”), if the Employee would be performing job duties or services for the Competitive Company that are of a similar type that the Employee performed for the Company at any time during the last two (2) years of the Employee’s employment.  As a senior leader for the Company, the Employee acknowledges and agrees that, in the performance of the Employee’s duties for the Company (including without limitation, assisting the Company with its overall business strategy), the Employee will be involved in all aspects of the Company’s business and operations.  Accordingly, the Employee acknowledges and agrees that undertaking any leadership role in a Competitive Company would constitute performing job duties or services of a similar type that the Employee performed for the Company.       

 

	
 
	
b)
	
Certain Definitions.  Solely for purposes of this Section 1:   

i.the “Restricted Period” shall include the duration of the Employee’s employment with the Company and the twelve (12) month period thereafter; provided, however, that the Restricted Period shall automatically be extended to two (2) years following the cessation of the Employee’s employment if the Employee breaches a fiduciary duty to the Company or the Employee unlawfully takes, physically or electronically, any property belonging to the Company.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Restricted Period shall end immediately upon the Employee’s last day of employment with the Company if: (x) the Company terminates the Employee’s employment other than for Cause (as defined below); or (y) the Company notifies the Employee in writing that it is waiving the post-employment restrictions set forth in this Section 1 (such notice to be provided no later than the Employee’s last day of employment or by the seventh (7th) business day following an Employee’s notice of resignation, if later).  

 

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ii.
	
“Applicable Territory” shall mean the geographic areas in which the Employee provided services or had a material presence or influence at any time during his/her last two (2) years of employment.  As a senior leader for the Company, the Employee acknowledges that the Employee’s duties and responsibilities require the Employee to have a material presence and/or influence anywhere that the Company does business.

	
 
	
iii.
	
“Cause” shall mean any of: (a) the Employee’s conviction of, or plea of guilty or nolo contendere to, any crime involving dishonesty or moral turpitude, or any felony; or (b) a good faith finding by the Company in its sole discretion that the Employee has (i) engaged in dishonesty, misconduct or gross negligence; (ii) committed an act that injures or would reasonably be expected to injure the reputation, business or business relationships of the Company; (iii) breached the terms of this Agreement or any other restrictive covenant or confidentiality agreement with or policy of the Company; (iv) failed or refused to comply with any of the Company’s policies or procedures; or (v) failed to perform the Employee’s duties and/or responsibilities to the Company’s satisfaction.  

c)Additional Consideration for Non-Competition Restrictions.  In exchange for the Employee’s compliance with the restrictions set forth in this Section 1, and as referenced in the Employee’s Employment Agreement to which this Agreement is attached, the Company, subject to approval of its Board of Directors where applicable, will pay the Employee a $5,000 non-competition bonus, less applicable taxes and withholdings, which will be paid to the Employee in the first payroll cycle following the Employee’s execution of this Agreement (and in any event during the 2021 calendar year). The Employee understands and agrees that the above-stated consideration has been mutually agreed upon by the Company and the Employee, is fair and reasonable, and is sufficient consideration in exchange for the restrictions set forth in this Section 1.      

2.Notice of New Business Activities.  The Employee agrees that during any period of time when the Employee is subject to restrictions pursuant to Section 1, the Employee will notify any prospective employer or business associate of the terms and existence of this Agreement and the Employee’s continuing obligations to the Company hereunder.  The Employee further agrees, during such period, to give notice to the Company of each new business activity the Employee plans to undertake, at least (10) business days prior to beginning any such activity.  The notice shall state the name and address of the individual, corporation, association or other entity or organization (“Entity”) for whom such activity is undertaken and the name of the Employee’s business relationship or position with the Entity.  The Employee also agrees to provide the Company with other pertinent information concerning such business activity as the Company may reasonably request in order to determine the Employee’s continued compliance with his/her obligations under this Agreement.  The Employee hereby authorizes the Company to notify others, including but not limited to customers of the Company and any of the Employee’s future employers or prospective business associates, of the terms and existence of this Agreement and the Employee’s continuing obligations to the Company hereunder.

 

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3.Miscellaneous.

a)Equitable Remedies.  The Employee acknowledges that the restrictions contained in this Agreement are necessary for the protection of the business and goodwill of the Company and are considered by the Employee to be reasonable for such purpose.  The Employee agrees that any breach or threatened breach of this Agreement is likely to cause the Company substantial and irrevocable damage which is difficult to measure.  Therefore, in the event of any such breach or threatened breach, the Employee agrees that the Company, in addition to such other remedies which may be available, shall have the right to obtain an injunction from a court restraining such a breach or threatened breach without posting a bond and the right to specific performance of the provisions of this Agreement and the Employee hereby waives the adequacy of a remedy at law as a defense to such relief.  Additionally, the Employee acknowledges and agrees that, while any non-solicitation obligations the Employee may have are essential to the protection of the Company’s legitimate business interests, such interests cannot be adequately protected without the non-competition obligations set forth in Section 1.   

b)Obligations to Third Parties.  The Employee represents that, except as the Employee has disclosed in writing to the Company, the Employee is not bound by the terms of any agreement with any previous employer or other party to refrain from using or disclosing any trade secret or confidential or proprietary information in the course of his/her employment with the Company, to refrain from competing, directly or indirectly, with the business of such previous employer or any other party, or to refrain from soliciting employees, customers or suppliers of such previous employer or other party.  The Employee further represents that his/her performance of all the terms of this Agreement and the performance of his/her duties as an employee of the Company does not and will not conflict with or breach any agreement with any prior employer or other party (including, without limitation, any nondisclosure or non-competition agreement), and that the Employee will not disclose to the Company or induce the Company to use any confidential or proprietary information or material belonging to any previous employer or others.  

c)Not Employment Contract.  The Employee acknowledges that this Agreement does not constitute a contract of employment, does not imply that the Company will continue his/her employment for any period of time, and does not change the at-will nature of his/her employment.

d)Acknowledgments.  

The Employee acknowledges that he or she has the right to consult with counsel prior to signing this Agreement.  The Employee further acknowledges that he or she was provided at least ten (10) business days to review this Agreement and that the Agreement is supported by fair and reasonable consideration independent from the Employee’s continuation of employment.  

 

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e)Successors and Assigns.  The Employee’s obligations under this Agreement are personal and shall not be assigned by the Employee.  This Agreement shall, however, be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Company and its successors and assigns, including any corporation or entity with which or into which the Company may be merged or that may succeed to all or substantially all of its assets or business.  The Employee expressly consents to be bound by the provisions of this Agreement for the benefit of any successor or assign of the Company without the necessity that this Agreement be re-signed, in which event “Company” shall be interpreted to include any successor or assign of the Company.  

f)Interpretation.  If any restriction or definition set forth in Section 1 is found by any court of competent jurisdiction to be unenforceable because it extends for too long a period of time or over too great a range of conduct, activities, or geographic area, it shall be interpreted to extend only over the maximum period of time, range of conduct, activities or geographic area as to which it may be enforceable.

g)Severability.  In case any provision of this Agreement shall be invalid, illegal or otherwise unenforceable, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall in no way be affected or impaired thereby.

h)Waivers.  No delay or omission by the Company in exercising any right under this Agreement will operate as a waiver of that or any other right.  A waiver or consent given by the Company on any one occasion is effective only in that instance and will not be construed as a bar to or waiver of any right on any other occasion.

i)Governing Law and Consent To Jurisdiction.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Employment Agreement to which this Agreement is appended, this Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts (without reference to the conflicts of laws provisions thereof).  Any action, suit, or other legal proceeding which is commenced to resolve any matter arising under or relating to any provision of this Agreement shall be commenced only in a court in Suffolk County, Massachusetts (or, if appropriate, a federal court located within Massachusetts), and the Company and the Employee each consents to the jurisdiction of such courts.  The Company and the Employee each hereby irrevocably waives any right to a trial by jury in any action, suit or other legal proceeding arising under or relating to any provision of this Agreement.

j)Entire Agreement; Amendment.  This Agreement supersedes all prior agreements, written or oral, between the Employee and the Company relating to the subject matter of this Agreement; provided, however, that for the avoidance of doubt, nothing herein supersedes the Employee’s continuing obligations set forth in Section 11(a)-(b), (d)-(i) of the Employment Agreement by and between him and the Company, as amended.  Further, notwithstanding anything to the contrary, if there is a conflict between this Agreement and any provision in the Employment Agreement, such conflict shall be resolved in the manner most protective of the Company.  This Agreement may not be modified, changed or discharged in whole or in part, except by an agreement in writing signed by the Employee and the Company.  The Employee agrees that any change or changes in his/her duties, authority, title, reporting relationship, territory, salary or 

 

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compensation after the signing of this Agreement shall not affect the validity or scope of this Agreement.

k)Captions.  The captions of the sections of this Agreement are for convenience of reference only and in no way define, limit or affect the scope or substance of any section of this Agreement.

 

 

[Remainder of Page Intentionally Left Blank]

 

 

 

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THE EMPLOYEE ACKNOWLEDGES THAT HE/SHE HAS CAREFULLY READ THIS AGREEMENT AND UNDERSTANDS AND AGREES TO ALL OF THE PROVISIONS IN THIS AGREEMENT.

 

							
	
 
	
 
	
EMPLOYEE

	
Date:
	
 
	
 
	
 

	
 
	
 
	
 
	
 
	
/s/ Daniel R. Passeri

	
 
	
 
	
Name:
	
Daniel R. Passeri

	
 
	
 
	
 

	
 
	
 
	
CUE BIOPHARMA, INC

	
 
	
 
	
 

	
Date:
	
 
	
 
	
By:
	
/s/ Frank Morich

	
 
	
 
	
 
	
Name:
	
Frank Morich

	
 
	
 
	
Title:
	
Chairman of the Board

 

 

 

1cue-ex1028_793.htm

Certain identified information has been excluded from the exhibit because it is both (i) not material and (ii) would likely cause competitive harm to the Company, if publicly disclosed. Double asterisks denote omissions.

EXHIBIT 10.28

FIRST AMENDMENT to THE

EXCLUSIVE PATENT LICENSE AND RESEARCH COLLABORATION AGREEMENT

This Amendment to the Exclusive Patent License And Research Collaboration Agreement (this “Amendment”) is entered into as of November 9, 2020 (the “First Amendment Effective Date”), by and between CUE BIOPHARMA, INC., a corporation organized and existing under the laws of Delaware (“Company” or “Cue”) and MERCK SHARP & DOHME CORP., a corporation organized and existing under the laws of New Jersey (“Merck”).  Cue and Merck may be referred to herein individually as a “Party” or collectively as the “Parties”.  

Whereas, the Parties entered into that certain Exclusive Patent License And Research Collaboration Agreement as of November 14, 2017 (the "Agreement"); 

Whereas, pursuant to Section 2.10.1 of the Agreement, Merck at its sole discretion may extend the Research Program specified in the Agreement for a total of up to [**] additional years on a year-by-year basis;

Whereas, following discussions between the Parties, Merck has decided to extend the Research Program for an additional year in order to accomplish further research pursuant to the Agreement;

Now, Therefore, in consideration of the foregoing premises and the mutual covenants contained herein, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, Cue and Merck hereby agree as follows:

	
1.
	
All capitalized terms not defined in this Amendment shall have the respective meanings ascribed to them in the Agreement.

	
2.
	
Pursuant to Section 2.10.1 of the Agreement, and subject to the remaining terms and conditions set forth in this Amendment, Merck hereby extends the Research Program and the Research Program Term for a first additional year (the “First Extension Year”); provided, however, such First Extension Year shall begin on [**] and end on December 31, 2021. 

	
3.
	
Section 5.2.1 of the Agreement is hereby amended by deleting the first milestone event listed in the table and replacing it with the following two milestone events and corresponding payment amounts:

	
1.  Upon Cue’s advancement of a Cue Biologic toward achieving an optimized lead candidate
	
US$ 300,000

	
[**]
	
[**]

 

 

 

 

Merck acknowledges that the first milestone listed above has been achieved and will pay the associated milestone payment in accordance with the terms of the Agreement.

	
4.
	
Schedule 2.1 of the Agreement is hereby modified to add the provisions, commitments, goals and activities set forth in Appendix A to this Amendment as the Research Program for the First Extension Year (the “First Research Program Extension Plan”).  For clarity, the First Research Program Extension Plan as set forth in Appendix A states the entire Research Program to be carried out by Company during the First Extension Year.

	
5.
	
In addition to the License Fee, milestone payments and royalties, if any, payable by Merck to Company during the Term, and subject to the maximum amounts set forth on Appendix B, Merck will reimburse Company for [**].  Notwithstanding that Merck’s obligation to reimburse Company is subject to the maximum amounts set forth in Appendix B, Company will [**], regardless of whether such FTE costs or expenses exceed the amount required to be reimbursed by Merck.

	
6.
	
Merck hereby acknowledges that the Agreement was required to be filed by Company with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). If Company determines that this Amendment is also required to be filed with the SEC, the Parties will consult and cooperate with each other as set forth in Section 4.4 of the Agreement.

	
7.
	
Except as expressly amended by this Amendment, all other terms and conditions of the Agreement shall remain in full force and effect, and are unmodified by this Amendment.  The Agreement, as modified by this Amendment, contains the entire understanding of the Parties with respect to the subject matter thereof. Any other express or implied agreements and understandings, negotiations, writings and commitments, either oral or written, with respect to the subject matter thereof are superseded by the terms of the Agreement as amended hereby. The Schedules and Exhibits to this Amendment are incorporated herein by reference and shall be deemed a part of this Amendment.

	
8.
	
This Amendment may be signed in any number of counterparts (including by facsimile or electronic transmission), each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which shall constitute one and the same instrument. After facsimile or electronic transmission, the Parties agree to execute and exchange documents with original signatures.

	
9.
	
This Amendment shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York without reference to any rules of conflict of laws or renvoi.

[Signature Page Follows]

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have executed this Amendment as of the First Amendment Effective Date.

	
MERCK SHARP & DOHME CORP.
	
 
	
CUE BIOPHARMA, INC.

	
 
	
 
	
 
	
 
	
 

	
 
	
 
	
 
	
 
	
 

	
BY:
	
/s/ Ben Thorner
	
 
	
BY:
	
/s/ Daniel R. Passeri

	
 
	
Ben Thorner
	
 
	
 
	
Daniel R. Passeri

	
TITLE: Senior Vice President and Head of Business Development
	
 
	
TITLE: CEO

 

 

Appendix B

 

First Research Program Extension Funding

 

 

	
1.
	
Definitions. the following terms, whether used in the singular or plural, shall have the respective meanings set forth below.

 

	
 
	
1.1
	
“FTE” shall mean [**] hours of a full-time scientist’s work time over twelve (12) consecutive calendar months (including normal vacations, sick days and holidays).  

 

	
 
	
1.2
	
 “FTE Rate” shall mean an amount equal to [**] U.S. dollars (US$[**]) for one (1) full FTE, which represents the fully burdened annual rate for each such FTE and includes related salary, benefits, administration, facilities costs and overhead.

 

	
2.
	
Merck Research Program Funding.  During the First Extension Year. Merck will provide Company with certain research funding as set forth in this Appendix B, including Attachment 1.  Company shall apply the research funding it receives from Merck solely to carry out its Research Program activities in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Agreement, including this Amendment, and the First Research Program Extension Plan.

 

	
3.
	
FTE Payments.  During the First Extension Year Merck shall pay Company the FTE Rate [**].  Payments will be calculated and made for each Calendar Quarter equal to [**].  

 

	
4.
	
Maximum FTE Commitment.  In no event shall Merck’s aggregate payments for FTEs exceed [**] U.S. dollars (US$[**]) for the First Updated Research Program term. 

 

	
5.
	
Reimbursement of Certain Expenses.  Merck shall reimburse Company for the actual out-of-pocket costs incurred by Company, without mark-up or any administrative fees,  in performing the First Updated Research Program to the extent such out-of-pocket costs are expressly set forth in the budget attached hereto as Attachment 1 (the “Expense Budget”) and to the extent Company provides appropriate documentation (including original receipts); provided that consumable expenses shall be invoiced at flat cost of $[**] per Calendar Quarter regardless of the actual costs incurred; provided further, however, that in no event shall Company be entitled to receive payment for (and Company shall be solely responsible for) any and all out-of-pocket costs that are in excess of the total out-of-pocket costs set forth in the Expense Budget.  Company shall issue invoices to Merck for such out-of-pockets costs on a Calendar Quarter basis with no mark-up on cost.  All such invoices shall be issued in U.S. dollars.  Merck shall pay the undisputed amount of such invoices within [**] after receipt thereof. 

 

	
6.
	
Maximum Expense Commitment.  In no event shall Merck’s aggregate reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses hereunder exceed [**] U.S. dollars (US$[**]) for the First Extension Year and the performance by Company of the First Research Program Extension Plan.  If Merck elects to request Company to [**] as contemplated by the First Research Program Extension Plan, the Parties will agree in writing on the out-of-pocket costs to be reimbursed by Merck prior to any [**] being initiated.

 

 

	
7.
	
Invoices and Payments.  After the end of the relevant Calendar Quarter, Company will submit to Merck an invoice showing the amounts owed, including the number of FTEs which actually performed services in furtherance of the First Research Program Extension Plan and the calculation of the FTE charges payables and supporting documentation showing the out-of-pocket expenses incurred.  All such invoices shall be calculated and stated in U.S. dollars. Merck shall pay the undisputed amount of each invoice within [**] after its receipt thereof,

 

 

Appendix B – Attachment 1

Expense Budget

 

[**]

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