DEVELOPMENT AND
REVENUE SHARING AGREEMENT
This Agreement is made as of August 23, 2000, between Activeworlds.com,
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Inc., a Delaware corporation ("ACTIVEWORLDS") and Nettaxi.com, Inc., a Nevada
corporation ("NETTAXI") (each individually a "PARTY" and collectively the
"PARTIES").
RECITALS
Activeworlds develops and hosts on its servers three-dimensional virtual
Worlds (defined below), which can be accessed at the Active Worlds Web Site
(defined below) by Internet users who download and use the Active Worlds Browser
(defined below).
Nettaxi hosts the Nettaxi Web Site (defined below) which features online
communities of Internet users.
Activeworlds desires to develop, and Nettaxi desires that Activeworlds
develop, a World based on Nettaxi design specifications to be hosted on
Activeworlds' servers and accessible by Internet users with a customized Active
Worlds Browser to be developed and owned by Activeworlds and co-branded with
Nettaxi.
Activeworlds and Nettaxi agree to share the revenues resulting from sales
to Internet users of Active Worlds who subscribe to become Citizens (defined
below) of Active Worlds via such co-branded Active Worlds Browser.
In consideration of the mutual premises set forth herein and for other good
and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby
acknowledged and accepted by each of the parties hereto, and subject to the
terms and conditions stated herein, the parties hereby agree as set forth below.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
1. Definitions. In addition to terms which are defined elsewhere in this
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Agreement, as used herein the following terms shall have the following meanings:
1.1 "AGREEMENT" means this Agreement, including any schedule or
annex to it.
1.2 "ACTIVE WORLDS" means, for the purposes of this Agreement, the
computer generated three-dimensional virtual environment accessible at the
Activeworlds Web Site where users may create virtual structures and interact in
real-time with other users, which environment may be accessed via the
Activeworlds Web Site for free as a visitor or as a Citizen upon payment of an
Annual Fee.
1.3 "ACTIVE WORLDS BROWSER" means the proprietary computer
software owned by Activeworlds which can be downloaded from the Activeworlds Web
Site and used by Internet users to access Active Worlds.
1.4 "ACTIVEWORLDS CONTENT" means any text, graphics, design,
photography, artwork, audio, video or other forms of expression which have been
created by or which may be created in the future by Activeworlds, to the extent
that they do not consist of the rights of third parties.
1.5 "ACTIVEWORLDS INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY" means any Confidential
Information of Activeworlds, Activeworlds Software and all copyrights,
trademarks, service marks, patents, trade secrets, tradenames, logos, designs
and other commercial symbols or designs utilized and/or owned by Activeworlds.
1.6 "ACTIVEWORLDS SOFTWARE" means the proprietary computer
software owned by Activeworlds, including but not limited to the Activeworlds
Browser, and utilized to operate and provide functionality to Active Worlds.
1.7 "ACTIVEWORLDS WEB SITE" means the Internet Web Site maintained
and operated by Activeworlds which is accessible through the URL
www.activeworlds.com.
1.8 "ANNUAL FEE" means the yearly fee charged by Activeworlds to a
person to register as a Citizen of Active Worlds. Such Annual Fee is presently
nineteen dollars and ninety-five cents (US $19.95) per year, but maybe increased
or decreased by Activeworlds, in its sole discretion, at any time during the
term of this Agreement.
1.9 "CITIZEN" means, for purposes of this Agreement, any
individual who registers with Activeworlds and pays the Annual Fee to
Activeworlds for the purpose of allowing him or her to enter and interact within
Active Worlds as a citizen of Active Worlds with enhanced features (as opposed
to only being able to enter as a "tourist" and passively view Active Worlds with
limited features).
1.10 "CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION" means any information in written
or other form disclosed by one party to another party in connection with this
Agreement and which the receiving party knows or has reason to know is regarded
as confidential information by the disclosing party. The Confidential
Information will include, but will not be limited to, trade secrets, the
structure, sequence and organization of the source code of computer software,
marketing plans, techniques, processes, procedures and formulae and data.
1.11 "EFFECTIVE DATE" means the date of this Agreement.
1.12 "INTERNET" means the world wide connection of computer
networks providing for the transmittal of electronic mail, online information,
information retrieval and file transfer protocol.
1.13 "NETTAXI CODED BROWSER" means the Active Worlds Browser being
customized by Activeworlds to contain a client code for the purpose of
identifying Internet users who access Active Worlds via such Nettaxi Coded
Browser.
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1.14 "NETTAXI CONTENT" means any text, graphics, design,
photography, artwork, audio, video or other materials or forms of expression
which are owned or have been created by Nettaxi, to the extent that they do not
consist of the rights of third parties.
1.15 "NETTAXI INTELLECTUAL Property" means all copyrights,
trademarks, service marks, patents, trade secrets, tradenames, logos, designs
and other commercial symbols or designs utilized and/or owned by Nettaxi.
1.16 "Nettaxi WEB SITE" means the Internet Web Site maintained and
operated by Nettaxi which is accessible through the URL www.nettaxi.com.
1.17 "NETTAXI WORLD" means the World created by Activeworlds in
Active Worlds which shall contain the design specifications set forth on
Schedule 1.
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1.18 "WEB SITE" means any location accessible on the Internet
through the World Wide Web, which provides multimedia content via a graphical
user interface.
1.19 "WORLD" means a section of the three-dimensional,
interactive, virtual environment that comprises Active Worlds and which is
generally designed around a specific theme (e.g., AlphaWorld).
1.20 "WORLD WIDE WEB" means a method of representing and obtaining
graphical data and linking data items used by Internet users.
2. Development of Nettaxi World and the Nettaxi Coded Browser,
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2.1 The Nettaxi World. Activeworlds hereby agrees to create,
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develop and host on its server or servers Nettaxi World based on the
specifications set forth on Schedule 1 hereto. The Activeworlds Content
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developed by Activeworlds for Nettaxi World will cover up to 40,000 virtual
square meters of virtual land. Activeworlds will make additional virtual land
available to users of Nettaxi World to build their own virtual structures and
content.
2.2 Development of Nettaxi Coded Browser. Activeworlds shall
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develop the Nettaxi Coded Browser, which shall be a co-branded version of the
Active Worlds Browser containing a splash screen provided by Nettaxi and which
shall contain a Nettaxi client identification code. Activeworlds shall work with
Nettaxi to make the Nettaxi Coded Browser available for download and
installation via a link on the Nettaxi Web Site. An Internet user who downloads
and installs the Nettaxi Coded Browser may use it to access Worlds in Active
Worlds, including Nettaxi World, and to register to become a Citizen of Active
Worlds.
2.3 Splash Screen. Nettaxi shall provide Activeworlds with a 256 x
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256 pixels picture to be used as the splash screen for the launch of the Nettaxi
Coded Browser.
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3. Promotion of Nettaxi World.
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3.1 Nettaxi Link. Nettaxi shall promote the Nettaxi World and
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Active Worlds World by providing on the home page of the Nettaxi Web Site a link
to Nettaxi World. Such link shall be co-branded with Activeworlds using such
Activeworlds logo or trademark as is agreed to by Activeworlds and permitted
pursuant to the terms of this Agreement.
3.2 Nettaxi E-mail Promotion. Within ten (10) days of the
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completion of Nettaxi World, Nettaxi shall transmit one (1) direct e-mail
promotion message to each user of the Nettaxi Web Site (which shall not include
any user which has requested that Nettaxi refrain from using his or her e-mail
address for promotional purposes). The text of such e-mail promotion message
shall be jointly agreed upon by Nettaxi and Activeworlds prior to the
transmission of such message.
3.3 Nettaxi Web Site Promotion. Within five (5) days of the
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completion of Nettaxi World, Nettaxi shall post a prominent announcement on the
home page of the Nettaxi Web Site promoting the Nettaxi World and Active Worlds
World. The text of such Nettaxi Web Site promotional announcement shall be
jointly agreed upon by Nettaxi and Activeworlds prior to the posting of such
announcement. Such announcement shall remain continuously posted on the Nettaxi
Web Site for at least sixty (60) days following its initial posting.
4. Advertising in Nettaxi World.
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4.1 Nettaxi World Advertisements. Activeworlds shall design
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Nettaxi World to accommodate advertisements in the form of three-dimensional
billboards, virtual blimps or other graphical images.
4.2 Advertising Procurement by Nettaxi. Nettaxi shall be
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exclusively responsible for all aspects of arranging for and changing
advertisements in Nettaxi World, including without limitation, negotiating and
entering into contracts with advertising vendors. Activeworlds is not
responsible for maintaining or changing such advertisements, or for any
liability in connection with such advertisements, and Nettaxi hereby agrees to
indemnify and hold harmless Activeworlds from any liability arising from such
advertisements.
4.3 Marketing and Promotion by Nettaxi. Nettaxi agrees that its
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marketing and advertising efforts regarding Nettaxi World shall be of high
quality, in good taste, and will preserve the professional image and reputations
of the parties. Nettaxi shall not permit the use of any advertising or
promotional material which makes reference to another party or uses another
parties trademarks without review and prior written approval of such other
party. Activeworlds shall retain the right to reject any advertisement which it
shall determine in its sole discretion is not in good taste or is otherwise
offensive or harmful.
5. Cost of Development. Activeworlds shall develop and host Nettaxi
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World and shall develop the Nettaxi Coded Browser at no cost to Nettaxi.
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6. Revenue Sharing. Activeworlds agrees to pay to Nettaxi fifty percent
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(50%) of any Annual Fee collected by Activeworlds from a Citizen who uses the
Nettaxi Coded Browser to purchase such citizenship. Activeworlds shall make such
payments to Nettaxi within thirty (30) days after each month in which such fees
are received by Activeworlds with respect to fees received in such month. In the
event any such user cancels their citizenship, and such cancellation results in
there being a refund of all or any part of any Annual Fee, Nettaxi shall be
required to repay to Activeworlds the amount of such refunded Annual Fee. Such
repayment may be effected through Activeworlds' offsetting any amounts owing to
Nettaxi.
7. Audits.
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7.1 Examination of Records. Activeworlds shall retain a record of
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Annual Fees paid by Citizen registrations made through the Nettaxi Coded Browser
for a period of at least three (3) years after the submission of the
corresponding payment referenced in this Agreement. Nettaxi shall have the right
to make an examination and audit, with not less than thirty (30) days notice,
not more frequently than twice during any twelve (12) month period, of all
records and accounts kept by the other party as may reasonably be expected to
contain information bearing upon the amount of fees payable under this
Agreement. Examinations and audits shall be conducted during regular business
hours, shall not unreasonably interfere with an audited party's normal business
and shall last no longer than three (3) business days. Prior to conducting an
examination, each auditor shall sign any separate confidentiality agreement
reasonably requested by the party to be audited. The auditors shall report only
to the audited and auditing parties and only whether there has been any
underpayment and, if so, the amount thereof. Prompt adjustment shall be made by
the proper party to compensate for any errors or omissions disclosed by such
examination or audit. Neither such right to examine and audit nor the right to
receive such adjustment shall be affected by any statement to the contrary
appearing on checks or otherwise unless such statement appears in a letter,
signed by the party having such right, expressly waiving such right and such
letter is delivered to the other appropriate party. The costs of any such audit
shall be borne by the auditing party, unless the results of the audit shall
disclose a deficiency in payments due to the auditing party of greater than five
percent (5%) for the audited period, in which case the non-auditing party shall
bear the costs of the audit.
7.2 Audit Confidentiality. Except to the extent necessary to
----------------------
establish a party's right to payment of fees 'under this Agreement and then only
in a court of law or other legal proceeding, the auditing party shall hold, and
shall require any third party retained by the auditing party for the purpose of
such audit to hold, all information obtained from the audited party pursuant to
this section in confidence and shall not disclose such information to any other
person or entity without the audited party's prior written consent.
8. Technical Support. Each party agrees to furnish, at no charge,
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technical support to each of the other party's support and development personnel
as is reasonably required to carry out the provisions of this Agreement. Such
technical support shall be
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furnished during regular business hours (excluding weekends and holidays) via
telephone, electronic mail, or as otherwise agreed upon by the parties from time
to time.
9. Confidential Information.
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9.1 Obligations of Confidentiality. Confidential Information shall
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remain the property of the originating party and, unless otherwise agreed in
writing, such Confidential Information: (i) shall be treated in confidence and
used only for the purposes of performing obligations or exercising rights
granted under this Agreement; (ii) shall not be reproduced or copied in whole or
in part, except as necessary for use as authorized in this Agreement; and (iii)
shall, together with any copies thereof, be returned, be destroyed, or if
recorded on an erasable storage medium, be erased when no longer needed or upon
the termination of this Agreement, whichever occurs first. Each party
acknowledges that the Confidential Information is a special, valuable and unique
asset of the other and has been obtained or compiled at great expense to said
party. Each party will safeguard and keep confidential such Confidential
Information including abiding by the policies and regulations established by the
parties from time to time for protection of such Confidential Information.
Unless agreed by the disclosing party in writing, the receiving party shall not
disclose any Confidential Information of the disclosing party, by publication or
otherwise, to any person other than employees and contractors (such as contract
manufacturers or software developers) who (i) are bound to written
confidentiality obligations consistent with and at least as restrictive as those
set forth herein and (ii) have a need to know such Confidential Information for
purposes of enabling a party to exercise its rights and perform its obligations
pursuant to this Agreement. The foregoing confidentiality obligation shall be
effective for a period of five (5) years after first disclosure of the
Confidential Information pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, provided
however, that each party will comply with any obligations of confidentiality as
may be imposed pursuant to agreements with third parties for longer periods
(each party hereby shall disclose to the other in writing such obligations of
confidentiality that may be imposed pursuant to such agreements with third
parties at the time of disclosure).
9.2 Injunctive Relief. Each party further acknowledges that due to
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the nature and value of the Confidential Information, disclosure of such
information would work an irreparable and immediate harm to the other party or
parties, for which there is no adequate remedy at law, and either a restraining
order and/or an injunction may forthwith issue against said party with respect
to any such disclosure or threatened disclosure by said party or anybody under
said party's direction and/or control.
9.3 Exceptions. The obligations under this section shall not apply
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to any information that (i) is or becomes available without restriction to the
general public by acts not attributable to the receiving party or any of its
legally recognized subsidiaries or their employees; (ii) was rightfully in said
receiving party's or its legally recognized subsidiaries' possession before
disclosure hereunder to the receiving party; (iii) is independently developed by
said receiving party or its legally recognized subsidiaries, or is rightfully
disclosed to said receiving party or its legally recognized subsidiaries by a
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third party without restrictions on disclosure; (iv) is required to be disclosed
by a court of competent jurisdiction, provided the party disclosing the
Confidential Information gives the other party reasonable notice to allow such
other party to attempt to obtain a protective order.
9.4 Confidentiality of Agreement. Except as otherwise agreed upon
-----------------------------
in writing, each party agrees that the terms and conditions of this Agreement
shall be treated as Confidential Information; provided that each party may
disclose the terms and conditions of this Agreement: (a) to legal counsel; (b)
in confidence, to accountants, banks, and financing sources and their advisors;
and (c) in confidence, in connection with the enforcement of this Agreement or
rights under this Agreement.
10. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY. EXCEPT FOR ANY LIABILITY ARISING OUT OF A
------------------------
BREACH OF THE CONFIDENTIALITY PROVISIONS OF THIS AGREEMENT, NEITHER PARTY SHALL
BE LIABLE TO THE OTHER FOR ANY LOST PROFITS, LOSS OF MARKET OR OPPORTUMTY AND/OR
INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL LOSS OR DAMAGE HOWSOEVER ARISING IN CONNECTION WITH
THE SUBJECT MATTER OF THIS AGREEMENT, PURSUANT TO ANY CLAIM IN CONTRACT,
NEGLIGENCE, TORT, STRICT LIABILITY, OR OTHER THEORY.
11. Term and Termination.
----------------------
11.1 Term of Agreement. This Agreement shall continue in force for
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a term of one (1) year, and shall continue for successive one (1) year periods
thereafter unless terminated by either party prior to the commencement of such
subsequent period.
11.2 Termination. If any of the events described below occur with
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respect to a party, then, notwithstanding the language of this section, this
Agreement may be terminated immediately by the non-breaching party upon written
notice to the breaching party:
(a) In the event that any party: becomes insolvent; files a
voluntary petition in bankruptcy or liquidation; proposes any dissolution,
liquidation, reorganization, or recapitalization with creditors, has filed
against it any involuntary petition in bankruptcy or liquidation or a receiver
is appointed or takes possession of the party's property, and such petition or
receiver is not dismissed or stayed within sixty (60) days after such filing,
appointment or taking possession; makes an assignment for the benefit of
creditors, or is adjudicated as bankrupt; or takes any similar action under the
laws of any jurisdiction; or
(b) In the event any party becomes unable to pay its debts as
they mature in the ordinary course of business or makes an assignment for he
benefit or creditors; or
(c) In the event of any material breach of this Agreement at
the option of the non-breaching party.
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11.3 Duties Upon Termination or Expiration. Upon expiration or
-----------------------------------------
termination of this Agreement:
(a) Each party shall immediately delete all references to the
other party from its web site or other marketing materials;
(b) All rights and obligations of the parties shall be
cancelled; and
(c) Each party shall return to the other party all
Confidential Information of such other party all of such other party's
materials, software and catalogues relating to patents, trade secrets and
proprietary rights as well as all promotional and non promotional materials
originally furnished by such other party that are in such first party's
possession or control.
11.4 Injunctive Relief. Each party further acknowledges that
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violation of the provisions of this section would work an irreparable and
immediate harm to the other party or parties, for which there is no adequate
remedy at law, and either a restraining order and/or an injunction may forthwith
issue against said party with respect to such party's obligations (or the
obligations or anybody under said party's direction and/or control) under this
section.
12. Ownership and Use of Intellectual Property.
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12.1 Ownership Representations. Each party warrants and represents
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to the other party that such other party's permitted use of such first party's
technology or information will not violate or infringe upon the patents, trade
secrets, trademarks, service marks or copyrights of third parties.
12.2 Publicity and Use of Trademarks. Except as specifically
-------------- ------- ----------
provided under the terms of this Agreement, each party agrees that it will not,
without the prior written permission of the other party, (i) use in advertising,
publicity, packaging, labeling or otherwise any trade name, trademark, trade
device, service mark, symbol or any other identification or any abbreviation,
contraction or simulation thereof owned by the other party or any of its legally
recognized subsidiaries or used by the other party or any of its legally
recognized subsidiaries to identify any of such party's or its subsidiaries'
products or services; or (ii) represent, directly or indirectly, that any
product or service of the other party is a product or service of it or any of
its legally recognized subsidiaries or is made in accordance with or utilizes
any information or documentation of the other party or any of its legally
recognized subsidiaries. Nothing contained herein shall be construed as
conferring by implication, estoppel or otherwise, any license or right for any
party to use any name, trade name, trademark, service mark, symbol or any other
identification or any abbreviation, contraction or simulation thereof, except as
expressly set forth herein.
12.3 Ownership and License of Nettaxi Content. Nettaxi shall
---------------------------------------------
retain all right, title and interest in and to Nettaxi Content, including
without limitation derivative works thereof Nettaxi hereby grants to
Activeworlds an exclusive, world-wide, royalty-
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free, perpetual license to use Nettaxi Content in the creation of Nettaxi World
and the Nettaxi Coded Browser.
12.4 Ownership of Activeworlds Content. Intellectual Property and
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Software. Activeworlds shall retain all right, title and interest in and to all
- --------
Activeworlds Content and Activeworlds Intellectual Property. Nettaxi
acknowledges that no license or transfer of any Activeworlds Content or
Activeworlds Intellectual Property is effected under this Agreement and agrees
that it will do nothing inconsistent with Activeworlds' ownership of
Activeworlds Content and Activeworlds Intellectual Property. Nettaxi agrees that
Activeworlds shall be provided with credit as the owner of Activeworlds
Software, Nettaxi World and the Nettaxi Coded Browser and further agrees to
place Activeworlds copyright notices or other Activeworlds proprietary legends
on the Nettaxi Web Site in a form and manner acceptable to, and as requested by,
Activeworlds.
12.5 Protection of Intellectual Property Rights. Each party shall
-------------------------------------------
utilize its best efforts to protect the intellectual property rights of the
other party.
12.6 Restrictions on Use. Nettaxi agrees that it will not modify,
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disassemble, reverse engineer or reverse compile any Activeworlds Software.
13. Indemnification.
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13.1 Nettaxi Indemnification.
------------------------
(a) Nettaxi shall, at its expense, defend, indemnify and hold
harmless Activeworlds, and its officers, directors and employees, agents and
independent contractors from any and all costs, damages, liabilities and fees
reasonably incurred by Activeworlds, including but not limited to fees of
attorneys and other professionals, with respect to any claims, actions, demands
or proceedings arising out of or in any way related to (1) any breach by Nettaxi
of this Agreement, including any breach of Nettaxi's warranties and
representations or any breach of secrecy and/or confidentiality under the terms
of this Agreement; and (ii) any infringement or alleged infringement of the
rights of any person occurring through the use or commercial exploitation of
Nettaxi Content, to the extent arising solely from the Nettaxi Coded Browser or
Nettaxi World, provided that Activeworlds gives prompt written notice to Nettaxi
of any such claim, action, demand or proceeding; Activeworlds allows Nettaxi to
control the defense and related settlement negotiations (except in the case of
any claim, action, demand or proceeding relating to Activeworlds Software); and
Activeworlds fully assists in the defense so long as Nettaxi reimburses
Activeworlds for its reasonable expenses and employee time. Activeworlds shall
have the right to offset any amounts owing from it to Nettaxi against the amount
of any claim as to which it is entitled to indemnficiation hereunder.
(b) In the event that any such claim, action, or demand is
made against Activeworlds, Activeworlds will promptly furnish Nettaxi with
copies of any and all documents (inclusive of all correspondence and pleadings
other than attorney-client communications) pertaining thereto. Activeworlds will
also keep Nettaxi continuously
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and fully informed in a timely manner as to the status of the same and will
provide Nettaxi with copies of any additional documents pertaining thereto.
13.2 Activeworlds Indemnification.
-----------------------------
(a) Activeworlds shall, at its expense, defend, indemnify and
hold harmless Nettaxi, and its officers, directors, and employees, agents and
independent contractors from any and all costs, damages, liabilities and fees
reasonably incurred by Nettaxi, including but not limited to fees of attorneys
and other professionals, with respect to any claims, actions, demands or
proceedings arising out of or in any way related to (i) a breach by Activeworlds
of this Agreement, including any breach of Activeworlds' warranties and
representations or any breach of secrecy and/or confidentiality under the terms
of this Agreement; and (ii) any infringement or alleged infringement of rights
of any person occurring through the use or commercial exploitation of
Activeworlds Content, to the extent arising solely from the Nettaxi Coded
Browser or Nettaxi World, provided that Nettaxi gives prompt written notice to
Activeworlds of any such claim, action, demand or proceeding; Nettaxi allows
Activeworlds to control the defense and related settlement negotiations (except
in the case of any claim, action, demand or proceeding relating to the Nettaxi
Intellectual Property); and Nettaxi fully assists in the defense so long as
Activeworlds reimburses Nettaxi for its reasonable expenses and employee time.
Nettaxi shall have the right to offset any amounts owing from it to Activeworlds
against the amount of any claim as to which it is entitled to indemnficiation
hereunder.
(b) In the event that any such claim, action, demand or
proceeding is made against Nettaxi, Nettaxi will promptly furnish Activeworlds
with copies of any and all documents (inclusive of all correspondence and
pleadings other than attorney-client communications) pertaining thereto. Nettaxi
will also keep Activeworlds continuously and fully informed in a timely manner
as to the status of the same arid will provide Activeworlds with copies of any
additional documents pertaining thereto.
14. No Agency Created. The relationship of the parties under this
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Agreement shall be and at all times remain one of independent contractors. This
Agreement does not render either party the agent, legal representative, partner
or employee of the other party. Neither party is granted the right or authority
to assume or to create any obligation or responsibility on behalf of or in the
name of the other party or to bind the other party in any manner whatsoever.
15. Nothing Construed. Nothing contained herein shall be construed as
------------------
an obligation upon either party to furnish the other party or any other person
or entity, any information; documentation or assistance of any kind whatsoever
except as set forth herein.
16. Notices. For the purpose of all communications or notices required
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by this Agreement, the same should be sent to the undersigned, as appropriate,
at the address set forth on the signature page of this Agreement, or at any
other address which a party may specify to the other party in writing.
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17. Agreement Prevails; Severability; Non-Waiver. This Agreement shall
---------------------------------------------
prevail notwithstanding any conflicting terms or legends which may appear on or
in any items furnished by one party to the other party under this Agreement. If
any provision(s) of this Agreement are held to be invalid, illegal or
unenforceable, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining
provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby. The failure of
any party to enforce any of the provisions of this Agreement shall not be
construed to be a waiver of the right of such party thereafter to enforce such
provisions or other provisions of this Agreement.
18. Assignment. The parties agree that each party may assign this
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Agreement to a legally recognized subsidiary, or a successor to substantially
all of the relevant business of said party, provided that any such legally
recognized subsidiary or assignee of said party agrees in writing to be bound by
all of the terms of this Agreement and has adequate assets with which to satisfy
its obligations arising hereunder.
19. Integration; Interpretation. This Agreement (i) has been negotiated
---------------------------
at arm's length between persons knowledgeable in the subject matters dealt with
herein, and with representation by experienced legal counsel, and (ii) sets
forth the entire agreement and understanding between the parties as to the
subject matter hereof and merges all prior discussions between them. None of the
parties shall be bound by any warranties, understandings or representations with
respect to such subject matter other than as expressly provided herein, or in a
writing executed with or subsequent to the execution of this Agreement by an
authorized representative of the party to be bound thereby. Any rule of law or
legal decision that would require interpretation of any ambiguities in this
Agreement against the party that drafted it shall not be applicable and are
waived by the parties. The provisions of this Agreement shall be interpreted in
a reasonable manner to effect the purposes of the parties and of this Agreement.
20. Third Parties. Unless expressly stated herein to the contrary,
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nothing in this Agreement, whether express or implied, is intended to confer any
rights or remedies under or by reason of this Agreement on any persons or
entities other than the parties hereto and their respective successors or
permitted assigns.
21. Force Majeure. No party shall be liable for any failure to perform
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its obligations in connection with any action described in this Agreement, if
such failure results from any act of God, riot, war, civil unrest, flood,
earthquake, or other similar cause beyond such party's reasonable control
(including any mechanical, electronic or communications failure, but excluding
failure caused by a party's financial condition or negligence).
22. Amendments. The provisions of this Agreement may not be amended,
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supplemented, waived or changed orally, but only by a writing signed by the
party as to whom enforcement of any such amendment, supplement, waiver or
modification is sought, making specific reference to this Agreement.
23. Captions. The descriptive captions contained herein are for
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convenience only and shall not control or affect the meaning or construction of
any provision hereof.
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24. Venue and Governing Laws. Venue for all proceedings in connection
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with this Agreement shall be in Suffolk or Essex County, Commonwealth of
Massachusetts and all aspects of this Agreement shall be governed by the laws of
the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
25. Attorneys Fees and Costs. In connection with any litigation arising
------------------------
out of or in connection with this Agreement, the prevailing party shall be
entitled to recover all of its costs incurred in connection therewith, including
reasonable attorney and paralegal fees at the trial and appellate levels.
26. Survival. The obligations of the parties with respect to
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Confidential Information and indemnification shall survive any termination of
this Agreement.
27. Counterparts; Facsimile. This Agreement may be executed in one or
------------------------
more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original and all of which
shall be deemed to be one instrument. A facsimile of this Agreement evidencing
the fact of execution by the parties hereto shall constitute sufficient evidence
of acceptance of the terms of this Agreement.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of
the date indicated.
NETTAXI.COM, INC.
1696 Dell Avenue
Campbell, CA 95008
By: /s/ Bob Speicher, V.P. Sales/Marketing
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Bob Speicher, V.P. Sales/Marketing
ACTIVEWORLDS.COM, INC.
95 Parker Street
Newburyport, MA 01950
By:
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Richard F. Noll, President and CEO
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