EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT WITH ALIMERA SCIENCES, INC.
EXHIBIT 10.2
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT WITH
ALIMERA SCIENCES, INC.
This Employment Agreement (this “Agreement”) is entered into between Alimera Sciences, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and ▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇ (“Executive”), as of January 2, 2024.
RECITALS:
WHEREAS, the Company is engaged in the business of developing, marketing and selling ophthalmic pharmaceuticals in the United States and throughout the world; and
WHEREAS, the Company and Executive desire that Executive provide employment services to the Company upon the terms and conditions set forth below; and
WHEREAS, the Company desires now to retain Executive as its Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, effective as of January 2, 2024 (the “Effective Date”), pursuant to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, and to implement a competitive compensation and benefit package for Executive commensurate with his role, as provided herein.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the promises and mutual covenants contained herein, the parties, intending to be legally bound, agree as follows:
AGREEMENT:
SECTION 1 EFFECTIVE DATE
Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement, the Company agrees to employ Executive as Chief Financial Officer, and Executive agrees to such employment by the Company effective as of the Effective Date.
SECTION 2 DEFINITIONS
“2023 Plan” means the Alimera Sciences, Inc. 2023 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended and/or restated from time to time.
“Board” means the Board of Directors of the Company.
“Bonus” means the bonus, determined based on the actual performance of the Company for the full fiscal year in which Executive’s employment terminates, that Executive would have earned for the year in which his employment terminates had he remained employed for the entire year, prorated based on the ratio of the number of days during such year that Executive was employed to 365. Subject to the conditions set forth in Section 5(a), such Bonus will be determined and paid to Executive no later than 21/2 months after the close of the fiscal year in which Executive’s employment terminates.
“Cause” means:
(1) Executive’s gross negligence or willful misconduct with respect to the business and affairs of the Company, including violation of any material policy or rule of the Company that is not cured within 30 days after written notice thereof is given to Executive by the Company;
(2) Executive’s conviction of, or entering a guilty plea or plea of no contest with respect to a felony or to a crime involving moral turpitude, deceit, dishonesty or fraud;
(3) Executive’s material breach of the terms of this Agreement or any agreement between Executive and the Company or material violation of any of the Company’s written employment policies;
(0) Executive’s failure to fulfill Executive’s duties and responsibilities under this Agreement, or such other duties and responsibilities as may be assigned or delegated to Executive, and such breach or failure, as the case may be, if capable of being cured, is not cured within 30 days after written notice thereof is given to Executive by the Company;
(4) Executive’s engaging in any intentional act of dishonesty, deceit, fraud, moral turpitude, misconduct, breach of trust or acting intentionally against the financial or business interests of the Company, or Executive’s use or possession of illegal drugs in the workplace; or
(5) Executive’s failure to cooperate in good faith with a governmental or internal investigation of the Company or its directors, officers or employees, if the Company has requested Executive’s cooperation.
For purposes of this definition of Cause, no act, or failure to act, will be deemed “willful” or “intentional” if done or omitted to be done by Executive in good faith with a reasonable belief that Executive’s act, or failure to act, was in the best interest of the Company.
“Change in Control” means (i) the consummation of a merger or consolidation of the Company with or into another entity or any other corporate reorganization, if persons who were not stockholders of the Company immediately prior to such merger, consolidation or other corporate reorganization, own immediately after such merger, consolidation or other corporate reorganization 50% or more of the voting power of the outstanding securities of each of (A) the continuing or surviving entity and (B) any direct or indirect parent corporation of such continuing or surviving entity or (ii) the sale, transfer or other disposition of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets. A transaction shall not constitute a Change in Control if its sole purpose is to change the state of the Company’s incorporation or to create a holding company that will be owned in substantially the same proportions by the persons who held the Company’s securities immediately before such transaction. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a Change in Control shall not be deemed to occur unless such transaction also qualifies as a “change in control event” as described in Treas. Reg. § 1.409A-3(i)(5).
“Code” means the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as currently and hereafter amended.
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“Compensation Committee” means the compensation committee of the Board.
“Competing Business” means any business which develops, sells or markets ophthalmic pharmaceuticals.
“Disability” means a condition which renders Executive unable to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death, or which has lasted or is expected to last for a continuous period of not less than six consecutive months with or without reasonable accommodation. Executive shall not be considered disabled unless Executive furnishes proof in such form or manner, and at such times, as the Company may require.
“Equity” means (i) all Stock, including restricted stock; (ii) all options and other rights to purchase Stock; (iii) all restricted stock units, performance units or phantom shares whose value is measured by the value of Stock; (iv) all stock appreciation rights whose value is measured by increases in the value of Stock; and (v) any other award under an ISP.
“Good Reason” means:
| · | for purposes of Section 4(e), that Executive resigns due to one of the following conditions: (i) a material diminution of Executive’s authority, duties or responsibilities with the Company; (ii) a geographic relocation of Executive’s primary business location to a location that is more than 35 miles from the present location of Executive’s primary business location; or (iii) any breach by the Company of this Agreement that is material and, in the case of each clause above, that is not cured within 30 days after written notice thereof to the Company from Executive. |
| · | for purposes of Section 5, that Executive resigns after one of the following conditions has come into existence without his consent: (i) a reduction in Executive’s base salary from the amount set forth in Section 4(a) or target bonus opportunity set forth in Section 4(b); (ii) a material adverse change in Executive’s authority, responsibilities or duties with the Company; (iii) a requirement by the Company that Executive relocate Executive’s primary business location to a location that is more than 35 miles from the present location of Executive’s primary business location; (iv) any breach by the Company of this Agreement that is material and that is not cured, or is not capable of being cured, within 30 days after written notice thereof to the Company and the Board from Executive as provided in the following sentence. A condition shall not be considered “Good Reason” unless Executive gives the Company written notice of such condition within 90 days after such condition first comes into existence, the Company fails to remedy such condition within 30 days after receiving Executive’s written notice (the “Cure Period”) as provided in the foregoing sentence, and Executive terminates Executive’s employment within sixty (60) days after the end of the Cure Period. For the avoidance of doubt, if the Company cures the Good Reason condition during the Cure Period, Good Reason shall be deemed not to have occurred. |
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“ISP” means the 2023 Plan and any new equity incentive plan adopted by the Company, in each case as amended from time to time.
“Restricted Period” means the 12-month period beginning on the date on which Executive’s employment with the Company is terminated pursuant to the terms of this Agreement.
“Separation” means a “separation from service,” as defined in the regulations under Section 409A of the Code.
“Stock” means shares of the Company’s common stock.
SECTION 3 TITLE, POWERS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
(a) Title . Executive shall serve as Chief Financial Officer of the Company.
(b) Powers and Responsibilities .
(1) Executive, in fulfilling Executive’s responsibilities, shall have such powers as are normally and customarily associated with a Chief Financial Officer in a company of similar size and operating in a similar industry, including the power to hire and fire employees and executives of the Company reporting to Executive and such other powers as are authorized by the Board.
(2) Executive, as a condition to Executive’s employment under this Agreement, represents and warrants that Executive will assume and fulfill the responsibilities described in Section 3(b)(1) without any risk of violating any non-compete or other restrictive covenant or other agreement to which Executive is a party.
(c) Reporting Relationship . Executive shall report to the Company’s Chief Executive Officer.
(d) Full-Time Basis . Executive (1) shall undertake to perform all Executive’s responsibilities and exercise all Executive’s powers in good faith and on a full-time basis, (2) shall not engage in any other employment, consulting or other business activity that would create a conflict of interest with the Company, (3) shall not assist any person or entity in competing with the Company or in preparing to compete with the Company, and (4) shall comply in all material respects with the Company’s policies and rules, as they may be in effect from time to time.
(e) No Conflicting Obligations . Executive represents and warrants to the Company that Executive is under no obligations or commitments, whether contractual or otherwise, that are inconsistent with his obligations under this Agreement. Executive represents and warrants that Executive will not use or disclose, in connection with Executive’s employment with the Company, any trade secrets or other proprietary information or intellectual property in which Executive or any other person has any right, title or interest and that Executive’s employment with the Company will not infringe or violate the rights of any other person.
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SECTION 4 COMPENSATION, BENEFITS, ETC.
(a) Annual Base Salary . Executive’s base salary shall be $350,000 per year, which amount may be reviewed and adjusted from time to time at the discretion of the Board or the Compensation Committee. Executive’s annual base salary shall be payable in accordance with the Company’s standard payroll practices and policies for executives and shall be subject to such withholdings as are required by law or as are otherwise permissible under such practices or policies.
(b) Annual Bonus . Beginning on January 2, 2024, for each fiscal year, the Company shall pay an annual bonus to Executive no later than 21/2 months after the close of such fiscal year, subject to the terms and conditions of the Company’s Management Cash Incentive Program (or any predecessor or successor cash incentive plan thereto), which may be reviewed from time to time at the discretion of the Board or the Compensation Committee. To earn an annual bonus for any particular fiscal year of employment, Executive must remain employed by the Company through the date the bonus is paid except as specifically set forth in Section 5. Executive’s initial target annual bonus amount shall be up to 40% of Executive’s annual base salary, as determined by the Board or the Compensation Committee. The determinations of the Board or the Compensation Committee with respect to such bonus shall be final and binding; provided, however, that Executive’s target annual bonus amount shall not be reduced to an amount below 40% of Executive’s then-current base salary.
(c) Employee Benefit Plans . Executive shall be eligible to participate in the employee benefit plans, programs and policies maintained by the Company on terms no less favorable to Executive than the participation terms applicable to similarly situated executives of the Company, subject to the terms and conditions of such plans, programs and policies as in effect from time to time.
(d) Equity Awards . Subject to the approval of the Compensation Committee, the Company will grant to Executive the following stock option, time-based restricted stock units, and performance-based restricted stock units, each as an inducement material to Executive’s entering into this Agreement, within the meaning of NASDAQ Marketplace Rule 5635(c)(4) and the related guidance under NASDAQ IM 5635-1, and not pursuant to the 2023 Plan:
(1) Stock Option . Executive shall receive an option to purchase 75,000 shares of Stock (the “Option”). The exercise price of the Option shall be equal to the fair market value per share of Stock as of the date of grant of the Option. The Option will be subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the corresponding inducement stock option agreement (the “Stock Option Agreement”). As more fully described in the Stock Option Agreement, Executive will vest in 25% of the Option shares after twelve (12) months of continuous service with the Company, and the balance will vest in equal monthly installments over the next thirty-six (36) months of continuous service with the Company.
(2) Restricted Stock Units . Executive shall receive an award of 75,000 restricted stock units representing a notional account equal to a corresponding number of shares of Stock (the “RSUs”). Such RSUs will be subject to the terms and conditions set forth the corresponding inducement restricted stock unit agreement (the “RSU Agreement”). As more fully described in the RSU Agreement, the RSUs will vest with respect to 25% of the RSUs after twelve (12) months of continuous service with the Company, and the balance will vest in equal annual installments over the next thirty-six (36) months of continuous service with the Company.
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(3) Performance Stock Units . Executive shall receive an award of 75,000 performance stock units representing a notional account equal to a corresponding number of shares of Stock (the “PSUs”). Such PSUs will be subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the corresponding inducement performance stock unit agreement (the “PSU Agreement”). As will be more fully described in the PSU Agreement, the vesting of the PSUs will be conditioned on the satisfaction of either of the following performance metrics, in each case subject to Executive’s continuous service with the Company:
(A) Revenue Target. The PSUs will vest in three tranches, subject to the achievement of the following milestones, as determined by the Compensation Committee following the completion of the Company’s audited financial statements for the applicable measurement year. Each tranche will vest if the (i) Company’s audited revenue for the applicable measurement year equals or exceed that annual revenue target set forth below for the applicable year and (ii) the corporate Adjusted EBITDA (as defined in the PSU Agreement) exceeds 20% of revenue in such year (the “Revenue Target”):
| Measurement Year (Number of Shares Subject to PSUs) | Annual Revenue Target | |||
| 2024 (25,000) | $ | 115,000,000 | ||
| 2025 (25,000) | $ | 135,000,000 | ||
| 2026 (25,000) | $ | 155,000,000 | ||
If the Revenue Target is not satisfied for a measurement year, no PSUs will vest for that measurement year unless the PSUs for such year have previously vested as a result of satisfaction of the Stock Price Target milestones (discussed below) during or prior to such measurement year. For the avoidance of doubt, if the Revenue Target milestone is not met in one of the measurement years set forth above, the shares subject to the PSUs for such measurement year shall not be eligible to vest in a later year as a result of subsequent Revenue Target milestones being met.
(B) Stock Price Target. Notwithstanding the Revenue Target, the PSUs will vest in three tranches of shares, subject to the achievement of the following milestones. For any measurement year, the applicable shares subject to the PSUs will vest if the per share closing price of the Stock equals or exceeds the price in the table below for any 20 trading days within any 30-trading day period during the applicable measurement year (adjustments to be made for stock splits, stock dividends, reorganizations, and recapitalizations) (the “Stock Price Target”):
| Measurement Year (Number of Shares Subject to PSUs) | Closing Price of Share of Stock | |||
| 2024 (25,000) | $ | 5.10 | ||
| 2025 (25,000) | $ | 6.80 | ||
| 2026 (25,000) | $ | 8.50 | ||
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If neither the Revenue Target nor the Stock Price Target are satisfied for a measurement year, no PSU shares will vest for that measurement year; however, if the Stock Price Target for a future year is achieved in a prior year then the number of vested PSUs shall be accelerated to include the number of PSUs that would have vested in such future year (e.g., if in 2024 the Stock Price Target equals or exceeds $8.50 for the applicable period, then all 75,000 PSUs shall vest in 2024, and if in 2024 the Stock Price Target does not equal or exceed $5.10, but in 2025 the Stock Price Target equals or exceeds $8.50 for the applicable period, then 50,000 of the PSUs shall vest).
The determinations of the Board or the Compensation Committee with respect to the achievement of a Revenue Target or Stock Price Target shall be final and binding. The Board and the Compensation Committee have discretion to modify the Revenue Targets or performance results to reflect significant transactions (such as acquisitions, divestitures, or newly formed joint ventures) or other unusual items if such events occur following the Effective Date, provided however that any such modifications made with respect to the Revenue Targets or performance results related to the PSUs granted to Executive pursuant to this Section 4(d)(3) shall be consistent with modifications made to equity awards made to other similarly situated Company executives on equivalent terms.
(4) Other Awards . Executive may receive additional Equity awards at the discretion of the Board, subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the applicable ISP and any corresponding notice, agreement or certificate under the ISP.
(e) Acceleration of Vesting of Equity . The following terms shall apply to all of Executive’s Equity awards in Section 4(d), subject to Executive’s execution and non-revocation of the Release provided for in Section 5(a):
(1) The vested percentage of Executive’s Equity awards subject to time-based vesting (“Time-Based Awards”) shall be determined by adding 12 months to the actual period of service that Executive has completed with the Company if Executive’s employment with the Company is terminated by the Company without Cause or Executive resigns for Good Reason. (i.e., Executive’s vesting shall be accelerated by an additional 12 months).
(2) Executive shall vest in 100% of Executive’s remaining unvested Time-Based Awards if (i) a Change in Control occurs and (ii) within 3 months prior to a Change in Control, on a Change in Control, or within 12 months after the Change in Control, Executive’s employment with the Company is terminated by the Company (or its successor) without Cause or Executive resigns for Good Reason.
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(3) Executive shall vest in 100% of Executive’s unvested PSUs for the measurement year in which a Change in Control occurs (i) if the pro-rated annual revenue and Adjusted EBITDA as of the date of the Change in Control, annualized, would exceed the Revenue Target for the year in which the Change in Control occurs (i.e., the trajectory of the revenue for the year is on pace to exceed the Revenue Target in the year of the Change in Control as of the date of the Change in Control), as determined by the Compensation Committee and (ii) if (A) a Change in Control occurs and (B) within 3 months prior to a Change in Control, on a Change in Control, or within 12 months after the Change in Control, Executive’s employment with the Company is terminated by the Company (or its successor) without Cause or Executive resigns for Good Reason. For the avoidance of doubt, (x) PSUs that did not vest in a prior year because the applicable Revenue Target milestone was not satisfied or the Stock Price Target milestone was not satisfied shall not be subject to any acceleration of vesting and (y) PSUs that have not vested because the applicable measurement year has not yet begun as of the Change in Control shall not be subject to any acceleration of vesting under the Revenue Target milestone; provided, however, that, if the per-share closing price of the Stock equals or exceeds the Stock Price Target, disregarding the trading day requirement, for a future year upon the Change in Control, then the number of vested PSUs shall be accelerated to include the number of PSUs that would have vested in such future year.
(4) Executive shall vest in 100% of the remaining unvested Equity awards in the event of Disability where a Separation occurs or in the event of death.
(f) Rights to Time Off Work . Executive shall be eligible for paid time off in accordance with the Company paid time-off policies, as in effect from time to time.
(g) Expense Reimbursements . Executive shall have the right to expense reimbursements in accordance with the Company’s standard policy on expense reimbursements, as in effect from time to time. Any reimbursement shall (a) be for expenses reasonably and necessarily incurred in the performance of Executive’s duties, (b) be paid promptly but not later than the last day of the calendar year following the year in which the expense was incurred, (c) not be affected by any other expenses that are eligible for reimbursement in any calendar year, and (d) not be subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit.
(h) Indemnification . The Company shall, to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law and the Company’s governing documents, indemnify Executive and hold Executive harmless from and against any claim, loss or cause of action arising from or out of Executive’s performance as an officer, director, manager or employee of the Company or in any other capacity in which Executive serves at the request of the Board. If any claim is asserted hereunder against Executive, the Company shall pay Executive’s legal expenses (or cause such expenses to be paid) on a quarterly basis, provided that Executive shall reimburse the Company, in a timely manner, for such amounts if Executive shall be found by a final, non-appealable order of a court of competent jurisdiction not to be entitled to indemnification. The indemnification obligations of the Company in this paragraph shall survive any termination of this Agreement and shall be supplemental to any other rights to indemnification from the Company to which Executive may be entitled.
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(i) Directors and Officers Liability Insurance . The Company shall maintain directors’ and officers’ liability insurance coverage covering Executive in amounts customary for similarly situated companies in the pharmaceutical industry and with insurers reasonably acceptable to Executive. All policies for such coverage shall provide for insurance on an “occurrence” basis, or if on a “claims-made” basis, with sufficient coverage for claims made after the date on which Executive’s employment with the Company terminates.
(j) At-Will Employment. Executive’s employment with the Company shall be “at will,” meaning that either Executive or the Company shall be entitled to terminate Executive’s employment at any time and for any or no reason, with or without Cause or Good Reason subject to Sections 4(e) and 5 of this Agreement. Any contrary representations that may have been made to Executive shall be superseded by this Agreement. This Agreement shall constitute the full and complete agreement between Executive and the Company on the “at will” nature of Executive’s employment, which may only be changed in an express written agreement signed by Executive and a duly authorized officer of the Company (other than Executive).
SECTION 5TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT
(a) General. If the Board terminates Executive’s employment without Cause or Executive resigns for Good Reason, then Executive will be entitled to the benefits described in Section 4(e) and this Section 5. However, Executive will not be entitled to any of the benefits described in Section 4(e) or this Section 5 (with the exception of salary amounts that are earned but unpaid as of the date of termination) unless Executive (or, with respect to Section 5(f), the executor of Executive’s estate) has (i) returned all Company property in Executive’s possession and (ii) executed a separation agreement and general release of all claims that Executive may have against the Company or persons affiliated with the Company in a form prescribed by the Company (the “Release”), with applicable carve-outs for rights to indemnification, enforcement of the Release and to vested Equity awards. Executive must execute and return the Release on or before the date specified by the Company in the Release (the “Release Deadline”). The Release Deadline will in no event be later than fifty (50) days after Executive’s Separation. If Executive fails to return the executed Release on or before the Release Deadline, or if Executive revokes the Release within seven (7) days after return of the executed Release, then Executive will not be entitled to the benefits described in Section 4(e) or this Section 5.
(b) Termination by Board without Cause or Resignation for Good Reason Not in Connection with Change in Control. If the Board terminates Executive’s employment without Cause or Executive resigns for Good Reason either more than three months prior to a Change in Control or more than 12 months after a Change in Control, the Company shall make the following payments to Executive (subject in each case to applicable deductions and such withholdings for taxes as required by law):
(i) If Executive’s Separation occurs prior to Executive’s completion of six month of continuous employment with the Company, Executive will receive his earned but unpaid base salary, if any, up to the date Executive’s employment terminates, and no further payments;
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(ii) If Executive’s Separation occurs after the first continuous six months of Executive’s employment with the Company but prior to completion of twelve months of continuous employment with the Company, Executive will receive his earned but unpaid base salary if any, up to the date Executive’s employment terminates, plus 50% of Executive’s then-current annual base salary, which latter amount shall be payable in six equal monthly installments;
(iii) If Executive’s Separation occurs after the first continuous twelve months of Executive’s employment with the Company but prior to completion of twenty-four months of employment with the Company, Executive will receive his earned but unpaid base salary, if any, up to the date Executive’s employment terminates, plus 75% of Executive’s then-current annual base salary, which latter amount shall be payable in nine equal monthly installments in accordance with the Company’s regular payroll practices; and
(iv) If Executive’s Separation occurs at any time after completion of twenty-four months of continuous employment with the Company, Executive will receive his earned but unpaid base salary, if any, up to the date Executive’s employment terminates, plus 100% of Executive’s then-current annual base salary, which latter amount shall be payable in twelve equal monthly installments in accordance with the Company’s regular payroll practices.
In addition, Executive shall be paid, no later than 21/2 months following the close of the fiscal year of termination, Executive’s Bonus for the fiscal year in which the Separation occurs. The salary continuation payments shall commence within 60 days after Executive’s Separation and, once they commence, shall include any unpaid amounts accrued from the date of Separation. However, if such 60-day period spans two calendar years, then the payments will in any event begin in the second calendar year. In addition, subject to Section 5(g) below, if Executive is participating in the Company’s group health insurance plans on the effective date of termination and timely elects and remains eligible for continued coverage under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (“COBRA”), the Company shall make any continuation coverage premium payments (for Executive and Executive’s dependents) for continued health insurance coverage under COBRA for the corresponding six-, nine-, or twelve-month period, as applicable under clauses (ii), (iii), and (iv), above, following the Separation or, if earlier, until Executive is eligible to be covered under another substantially equivalent medical insurance plan by a subsequent employer.
(c) Termination by Board without Cause or Resignation for Good Reason in Connection with Change in Control. If the Board terminates Executive’s employment without Cause or Executive resigns for Good Reason and a Separation occurs either within the period that begins three months prior to a Change in Control and ends within 12 months after a Change in Control, the Company shall pay Executive his earned but unpaid base salary plus the sum of (i) 100% of Executive’s then-current annual base salary plus (ii) 100% of Executive’s target annual bonus for the then-current year (subject to such withholdings as required by law), payable in twelve equal monthly installments in accordance with the Company’s regular payroll practices (the “Severance Payments”). In addition, Executive shall be paid, no later than 21/2 months following the close of the fiscal year of termination, Executive’s Bonus for the fiscal year in which the Separation occurs. The Severance Payments shall commence within 60 days after Executive’s Separation. However, if such 60-day period spans two calendar years, then the payments will in any event begin in the second calendar year. In addition, subject to Section 5(g) below, the Company shall make any continuation coverage premium payments (for Executive and Executive’s dependents) for continued health insurance coverage under the COBRA for the 12-month period following the Separation or, if earlier, until Executive is eligible to be covered under another substantially equivalent medical insurance plan by a subsequent employer.
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(d) Termination by the Board for Cause or by Executive without Good Reason . If the Board terminates Executive’s employment for Cause or Executive resigns without Good Reason, the Company’s only obligation to Executive under this Agreement shall be to pay Executive his earned but unpaid base salary, if any, up to the date Executive’s employment terminates, and Executive shall have no right to any Bonus or any unpaid bonus payment whatsoever. The Company shall only be obligated to reimburse any unreimbursed business expenses and to make such payments and provide such benefits under any employee benefit plan, program or policy in which Executive was a participant as are explicitly required to be paid to Executive by the terms of any such benefit plan, program or policy following the date on which Executive’s employment terminates.
(e) Termination for Disability . The Board shall have the right to terminate Executive’s employment on or after the date Executive has a Disability, and such a termination shall not be treated as a termination without Cause under this Agreement. If Executive’s employment is terminated on account of a Disability and a Separation occurs, the Company shall:
(1) pay Executive Executive’s base salary through the end of the month in which a Separation occurs as soon as practicable after the Separation,
(2) pay Executive Executive’s Bonus for the fiscal year in which such Separation occurs; provided that the Bonus shall in no event be paid later than 21/2 months after the close of such fiscal year,
(3) pay or cause the payment of benefits to which Executive is entitled under the terms of the disability plan(s) of the Company covering Executive at the time of such Disability,
(4) make such payments and provide such benefits as otherwise called for under the terms of the ISP and each other employee benefit plan, program and policy in which Executive was a participant; provided that no payments made under Section 5(e) (l), Section 5(e)(2) or Section 5(e)(3) shall be taken into account in computing any payments or benefits described in this Section 5(e)(4), and
(5) make any COBRA continuation coverage premium payments (for Executive and for Executive’s dependents), for the 12-month period following the termination of Executive’s employment or, if earlier, until Executive is eligible to be covered under another substantially equivalent medical insurance plan by a subsequent employer, subject to Section 5(g) below.
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(f) Death. If Executive’s employment terminates because of his death, the Company shall:
(1) pay to Executive’s estate Executive’s base salary through the end of the month of his death as soon as practicable after his death,
(2) pay to Executive’s estate Executive’s Bonus, when actually determined, for the year in which Executive’s death occurs,
(3) make such payments and provide such benefits as otherwise called for under the terms of the ISP and each other employee benefit plan, program and policy in which Executive was a participant; provided that no payments made under Section 5(f)(1) or Section 5(f)(2) shall be taken into account in computing any payments or benefits described in this Section 5(f)(3), and
(4) make any COBRA continuation coverage premium payments for Executive’s dependents for the one-year period following Executive’s death or, if earlier, until such dependents are eligible to be covered under another substantially equivalent medical insurance plan, subject to Section 5(g) below.
(g) Additional COBRA Considerations . Notwithstanding anything else to the contrary, if the Company, in its sole discretion, determines that it cannot provide the subsidy of COBRA coverage set forth in subsections (b), (c), (e), and (f) of this Section 5 without potentially violating or causing the Company to incur additional expense as a result of noncompliance with applicable law (including, but not limited to, Section 2716 of the Public Health Service Act), the Company instead shall provide to Executive a taxable monthly payment in an amount equal to the monthly COBRA premium that Executive would be required to pay to continue the group health coverage in effect on the date of the Separation (which amount shall be based on the premium for the first month of COBRA coverage). Such taxable monthly payments (i) shall be made regardless of whether Executive elects COBRA continuation coverage, (ii) shall commence on the later of (A) the first day of the month following the month in which Executive experiences a Separation (or dies) and (B) the effective date of the Company’s determination of a potential violation of applicable law, and (iii) shall end on the earliest of (x) the effective date on which Executive becomes (or, in the case of Executive’s death, Executive’s dependents become) covered by a medical, dental or vision insurance plan of a subsequent employer, and (y) the last day of the 12-month period that immediately follows Executive’s Separation or death, as applicable. Executive shall have no right to an additional gross-up payment to account for the fact that such COBRA premium amounts are paid on an after-tax basis.
SECTION 6 COVENANTS BY EXECUTIVE
(a) Company Property . Upon the termination of Executive’s employment for any reason, or upon any earlier Company request, Executive shall promptly return all Company Property that had been entrusted or made available to Executive by the Company, where the term “Property” means all Company-related records, files, memoranda, reports, price lists, customer lists, drawings, plans, sketches, keys, codes, computer hardware and software and other property of any kind or description prepared, used or possessed by Executive during Executive’s employment by the Company (and any duplicates of any such Property), together with any and all information, ideas, concepts, discoveries, and inventions and the like conceived, made, developed or acquired at any time by Executive individually or with others during Executive’s employment that relate to the Company or its products or services.
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(b) Trade Secrets . Executive agrees that Executive shall hold in a fiduciary capacity in perpetuity for the sole benefit of the Company and its affiliates and shall not directly or indirectly use or disclose any Trade Secret that Executive may have acquired (whether or not developed or compiled by Executive and whether or not Executive is authorized to have access to such information) during the term of Executive’s employment by the Company or any of its predecessors for so long as such information remains a Trade Secret, where the term “Trade Secret” means information, including technical or non-technical data, a formula, a pattern, a compilation, a program, a device, a method, a technique, a drawing or a process that (1) derives economic value, actual or potential, from not being generally known to, and not being generally readily ascertainable by proper means by, other persons who can obtain economic value from its disclosure or use and (2) is the subject of reasonable efforts by the Company and any of its affiliates to maintain its secrecy. This Section 6(b) is intended to provide rights to the Company and its affiliates which are in addition to, not in lieu of, those rights the Company and its affiliates have under the common law or applicable statutes for the protection of trade secrets.
(c) Confidential Information . Executive while employed by the Company or its affiliates and for the three-year period thereafter shall hold in a fiduciary capacity for the sole benefit of the Company and its affiliates, and shall not directly or indirectly use or disclose, any Confidential Information that Executive may have acquired (whether or not developed or compiled by Executive and whether or not Executive is authorized to have access to such information) during the term of and in the course of or as a result of Executive’s employment by the Company or its predecessors without the prior written consent of the Board unless and except to the extent that such disclosure is (i) made in the ordinary course of Executive’s performance of his duties under this Agreement or (ii) required by any subpoena or other legal process (in which event Executive will give the Company prompt notice of such subpoena or other legal process in order to permit the Company to seek appropriate protective orders). For the purposes of this Agreement, the term “Confidential Information” means any secret, confidential, or proprietary information possessed by the Company or any of its affiliates, including trade secrets, customer or supplier lists, details of client or consultant contracts, current and anticipated customer requirements, pricing policies, price lists, market studies, business plans, operational methods, marketing plans or strategies, product flaws or development techniques, computer software programs (including object code and source code), data and documentation data, base technologies, systems, structures and architectures, inventions and ideas, past current and planned research and development, compilations, devices, methods, techniques, processes, financial information and data, business acquisition plans, and new personnel acquisition plans (not otherwise included as a Trade Secret under this Agreement) that has not become generally available to the public, and the term “Confidential Information” may include future business plans, licensing strategies, advertising campaigns, information regarding customers or suppliers, executives and independent contractors and the terms and conditions of this Agreement. Notwithstanding the provisions of this Section 6(c) to the contrary, Executive shall be permitted to furnish this Agreement to a subsequent employer or prospective employer. Executive understands that pursuant to the federal Defend Trade Secrets Act of 2016, Executive shall not be held criminally or civilly liable under any federal or state trade secret law for the disclosure of a trade secret that (A) is made (i) in confidence to a federal, state, or local government official, either directly or indirectly, or to an attorney; and (ii) solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law; or (B) is made in a complaint or other document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, if such filing is made under seal. Executive further understands that nothing contained in this Agreement limits Executive’s ability to: (A) communicate with any federal, state or local governmental agency or commission, including to provide documents or other information, without notice to the Company, (B) share compensation information concerning Executive or others, except that this does not permit me to disclose compensation information concerning others that Executive obtains because Executive’s job responsibilities require or allow access to such information, or (C) discuss or disclose information about unlawful acts in the workplace, such as harassment or discrimination or any other conduct that Executive has reason to believe is unlawful
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(d) Non-solicitation of Customers or Employees .
(1) Executive, (i) while employed by the Company or any of its affiliates, shall not, on Executive’s own behalf or on behalf of any person, firm, partnership, association, corporation or business organization, entity or enterprise (other than the Company or one of its affiliates), solicit business for a Competing Business from customers or suppliers of the Company or any of its affiliates and (ii) during the Restricted Period shall not, on Executive’s own behalf or on behalf of any person, firm, partnership, association, corporation or business organization, entity or enterprise, solicit business for a Competing Business from customers or suppliers of the Company or any of its affiliates with whom Executive, in the case of both clauses (i) and (ii) above, had or made material business contact with in the course of Executive’s employment by the Company within the 24-month period immediately preceding the beginning of the Restricted Period.
(2) Executive, (i) while employed by the Company or any of its affiliates, shall not, either directly or indirectly, call on, solicit or attempt to induce any other officer, employee or independent contractor of the Company or any of its affiliates to terminate his or her employment with such business and shall not assist any other person or entity in such a solicitation (regardless of whether any such officer, employee or independent contractor would commit a breach of contract by terminating his or her employment) and (ii) during the Restricted Period, shall not, either directly or indirectly, call on, solicit or attempt to induce any other officer, employee or independent contractor of such business with whom Executive had contact, knowledge of, or association in the course of Executive’s employment with the Company or any of its predecessors or affiliates, as the case may be, during the 12-month period immediately preceding the beginning of the Restricted Period, to terminate his or her employment with the Company or any of its affiliates and shall not assist any other person or entity in such a solicitation (regardless of whether any such officer, employee or independent contractor would commit a breach of contract by terminating his or her employment). Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing shall prohibit any person from contacting Executive about employment or other engagement during the Restricted Period, provided that Executive does not solicit the contact.
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(e) Non-competition Obligation . Without the prior written consent of the Company, Executive, while employed by the Company or any of its affiliates and thereafter until the end of the Restricted Period, will not engage in any of the activities described in Section 3(b)(1) hereof within the geographical area in which the Company or any of its affiliates is actively engaged in developing, marketing, and selling ophthalmic pharmaceuticals, for himself or on behalf of any other person, partnership, corporation or other business entity that is a Competing Business for the purpose of competing with the Company; provided, however, that in the event Executive breaches a fiduciary duty to the Company, or unlawfully takes any property belonging to the Company (whether physically or electronically), the Restricted Period shall automatically be extended to a period beginning on the date on which Executive’s employment with the Company is terminated and ending on the date that is two (2) years thereafter. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, Executive will not be prohibited from owning less than 5% percent of any publicly traded corporation, whether or not such corporation is in a Competing Business. Executive understands that Executive may consult with an attorney before signing this Agreement.
(f) Additional Consideration for Non-competition Obligation . Executive acknowledges that the equity awards described in Section 4(d), the opportunity for equity acceleration described in Section 4(e), and the opportunity for severance benefits described in Section 5, as well as such other benefits and opportunities as may be afforded to Executive by the Company through ancillary agreements, are mutually agreed upon fair and reasonable consideration and are sufficient to make the non-competition obligation in Section 6(e) of this Agreement immediately binding upon Executive and the Company.
(g) Reasonable and Continuing Obligations . Executive agrees that Executive’s obligations under this Section 6 are obligations which will continue beyond the date Executive’s employment terminates and that such obligations are reasonable, fair and equitable in scope, terms and duration, are necessary to protect the Company’s legitimate business interests, and are a material inducement to the Company to enter into this Agreement.
(h) Remedy for Breach . Executive agrees that the remedies at law of the Company for any actual or threatened breach by Executive of the covenants in this Section 6 would be inadequate and that the Company shall be entitled to specific performance of the covenants in this Section 6, including entry of a temporary restraining order in state or federal court, preliminary and permanent injunctive relief against activities in violation of this Section 6, or both, or other appropriate judicial remedy, writ or order, in addition to any damages and legal expenses which the Company may be legally entitled to recover. The Company agrees, however, to give Executive and, if known, Executive’s attorney reasonable advance notice of any legal proceeding, including any application for a temporary restraining order, relating to an attempt to enforce the covenants in this Section 6 against Executive. Executive acknowledges and agrees that the covenants in this Section 6 shall be construed as agreements independent of any other provision of this Agreement or any other agreement between the Company and Executive, and that the existence of any claim or cause of action by Executive against the Company, whether predicated upon this Agreement or any other agreement, shall not constitute a defense to the enforcement by the Company of such covenants.
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(i) Termination of Restrictive Covenants . In addition to any other right or remedy available to Executive, Executive shall no longer be bound by any of the restrictions set forth in this Section 6 if the Company fails to pay or to provide Executive when due the amounts and benefits due hereunder or under any agreement ancillary hereto, and Executive’s pursuit of such remedy shall not relieve the Company from its obligations to pay and to provide such amounts and benefits to Executive. Executive shall no longer be bound by the non-competition obligation in Section 6(e) if Executive is laid off by the Company or terminated by the Company without Cause.
(j) Ownership of Inventions, Discoveries, Improvements, Etc .
(1) Executive shall promptly disclose and describe to the Company all inventions, improvements, discoveries and technical developments, whether or not patentable, made or conceived by Executive, either alone or with others, during such time as Executive is employed with the Company, and within one year after the date upon such employment terminates, that (i) are based in whole or in part upon Confidential Information or (ii) during such time as Executive is employed with the Company are along the lines of, useful in or related to the business of the Company or (iii) result from or are suggested by any work done by Executive for or on behalf of the Company (“Inventions”). Executive hereby assigns and agrees to assign to the Company Executive’s entire right, title and interest in and to such Inventions (the “Assigned Inventions”), and agrees to cooperate with the Company both during and after such time as Executive is employed with the Company in the procurement and maintenance, at the Company’s expense and at its direction, of patents and copyright registrations and/or other protection of the Company’s rights in such Inventions. Executive shall keep and maintain adequate and current written records of all such Inventions, which shall be and remain the property of the Company.
(2) If a patent application, trademark registration, or copyright registration is filed by Executive or on Executive’s behalf, or a copyright notice indicating Executive’s authorship is used by Executive or on Executive’s behalf, within one year after the date on which Executive’s employment with the Company terminates, that describes or identifies any Invention within the scope of Executive’s work for the Company or that otherwise related to a portion of the Company’s business (or any division thereof) of which Executive had knowledge such time as Executive was employed with the Company, it is to be conclusively presumed that the Invention was conceived by Executive during the such time as Executive was employed with the Company. Executive agrees to notify the Company promptly of any such application or registration and to assign to the Company Executive’s entire right, title and interest in such Invention and in such application or registration.
(3) If (i) Executive uses or discloses any of Executive’s own or any third party’s confidential information or intellectual property (collectively, “Restricted Materials”) when acting within the scope of Executive’s employment (or otherwise on behalf of the Company) or (ii) any Assigned Invention cannot be fully made, used, reproduced or otherwise exploited without using or violating any Restricted Materials, Executive hereby grants and agrees to grant to the Company a perpetual, irrevocable, worldwide, royalty-free, non-exclusive, sublicensable right and license to exploit and exercise all such Restricted Materials and intellectual property rights therein. Executive will not use or disclose any Restricted Materials for which Executive is not fully authorized to grant the foregoing license.
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(4) To the extent allowed by applicable law, the terms of this Section 6(i) include all rights of paternity, integrity, disclosure and withdrawal and any other rights that may be known as or referred to as moral rights, artist’s rights, droit moral or the like (collectively, “Moral Rights”). To the extent Executive retains any such Moral Rights under applicable law, Executive hereby ratifies and consents to any action that may be taken by or authorized by the Company with respect to such Moral Rights and agrees not to assert any Moral Rights with respect thereto. Executive will confirm any such ratification, consent or agreement from time to time as requested by the Company.
SECTION 7 MISCELLANEOUS
(a) Notices . Notices and all other communications shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given when personally delivered or when mailed by United States registered or certified mail. Notices to the Company shall be sent to:
Alimera Sciences, Inc.
Attention: Chief Executive Officer
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Notices and communications to Executive shall be sent to the address Executive most recently provided to the Company.
(b) No Waiver. Except for the notice described in Section 7(a), no failure by either the Company or Executive at any time to give notice of any breach by the other of, or to require compliance with, any condition or provision of this Agreement shall be deemed a waiver of any provisions or conditions of this Agreement.
(c) Tax Matters .
(1) All payments made under this Agreement shall be subject to reduction to reflect taxes or other charges required to be withheld by law. The Company intends that all payments and benefits provided under this Agreement be exempt from, or comply with, the requirements of Section 409A of the Code (“Section 409A”) so that none of the payments or benefits will be subject to the additional tax imposed under Section 409A, and any ambiguities herein will be interpreted in accordance with such intent. Specifically, to the extent necessary to avoid the imposition of tax on Executive under Section 409A, payments payable upon a Separation shall be suspended until the first business day following (i) six (6) months from the effective date of the separation or (ii) the date of Executive’s death, if, immediately prior to Executive’s Separation, Executive is a “specified employee” (within the meaning of Code Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i)) and Section 409A would require the delay of such payment to avoid any penalties thereunder and any installments that otherwise would have been paid or provided prior to such date will be paid or provided in a lump sum when the severance payments or benefits commence. All payments to be made upon Executive’s Separation or termination of employment under this Agreement that are deferred compensation may only be made upon a “separation from service” under section 409A of the Code. Each payment hereunder shall be deemed a separate payment for purposes of Section 409A. The parties intend that no payment pursuant to this Agreement shall give rise to any adverse tax consequences to either party pursuant to Section 409A; provided, however, that Executive acknowledges that the Company does not guarantee any particular tax treatment and that Executive is solely responsible for any taxes Executive incurs pursuant to Section 409A as a result of this Agreement. The Company shall not have a duty to design its compensation policies in a manner that minimizes Executive’s tax liabilities, and Executive agrees not to make any claim against the Company or the Board related to tax liabilities arising from Executive’s compensation or taxation thereof. In no event may Executive, directly or indirectly, designate the calendar year of payment.
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(2) If any payment or benefit that Executive would receive in connection with an acquisition of ownership or effective control of the Company or ownership of a substantial portion of the Company’s assets (within the meaning of section 280G of the Code and the regulations thereunder) (the “Payment”) would (i) constitute a “parachute payment” within the meaning of Section 280G of the Code, and (ii) but for this sentence, be subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code (the “Excise Tax”), then such Payment shall be equal to the Reduced Amount. The “Reduced Amount” shall be either (x) the largest portion of the Payment that would result in no portion of the Payment being subject to the Excise Tax, or (y) the largest portion, up to and including the total, of the Payment, whichever amount, after taking into account all applicable federal, state and local employment taxes, income taxes, and the Excise Tax (all computed at the highest applicable marginal rate), results in Executive’s receipt of the greatest economic benefit, notwithstanding that all or some portion of the Payment may be subject to the Excise Tax. If a reduction in payments or benefits constituting “parachute payments” is necessary so that the Payment equals the Reduced Amount, any reduction shall be applied first, on a pro rata basis, to amounts that constitute deferred compensation within the meaning of Section 409A, and, in the event that the reductions pursuant to this Section 7(c)(2) exceed payments that are subject to Section 409A, the remaining reductions shall be applied, on a pro rata basis, to any other remaining payments, first with respect to amounts payable in cash before being made in respect to any payments to be provided in the form of benefits or Equity award acceleration, and in the form of benefits before being made with respect to Equity award acceleration. The Company’s determinations hereunder shall be final, binding and conclusive on all interested parties.
(3) Governing Law . This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the state of Delaware without regard to its provisions regarding choice of law or conflicts of law.
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(4) Arbitration . To aid in the rapid and economical resolution of any disputes that may arise relating to Executive’s employment relationship, Executive and the Company agree that any controversy or claim arising out of this Agreement and any and all claims relating to Executive’s employment with the Company will be settled, to the fullest extent permitted by law, by final and binding arbitration. The arbitration will take place in the State of Georgia or the state in which you work or reside. The arbitration will be administered by the American Arbitration Association under its National Rules for the Resolution of Employment Disputes. Claims subject to arbitration shall include without limitation contract claims, tort claims, claims relating to compensation, as well as claims based on any federal, state, or local law, statute, or regulation. However, claims for unemployment compensation, workers’ compensation, claims under the National Labor Relations Act, representative claims brought on behalf of other employees under the California Private Attorneys General Act, and other claims excluded by law shall not be subject to arbitration (the “Excluded Claims”). Executive and the Company agree that if any dispute involves both timely filed Excluded Claims and claims subject to this Agreement, the parties shall agree to bifurcate and stay for the duration of the arbitration proceedings any such Excluded Claims. Executive agrees that all claims must be brought in Executive’s individual capacity, and not as a plaintiff or participating class member in any purported class, collective, representative, or consolidated proceeding, and Executive expressly waives any right Executive had or may have had to have any dispute brought, heard, or arbitrated as a class, collective, or representative action, to the extent allowed by applicable law. The arbitrator shall have no authority to adjudicate class, collective, representative, or consolidated proceedings, other than to enforce the foregoing provision. Executive acknowledges and agrees that by agreeing to this arbitration procedure, Executive and the Company waive the right to resolve any such dispute, claim, or demand in a court of law, and if applicable, before a jury, and instead, agree to the use of binding arbitration pursuant to the procedures referenced in this Agreement. Executive will have the right to be represented by legal counsel at any arbitration proceeding, at Executive’s expense. The arbitrator shall (a) have the authority to compel adequate discovery for the resolution of the dispute and to award such relief as would otherwise be available under applicable law in a court proceeding; and (b) issue a written statement signed by the arbitrator regarding the disposition of each claim and the relief, if any, awarded as to each claim, the reasons for the award, and the arbitrator’s essential findings and conclusions on which the award is based. The arbitrator shall be authorized to determine if an issue is subject to this arbitration obligation, and to award any or all remedies that Executive or the Company would be entitled to seek in a court of law. The Company shall pay all arbitration fees in excess of what Executive would pay if the matter were litigated in court; provided, however, that the arbitrator shall be authorized to determine whether a party is the prevailing party, and if so, to award to that prevailing party reimbursement for its reasonable attorneys’ fees, costs and disbursements (including, for example, expert witness fees and expenses, photocopy charges, travel expenses, etc.) to the extent permitted under applicable law. Nothing herein is intended to prevent either Executive or the Company from obtaining injunctive relief in court to prevent irreparable harm pending the conclusion of any arbitration, including injunctive relief pursuant to Section 6(h) above. Either Executive or the Company may bring an action in court to compel arbitration under this Agreement and to enforce an arbitration award. Nothing in this Agreement precludes a party from filing an administrative charge before an agency that has jurisdiction over an arbitrable claim, except that Executive may not be able to recover any monetary benefits in connection with any such claim.
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(5) Assignment. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Company and any successor in interest to the Company. The Company may assign this Agreement to any affiliate or successor that acquires all or substantially all of the assets and business of the Company or a majority of the voting interests of the Company, and no such assignment shall be treated as a termination of Executive’s employment under this Agreement. Executive’s rights and obligations under this Agreement are personal and shall not be assigned or transferred.
(6) Other Agreements . This Agreement replaces and merges any and all previous agreements and understandings regarding all the terms and conditions of Executive’s employment relationship with the Company and constitutes the entire agreement between the Company and Executive with respect to such terms and conditions.
(7) Amendment. No amendment to this Agreement shall be effective unless it is in writing and signed by Executive and an authorized officer of the Company other than Executive.
(8) Invalidity . If any part of this Agreement becomes or is deemed invalid or otherwise unenforceable, the remaining part shall be unaffected and shall continue in full force and effect, and the invalid or otherwise unenforceable part shall be deemed not to be part of this Agreement.
(9) Interpretation . The recitals to this Agreement shall be taken into account in the construction or interpretation of this Agreement. The words “include,” “includes” and “including” are deemed to be followed by the phrase “without limitation.” The captions or headings of the Sections and other subdivisions of this Agreement are inserted only as a matter of convenience or reference and have no effect on the meaning of the provisions of those Sections or subdivisions. If the provisions of this Agreement require judicial interpretation, the parties agree that the judicial body interpreting or construing the Agreement may not apply the assumption that the terms must be more strictly construed against one party by reason of the rule of construction that an instrument is to be construed more strictly against the party that itself or through its agents prepared the instrument.
(10) Survival. The respective indemnities, representations, warranties, agreements and covenants of the Company and Executive contained in this Agreement shall survive the termination of this Agreement and shall remain in full force and effect.
(11) Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company and Executive have executed this Agreement in multiple originals as of the Effective Date.
| ALIMERA SCIENCES, INC. | EXECUTIVE | |||
| By: | /s/ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ | By: | /s/ ▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇ | |
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ President and Chief Executive Officer |
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