0001144204-11-071495.txt : 20111223 0001144204-11-071495.hdr.sgml : 20111223 20111223155334 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0001144204-11-071495 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: S-8 PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 4 FILED AS OF DATE: 20111223 DATE AS OF CHANGE: 20111223 EFFECTIVENESS DATE: 20111223 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: Platinum Studios, Inc. CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001410132 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: PERIODICALS: PUBLISHING OR PUBLISHING AND PRINTING [2721] IRS NUMBER: 205611551 STATE OF INCORPORATION: CA FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: S-8 SEC ACT: 1933 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 333-178747 FILM NUMBER: 111280365 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 11400 W. OLYMPIC BOULEVARD STREET 2: SUITE 1400 CITY: LOS ANGELES STATE: CA ZIP: 90064 BUSINESS PHONE: (301) 807-8100 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 11400 W. OLYMPIC BOULEVARD STREET 2: SUITE 1400 CITY: LOS ANGELES STATE: CA ZIP: 90064 S-8 1 v243851_s-8.htm Unassociated Document

U.S. SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
 
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
FORM S-8
 
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
 
 
PLATINUM STUDIOS, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)
 
 
California
20-5611551
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
 
 
2029 S. Westgate Avenue
Los Angeles, California 90025
Scott Rosenberg
2029 S. Westgate Avenue
Los Angeles, California 90025
(310) 807-8100
(Address of Registrant's Principal Executive Offices)
(Name, address and telephone number of agent for service)
 
 
PLATINUM STUDIOS, INC. 2011 MID-YEAR EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN FOR EMPLOYEES AND CONSULTANTS
(Full title of the plan)
 
 
Copies of all communications to:
Dieterich & Associates
11835 W. Olympic Blvd., Suite 1235E
Los Angeles, California 90064
Facsimile (310) 312-6680
 
 
 

 
 
CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
 
 
Title of
Securities to be
registered
Amount to
be registered
Proposed maximum
offering price
per share
Proposed maximum
offering price
Amount of
registration fee
         
Common Stock
   40,000,000 (1)
$0.004 (2)
$160,000 (2)
 $18.34
         
TOTAL
40,000,000
$0.004
$160,000
 
 
(1) In addition, pursuant to Rule 416(c) under the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement also covers an indeterminate amount of interests to be offered or sold pursuant to the employee benefit plan described herein.
 
(2) The proposed maximum offering price per share of Common Stock and the proposed maximum aggregate offering price are calculated solely for the purpose of determining the registration fee pursuant to Rule 457(h) under the Securities Act of 1933. The fee for the shares being registered is based upon the closing price of the Common Stock on December 15, 2011, which was $0.004 per share, as reported by NASDAQ.
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
 
PART I INFORMATION REQUIRED IN SECTION 10(A) PROSPECTUS
 
     
    Item
1.   Plan Information
1
     
    Item
2.   Registrant Information and Employee Plan Annual Information
1
     
PART II INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT
 
     
    Item
3.   Incorporation of Documents by Reference
1
     
    Item
4.   Description of Securities
1
     
    Item
5.   Interests of Named Experts and Counsel
2
     
    Item
6.   Indemnification of Directors and Officers
2
     
    Item
7.   Exemption for Registration Claimed
2
     
    Item
8.   Exhibits
2
     
    Item
9.   Undertakings
2
     
SIGNATURES
3
     
EXHIBIT 4.1
 
EXHIBIT 5.1
 
EXHIBIT 23.1
 
EXHIBIT 23.2
 
 
 
 

 
 
INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE SECTION 10(a) PROSPECTUS
 
ITEM 1. PLAN INFORMATION
 
See Item 2 below.
 
ITEM 2. REGISTRANT INFORMATION AND EMPLOYEE PLAN ANNUAL INFORMATION
 
The documents containing the information specified in Part I, Items 1 and 2, will be delivered to each of the participants in accordance with Form S-8 and Rule 428 promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933. The participants shall be provided a written statement notifying them that upon written or oral request they will be provided, without charge, (i) the documents incorporated by reference in Item 3 of Part II of the registration statement, and (ii) other documents required to be delivered pursuant to Rule 428(b). The statement will inform the participants that these documents are incorporated by reference in the Section 10(a) prospectus, and shall include the address (giving title or department) and telephone number to which the request is to be directed.
 
A copy of any document or part hereof incorporated by reference in this Registration Statement but not delivered with this Prospectus or any document required to be delivered pursuant to Rule 428(b) under the Securities Act will be furnished without charge upon written or oral request. Requests should be addressed to 11835 W. Olympic Blvd., Suite 1235E, Los Angeles, California 90064.
 
PART II
 
INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT
 
ITEM 3. INCORPORATION OF DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
 
The following document(s) filed by the Company under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act") are incorporated herein by reference:
 
(a) The Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010 as filed on April 15, 2011 and the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended September 30, 2011 (filed on November 17, 2011).
 
(b) All other reports filed pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act since the end of the fiscal year covered by the financial statements contained in the Form 10-K referred to in (a) above.
 
In addition, all documents subsequently filed pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 and 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, prior to the filing of a post-effective amendment which indicates that all securities offered have been sold or which deregisters all securities then remaining unsold, shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference into this registration statement and to be a part hereof from the date of filing of such documents.
 
Any statement contained in a document incorporated by reference herein shall be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of this Registration Statement to the extent that a statement contained in a subsequently filed document which is also incorporated by reference herein modified or superseded such statement.
 
ITEM 4. DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES
 
Not applicable.
 
 
1

 
 
ITEM 5. INTERESTS OF NAMED EXPERTS AND COUNSEL
 
Other than as set forth below, no named expert or counsel was hired on a contingent basis, will receive a direct or indirect interest in the small business issuer, or was a promoter, underwriter, voting trustee, director, officer, or employee of the Registrant.
 
Dieterich & Associates has given an opinion on the validity of the securities being registered hereunder. Principals in this law firm are eligible to receive shares of the Company's common stock pursuant to this Form S-8 registration statement.
 
ITEM 6. INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
 
The Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, limits the liability of its directors to the fullest extent permitted by the California General Corporation law. Specifically, the directors will not be personally liable for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as directors, except for liability (i) for any breach of the duty of loyalty to us or our shareholders, (ii) for acts or omissions not in good faith or that involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law, or (iii) for any transaction from which the director derived an improper personal benefit.
 
The bylaws of the Company provide for the indemnification of the officers and directors to the maximum extent permitted by California law.
 
ITEM 7. EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION CLAIMED
 
Not applicable.
 
ITEM 8. EXHIBITS
 
The Exhibits required by Item 601 of Regulation S-X, and an index thereto, are attached.
 
ITEM 9. UNDERTAKINGS
 
The undersigned Company hereby undertakes:
 
(1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement:
 
(i) To include any prospectus required by Section 10(a) (3) of the Securities Act of 1933;
 
(ii) To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the registration statement;
 
(iii) To include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement or any material change to such information in the registration statement.
 
(2) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
 
(3) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering.
 
 
2

 
 
(4) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the registrant's annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (and, where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit plan's annual report pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) that is incorporated by reference in the registration statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
 
(5) Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers, and controlling persons of the Company pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the Company has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other that the payment by the Company of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer, or controlling person of the Company in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer, or controlling person of the Company in the successful defense of that action suit, or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer, or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the Company will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question of whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
 
SIGNATURES
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the Registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-8 and has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Los Angeles, State of California, on December 23, 2011.
 
PLATINUM STUDIOS, INC.  
 
         
/s/ Scott M. Rosenberg
       
Scott M. Rosenberg, President & CEO
And Principal Financial Officer
       
 
 
3

 
 
SPECIAL POWER OF ATTORNEY
 
The undersigned constitute and appoint Scott M. Rosenberg their true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent with full power of substitution, for him and in his name, place, and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments, including post-effective amendments, to this Form S-8 Registration Statement, and to file the same with all exhibits thereto, and all documents in connection therewith, with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, granting such attorney-in-fact the full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully and to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that such attorney-in-fact may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the date indicated:
 
 Signature
 
Title
 
Date
         
/s/ Scott M Rosenberg
 
Director, Chief Executive Officer
 
December 23, 2011
Scott M. Rosenberg
 
and Principal Financial Officer
   
 
/s/Gerald Kline
       
Gerald Kline
 
Director
 
December 23, 2011
 
/s/ Adam Post
       
Adam Post
 
Director
 
December 23, 2011
 
/s/ Mark Canton
       
Mark Canton
 
Director
 
December 23, 2011
 
 
4

 
 
EXHIBIT INDEX
 
 
Exhibit No.
Description
   
 4.1
2012 Incentive Plan for Employees and Consultants, dated December 15, 2011 (filed herewith).
   
 5.1
Opinion Re: Legality (filed herewith).
   
 23.1
Consent of Counsel (included in Exhibit 5).
   
 23.2
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firms (filed herewith)
 

 
 

 

 
EX-4.1 2 v243851_ex4-1.htm Unassociated Document


PLATINUM STUDIOS, INC.
 
2012 INCENTIVE PLAN
 
1.0
Purpose of the Plan.
 
The Platinum Studios, Inc. 2012 Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) is intended to promote the interests of Platinum Studios, Inc., a California corporation (the “Company”), and its shareholders by encouraging officers, employees, non-employee directors and consultants of the Company and its Affiliates to acquire or increase their equity interests in the Company and to provide a means whereby they may develop a sense of proprietorship and personal involvement in the development and financial success of the Company, and to encourage them to remain with and devote their best efforts to the business of the Company thereby advancing the interests of the Company and its stockholders. The Board of Directors of the Company also contemplates that through the Plan, the Company and its Affiliates will be better able to attract and retain the services of individuals who are essential for the growth and profitability of the Company. The Plan provides for payment of various forms of incentive compensation and accordingly is not intended to be a plan that is subject to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, and shall be administered accordingly.

2.0
Definitions
 
 As used in the Plan, the following terms shall have the meanings set forth below:
 
“Affiliate” shall mean (i) any “parent corporation” of the Company (as defined in Section 424(e) of the Code), (ii) any “subsidiary corporation” of any such parent corporation (as defined in Section 424(f) of the Code) of the Company and (iii) any trades or businesses, whether or not incorporated, which are members of a controlled group or are under common control (as defined in Sections 414(b) or (c) of the Code) with the Company, substituting (for the purpose of determining whether Options or Other Stock-Based Awards that may be subject to Section 409A of the Code are derived in respect of “stock of the service recipient” within the meaning of that term under regulatory guidance issued by the appropriate governmental authority under Section 409A of the Code) “50 percent” in place of “80 percent” in determining a controlled group under Section 414(b) of the Code and in determining trades or businesses that are under common control for purposes of Section 414(c) of the Code.
 
“Award” shall mean any Option, Restricted Stock, Performance Award, Bonus Shares or Other Stock-Based Award.
 
“Award Agreement” shall mean any written agreement, contract, or other instrument or document evidencing any Award, which may, but need not, be executed or acknowledged by a Participant.
 
“Board” shall mean the Board of Directors of the Company.
 
“Bonus Shares” shall mean an award of Shares granted pursuant to Section 6(d) of the Plan.
 
 
 

 
“Change in Control” shall mean the occurrence of any one (1) of the following events:
 
a.           any “person” (as defined in Section 3(a)(9) of the Exchange Act, and as modified in Section 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act) other than (i) the Company or any of its subsidiaries; (ii) any employee benefit plan of the Company or any of its subsidiaries; (iii) or any Affiliate; (iv) a company owned, directly or indirectly, by stockholders of the Company in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of the Company; or (v) an underwriter temporarily holding securities pursuant to an offering of such securities (a “Person”), becomes the “beneficial owner” (as defined in Rule 13d-3 of the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company representing more than fifty percent (50%) of the shares of voting stock of the Company then outstanding;

 
b.
the consummation of any merger, organization, business combination or consolidation of the Company or one (1) of its subsidiaries with or into any other company, other than a merger, reorganization, business combination or consolidation which would result in the holders of the voting securities of the Company outstanding immediately prior thereto holding securities which represent immediately after such merger, reorganization, business combination or consolidation more than fifty percent (50%) of the combined voting power of the voting securities of the Company or the surviving company or the parent of such surviving company;
 
 
c.
the consummation of a sale, lease, transfer, conveyance or other disposition (including by merger or consolidation) by the Company in one (1) or a series of related transactions, of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets, other than any such transaction if the holders of the voting securities of the Company outstanding immediately prior thereto hold securities immediately thereafter which represent more than fifty percent (50%) of the combined voting power of the voting securities of the acquiror, or parent of the acquiror, of such assets;
 
 
d.
the stockholders of the Company approve a plan of complete liquidation or dissolution of the Company; or
 
 
e.
individuals who, as of the Effective Date, constitute the Board (the “Incumbent Board”) cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of the Board; provided, however, that any individual becoming a director subsequent to the Effective Date whose election by the Board was approved by a vote of at least a majority of the directors then comprising the Incumbent Board shall be considered as though such individual were a member of the Incumbent Board, but excluding, for this purpose, any such individual whose initial assumption of office occurs as a result of either (i) an actual or threatened election contest (as such terms are used in Rule 14A-11 of Regulation 14A promulgated under the Exchange Act) with respect to the election or removal of directors or an actual or threatened solicitation of proxies or consents by or on behalf of a Person other than the Board or (ii) a plan or agreement to replace a majority of the members of the Board then comprising the Incumbent Board.
 
 
 
 

 
 
Solely with respect to any Award that is subject to Section 409A of the Code, this definition is intended to comply with the definition of change in control under Section 409A of the Code as in effect commencing January 1, 2005 and, to the extent that the above definition does not so comply, such definition shall be void and of no effect and, to the extent required to ensure that this definition complies with the requirements of Section 409A of the Code, the definition of such term set forth in regulations or other regulatory guidance issued under Section 409A of the Code by the appropriate governmental authority is hereby incorporated by reference into and shall form part of this Plan as fully as if set forth herein verbatim and the Plan shall be operated in accordance with the above definition of Change in Control as modified to the extent necessary to ensure that the above definition complies with the definition prescribed in such regulations or other regulatory guidance insofar as the definition relates to any Award that is subject to Section 409A of the Code.
 
“Code” shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time, and the rules and regulations thereunder.
 
“Committee” shall mean the compensation committee of the Board which, for any period in which the Company is subject to the reporting requirements of the Exchange Act, shall consist of not less than two (2) members of the Board, each of whom shall qualify as a “non-employee director” (as that term is defined in Rule 16b-3 of the General Rules and Regulations under the Exchange Act) appointed by and serving at the pleasure of the Board to administer the Plan or, if none, the Board; provided however, that with respect to any Award granted to a Covered Employee which is intended to be “performance-based compensation” as described in Section 162(m)(4)(C) of the Code, the Committee shall consist solely of two (2) or more “outside directors” as described in Section 162(m)(4)(C)(i) of the Code.
 
“Company” shall mean the corporation described in Section 1 of the Plan or any successor thereto that assumes and continues the Plan.
 
“Consultant” shall mean any individual, other than a Director or an Employee, who renders consulting services to the Company or an Affiliate for a fee.
 
“Covered Employee” shall mean any of the Chief Executive Officer of the Company and the four (4) highest paid officers of the Company other than the Chief Executive Officer as described in Section 162(m)(3) of the Code or any individual Consultant, Director or other Employee, or class of Consultants, Directors or Employees, who the Committee specifies in an Award shall be treated as a Covered Employee.
 
“Director” shall mean a member of the Board who is not an Employee of the Company.
 
“Effective Date” means the date that the Plan is (i) adopted by the Board; and (ii) approved by shareholders of the Company, provided that such shareholder approval occurs not more than one (1) year prior to or after the date of such adoption. The provisions of the Plan are applicable to all Awards granted on or after the Effective Date.
 
 
 

 

“Employee” shall mean any employee of the Company or an Affiliate.

“Exchange Act” shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

“Fair Market Value” shall mean, with respect to Shares, the closing sales price of a Share on the applicable date (or if there is no trading in the Shares on such date, on the next preceding date on which there was trading) as reported in The Wall Street Journal (or other reporting service approved by the Committee). In the event the Shares are not publicly traded at the time a determination of its fair market value is required to be made hereunder, the determination of fair market value shall be made in good faith by the Committee.

Option” shall mean an option granted under Section 6(a) of the Plan. Options granted under the Plan may constitute “incentive stock options” for purposes of Section 422 of the Code or nonqualified stock options.
 
“Other Stock-Based Award” shall mean an award granted pursuant to Section 6(e) of the Plan that is not otherwise specifically provided for, the value of which is based in whole or in part upon the value of a Share.
 
“Participant” shall mean any Director, Employee or Consultant granted an Award under the Plan.
 
“Performance Award” shall mean any right granted under Section 6(c) of the Plan.
 
“Performance Objectives” means the objectives, if any, established by the Committee that are to be achieved with respect to an Award granted under this Plan, which may be described in terms of Company-wide objectives, in terms of objectives that are related to performance of a business, division, subsidiary, department, unit or function within the Company or an Affiliate in which the Participant receiving the Award is employed or in individual or other terms, and which will relate to the period of time determined by the Committee. Which objectives to use with respect to an Award, the weighting of the objectives if more than one (1) is used, and whether the objective is to be measured against a Company-established budget or target, an index or a peer group of companies, shall be determined by the Committee in its discretion at the time of grant of the Award. One or more of the following business criteria for the Company shall be used by the Committee in establishing Performance Objectives for Performance Awards granted to a Participant: (i) earnings per share; (ii) increase in price per share, (iii) increase in revenues; (iv) increase in cash flow; (v) return on net assets; (vi) return on assets; (vii) return on investment; (viii) return on equity; (ix) economic value added; (x) gross margin; (xi) net income; (xii) pretax earnings; (xiii) pretax earnings before interest, depreciation, depletion and amortization; (xiv) pretax operating earnings after interest expense and before incentives, service fees, and extraordinary or special items; (xv) operating income; (xvi) total stockholder return; (xvii) debt reduction; and (xviii) any of the above goals determined on the absolute or relative basis or as compared to the performance of a published or special index deemed applicable by the Committee including, but not limited to, the Standard & Poor’s 500 Stock Index or components thereof or a group of comparable companies. A Performance Objective need not be based on an increase or a positive result and may include, for example, maintaining the status quo or limiting economic losses.
 
 
 

 

“Person” shall mean an individual or a corporation, limited liability company, partnership, association, joint-stock company, trust, unincorporated organization, government or political subdivision thereof or other entity.
 
“Plan” means the plan described in Section 1 of the Plan and set forth in this document, as amended from time to time.
 
“Restricted Period” shall mean the period established by the Committee with respect to an Award during which the Award remains subject to forfeiture and/or is not exercisable by the Participant.
 
“Restricted Stock” shall mean any Share, prior to the lapse of restrictions thereon, granted under Sections 6(b) of the Plan.
 
“Rule 16b-3” shall mean Rule 16b-3 promulgated by the SEC under the Exchange Act, or any successor rule or regulation thereto as in effect from time to time.
 
“SEC” shall mean the Securities and Exchange Commission, or any successor thereto.
 
 “Shares” or “Common Shares” or “Common Stock” shall mean the common stock of the Company, $.0001 par value, and such other securities or property as may become the subject of Awards under the Plan.

3.0 
Administration
 
The Plan shall be administered by the Committee. A majority of the Committee shall constitute a quorum, and the acts of the members of the Committee who are present at any meeting thereof at which a quorum is present, or acts unanimously approved by the members of the Committee in writing, shall be the acts of the Committee. No member of the Committee shall vote or act upon any matter relating solely to himself. Grants of Awards to members of the Committee must be ratified by the Board. Subject to the terms of the Plan and applicable law, and in addition to other express powers and authorizations conferred on the Committee by the Plan, the Committee shall have full power and authority to: (i) designate Participants; (ii) determine the type or types of Awards to be granted to a Participant; (iii) determine the number of Shares to be covered by, or with respect to which payments, rights, or other matters are to be calculated in connection with, Awards; (iv) determine the terms and conditions of any Award; (v) determine whether, to what extent, and under what circumstances Awards may be settled or exercised in cash, Shares, other securities, other Awards or other property, or canceled, forfeited, or suspended and the method or methods by which Awards may be settled, exercised, canceled, forfeited, or suspended; (vi) determine whether, to what extent, and under what circumstances cash, Shares, other securities, other Awards, other property, and other amounts payable with respect to an Award shall be deferred either automatically or at the election of the holder thereof or of the Committee; (vii) interpret and administer the Plan and any instrument or agreement relating to an Award made under the Plan; (viii) establish, amend, suspend, or waive such rules and regulations and appoint such agents as it shall deem appropriate for the proper administration of the Plan; and (ix) make any other determination and take any other action that the Committee deems necessary or desirable for the administration of the Plan. Unless otherwise expressly provided in the Plan, all designations, determinations, interpretations, and other decisions under or with respect to the Plan or any Award shall be within the sole discretion of the Committee, may be made at any time and shall be final, conclusive, and binding upon all Persons, including the Company, any Affiliate, any Participant, any holder or beneficiary of any Award, any stockholder and any Employee, Consultant or Director. No member of the Board or the Committee shall be liable for any action or determination made in good faith with respect to the Plan or any Award granted hereunder and the members of the Board and the Committee shall be entitled to indemnification and reimbursement by the Company and its Affiliates in respect of any claim, loss, damage or expense (including legal fees) arising therefrom to the full extent permitted by law.

 
 

 
4.0
Shares Available for Awards
 
Shares Available. Subject to adjustment as provided in Section 4(c), the number of Shares with respect to which Awards may be granted under the Plan shall be Forty Million (40,000,000) Shares. In addition, during any calendar year in which Section 162(m) of the Code shall apply to the Company, the number of Shares reserved for issuance under the Plan which are subject to Options that may be granted to any one (1) Participant shall not exceed 40,000,000 Shares.  If any Award is exercised, paid, forfeited, terminated or canceled without the delivery of Shares, then the Shares covered by such Award, to the extent of such exercise, payment, forfeiture, termination or cancellation, shall again be Shares with respect to which Awards may be granted; provided, however, that Shares not delivered due to withholding or payment of taxes or payment of exercise price shall not again be Shares with respect to which Awards may be granted.

Sources of Shares Deliverable Under Awards. Any Shares delivered pursuant to an Award shall consist of authorized and unissued Shares.  No fractional Shares shall be issued under the Plan; payment for any fractional Shares shall be made in cash.
 
Adjustments.  In the event that any dividend or other distribution (whether in the form of cash, Shares, other securities, or other property), recapitalization, stock split, reverse stock split, reorganization, merger, consolidation, split-up, spin-off, combination, repurchase, or exchange of Shares or other securities of the Company, issuance of warrants or other rights to purchase Shares or other securities of the Company, or other similar corporate transaction or event affects the Shares such that an adjustment is determined by the Committee to be appropriate in order to prevent dilution or enlargement of the benefits or potential benefits intended to be made available under the Plan, then the Committee shall, in such manner as it may deem equitable, adjust any or all of (i) the number and type of Shares (or other securities or property) with respect to which Awards may be granted; (ii) the number and type of Shares (or other securities or property) subject to outstanding Awards; and (iii) the grant or exercise price with respect to any Award or, if deemed appropriate, make provision for a cash payment to the holder of an outstanding Award.
 
 
 
 

 
 
5.0
Eligibility
 
Any Employee, Director or Consultant shall be eligible to be designated a Participant and receive an Award under the Plan.

 
 
 

 

6.0
Awards
 
Options. Subject to the provisions of the Plan, the Committee shall have the authority to determine the Participants to whom Options shall be granted, the number of Shares to be covered by each Option, the purchase price therefor and the conditions and limitations applicable to the exercise of the Option, including the following terms and conditions and such additional terms and conditions, as the Committee shall determine, that are not inconsistent with the provisions of the Plan.
 
Exercise Price. The purchase price per Share purchasable under an Option shall be determined by the Committee at the time the Option is granted, but shall not be less than one hundred percent (100%) of the Fair Market Value per Share on such grant date. If any Employee to whom an Option that is an incentive stock option is granted owns stock possessing more than ten percent (10%) of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Company or any parent corporation, within the meaning of Section 424(e) of the Code, or any subsidiary corporation of the Company, within the meaning of Section 424(f) of the Code, then the exercise price per share shall not be less than one hundred ten percent (110%) of the Fair Market Value per Share on the date of grant and the option term shall not exceed five (5) years measured from the date of grant.  For purposes of the immediately preceding sentence, the attribution rules under Section 424(d) of the Code shall apply for purposes of determining an Employee’s ownership.

Time and Method of Exercise. The Committee shall determine the time or times at which an Option may be exercised in whole or in part (which may include the achievement of one (1) or more Performance Objectives), and the method or methods by which, and the form or forms in which payment of the exercise price with respect thereto may be made. In that connection, in order to exercise an Option, the person or persons entitled to exercise it shall deliver to the Company payment in full for (A) the shares being purchased and (B) unless other arrangements have been made with the Committee, any required withholding taxes. The payment of the exercise price for each Option shall either be (x) in cash or by check payable and acceptable to the Company (y) with the consent of the Committee, by tendering to the Company shares of Common Stock owned by the person for more than six (6) months having an aggregate Fair Market Value as of the date of exercise that is not greater than the full exercise price for the shares with respect to which the Option is being exercised and by paying any remaining amount of the exercise price as provided in (A) above, or (z) with the consent of the Committee and compliance with such instructions as the Committee may specify, by delivering to the Company and to a broker a properly executed exercise notice and irrevocable instructions to such broker to deliver to the Company cash or a check payable and acceptable to the Company to pay the exercise price and any applicable withholding taxes. Upon receipt of the cash or check from the broker, the Company will deliver to the broker the shares for which the Option is exercised. In the event that the person elects to make payment as allowed under clause (z) above, the Committee may, upon confirming that the optionee owns the number of additional shares being tendered, authorize the issuance of a new certificate for the number of shares being acquired pursuant to the exercise of the Option less the number of shares being tendered upon the exercise and return to the person (or not require surrender of) the certificate for the shares being tendered upon the exercise. The date of sale of the shares by the broker pursuant to a cashless exercise under (z) above shall be the date of exercise of the Option.
 
 
 

 

Option Repricing. With shareholder approval, the Committee, in its absolute discretion, may grant to holders of outstanding Options that are not incentive stock options, in exchange for the surrender and cancellation of such Options that are not incentive stock options, new Options that are not incentive stock options having exercise prices lower (or higher with any required consent) than the exercise price provided in the Options so surrendered and canceled and containing such other terms and conditions as the Committee may deem appropriate.
 
Incentive Stock Options. The terms of any Option granted under the Plan intended to be an incentive stock option shall comply in all respects with the provisions of Section 422 of the Code, or any successor provision, and any regulations promulgated thereunder. Incentive stock options may be granted only to employees of the Company, while it is a “corporation” described in Section 7701(a)(3) of the Code and Treas. Reg. Section 1.421-1(i)(l), and its parent corporation and subsidiary corporations, within the meaning of Section 424 of the Code. To the extent the aggregate Fair Market Value of the Shares (determined as of the date of grant) of an Option to the extent exercisable for the first time during any calendar year (under all plans of the Company and its parent and subsidiary corporations) exceeds $100,000, such Option Shares in excess of $100,000 shall not be incentive stock options. No Option that is an incentive stock option shall be exercisable more than three (3) months after the Participant ceases to be an Employee for any reason other than death or disability, or more than one (1) year after the Participant ceases to be an Employee due to death or disability.
 
Restricted Stock. Subject to the provisions of the Plan, the Committee shall have the authority to determine the Participants to whom Restricted Stock shall be granted, the number of Shares of Restricted Stock to be granted to each such Participant, the duration of the Restricted Period during which, and the conditions, including Performance Objectives, if any, under which if not achieved, the Restricted Stock may be forfeited to the Company, and the other terms and conditions of such Awards.
 
Dividends. Dividends paid on Restricted Stock may be paid directly to the Participant or may be subject to risk of forfeiture and/or transfer restrictions during any period established by the Committee in its discretion.
 
Registration. Any Restricted Stock may be evidenced in such manner as the Committee shall deem appropriate, including, without limitation, book-entry registration or issuance of a stock certificate or certificates. In the event any stock certificate is issued in respect of Restricted Stock granted under the Plan, such certificate shall be registered in the name of the Participant and shall bear an appropriate legend referring to the terms, conditions, and restrictions applicable to such Restricted Stock.
 
Forfeiture and Restrictions Lapse. Except as otherwise determined by the Committee or the terms of the Award that granted the Restricted Stock, upon termination of a Participant’s employment (as determined under criteria established by the Committee) for any reason during the applicable Restricted Period, all Restricted Stock shall be forfeited by the Participant and reacquired by the Company. Unrestricted Shares, evidenced in such manner as the Committee shall deem appropriate, shall be issued to the holder of Restricted Stock promptly after the applicable restrictions have lapsed or otherwise been satisfied.

 
 

 
Transfer Restrictions. During the Restricted Period, Restricted Stock will be subject to the limitations on transfer as provided in Section 6(f)(b)(iii).
 
Performance Awards. The Committee shall have the authority to determine the Participants who shall receive a Performance Award, which shall confer on the Participant the right to receive payment of such Award, in whole or in part, upon the achievement of such Performance Objectives during such performance periods as the Committee shall establish with respect to the Award.
 
Terms and Conditions. Subject to the terms of the Plan and any applicable Award Agreement, the Committee shall determine the Performance Objectives to be achieved during any performance period, the length of any performance period, the amount of any Performance Award and the amount of any payment or transfer to be made pursuant to any Performance Award.
 
General. In the case of any Award granted to a Covered Employee, Performance Objectives shall be designed to be objective and shall otherwise meet the requirements of Section 162(m) of the Code and regulations thereunder (including Treasury Regulations sec. 1.162-27 and successor regulations thereto), including the requirement that the level or levels of performance targeted by the Committee are such that the achievement of performance goals is “substantially uncertain” at the time of grant. The Committee may determine that such Performance Awards shall be granted and/or settled upon achievement of any one (1) performance goal or that two (2) or more of the performance goals must be achieved as a condition to the grant and/or settlement of such Performance Awards. Performance Objectives may differ among Performance Awards granted to any one (1) Participant or for Performance Awards granted to different Participants.
 
Performance Period; Timing for Establishing Performance Goals. Achievement of Performance Objectives in respect of Performance Awards that are granted to a Covered Employee and intended to meet the requirements of Section 162(m) of the Code shall be measured over a performance period of not less than six (6) months and not more than ten (10) years, as specified by the Committee. Performance Objectives in the case of any Award granted to a Participant shall be established not later than ninety (90) days after the beginning of any performance period applicable to such Performance Awards, or at such other date as may be required or permitted for “performance-based compensation” under Section 162(m) of the Code.
 
Settlement of Performance Awards; Other Terms. After the end of each performance period, the Committee shall determine the amount, if any, of Performance Awards payable to each Participant based upon achievement of business criteria over a performance period. Except as may otherwise be required under Section 409A of the Code, payment described in the immediately preceding sentence shall be made by the later of (i) the date that is 2 ½ months after the end of the Participant’s first taxable year in which the Performance Award is earned and payable under the Plan and (ii) the date that is 2 ½ months after the end of the Company’s first taxable year in which the Performance Award is earned and payable under the Plan, and such payment shall not be subject to any election by the Participant to defer the payment to a later period. The Committee may not exercise discretion to increase any such amount payable in respect of a Performance Award which is intended to comply with Section 162(m) of the Code. The Committee shall specify the circumstances in which such Performance Awards shall be paid or forfeited in the event of termination of employment by the Participant prior to the end of a performance period or settlement of Performance Awards.
 
 
 

 

Written Determinations. All determinations by the Committee as to the establishment of Performance Objectives, the amount of any Performance Award, and the achievement of Performance Objectives relating to Performance Awards shall be made in a written agreement or other document covering the Performance Award. The Committee may not delegate any responsibility relating to such Performance Awards that are granted to a Covered Employee and intended to meet the requirements of Section 162(m) of the Code.
 
Status of Performance Awards under Section 162(m) of the Code. It is the intent of the Company that Performance Awards granted to persons who are designated by the Committee as likely to be Covered Employees within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Code and regulations thereunder (including Treasury Regulations sec. 1.162-27 and successor regulations thereto) shall constitute “performance-based compensation” within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Code and regulations thereunder. Accordingly, the terms of this Section shall be interpreted in a manner consistent with Section 162(m) of the Code and regulations thereunder. Notwithstanding the foregoing, because the Committee cannot determine with certainty whether a given Participant will be a Covered Employee with respect to a fiscal year that has not yet been completed, the term Covered Employee as used herein shall mean any person designated by the Committee, at the time of grant of a Performance Award, as likely to be a Covered Employee with respect to that fiscal year. If any provision of the Plan as in effect on the date of adoption or any agreements relating to Performance Awards that are intended to comply with Section 162(m) of the Code does not comply or is inconsistent with the requirements of Section 162(m) of the Code or regulations thereunder, such provision shall be construed or deemed amended to the extent necessary to conform to such requirements.

Bonus Shares. The Committee shall have the authority, in its discretion, to grant Bonus Shares to Participants. Each Bonus Share shall constitute a transfer of an unrestricted Share to the Participant, without other payment therefor, as additional compensation for the Participant’s services to the Company.
 
Other Stock-Based Awards. The Committee may also grant to Participants an Other Stock-Based Award, which shall consist of a right which is an Award denominated or payable in, valued in whole or in part by reference to, or otherwise based on or related to, Shares as is deemed by the Committee to be consistent with the purposes of the Plan. Subject to the terms of the Plan, including the Performance Objectives, if any, applicable to such Award, the Committee shall determine the terms and conditions of any such Other Stock-Based Award. Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan to the contrary, any Other Stock-Based Award shall contain terms that (i) are designed to avoid application of Section 409A of the Code or (ii) are designed to avoid adverse tax consequences under Section 409A should that Code section apply to such Award.


 
 

 

General Provisions Applicable to all Awards.
 
Awards May Be Granted Separately or Together. Awards may, in the discretion of the Committee, be granted either alone or in addition to, in tandem with, or in substitution for any other Award granted under the Plan or any award granted under any other plan of the Company or any Affiliate. No Award shall be issued in tandem with another Award if the tandem Awards would result in adverse tax consequences under Section 409A of the Code. Awards granted in addition to or in tandem with other Awards or awards granted under any other plan of the Company or any Affiliate may be granted either at the same time as or at a different time from the grant of such other Awards or awards.
 
Forms of Payment by Company Under Awards. Subject to the terms of the Plan and of any applicable Award Agreement, payments or transfers to be made by the Company or an Affiliate upon the grant, exercise or payment of an Award may be made in such form or forms as the Committee shall determine, including, without limitation, cash, Shares, other securities, other Awards or other property, or any combination thereof, and may be made in a single payment or transfer, in installments, or on a deferred basis, in each case in accordance with rules and procedures established by the Committee. Such rules and procedures may include, without limitation, provisions for the payment or crediting of reasonable interest on installment or deferred payments.
 

Limits on Transfer of Awards. Except as provided in (C) below, each Award, and each right under any Award, shall be exercisable only by the Participant during the Participant’s lifetime, or by the person to whom the Participant’s rights shall pass by will or the laws of descent and distribution. Notwithstanding anything in the Plan to the contrary, a nonqualified stock option shall be transferable pursuant to a domestic relations order.

 
(1)
Except as provided in (C) below, no Award and no right under any such Award may be assigned, alienated, pledged, attached, sold or otherwise transferred or encumbered by a Participant and any such purported assignment, alienation, pledge, attachment, sale, transfer or encumbrance shall be void and unenforceable against the Company or any Affiliate.
 
 
(2)
Notwithstanding anything in the Plan to the contrary, to the extent specifically provided by the Committee with respect to a grant, a nonqualified stock option may be transferred to immediate family members or related family trusts, or similar entities on such terms and conditions as the Committee may establish. In addition, Awards may be transferred by will or the laws of descent and distribution.

Term of Awards. The term of each Award shall be for such period as may be determined by the Committee; provided, that in no event shall the term of any Award exceed a period of ten (10) years from the date of its grant (or such shorter term as may be required in respect of an Option that is an incentive stock option under Section 422 of the Code).
 

 
 

 
Share Certificates. All certificates for Shares or other securities of the Company or any Affiliate delivered under the Plan pursuant to any Award or the exercise thereof shall be subject to such stop transfer orders and other restrictions as the Committee may deem advisable under the Plan or the rules, regulations, and other requirements of the SEC, any stock exchange upon which such Shares or other securities are then listed, and any applicable federal or state laws, and the Committee may cause a legend or legends to be put on any such certificates to make appropriate reference to such restrictions.
 
Delivery of Shares or other Securities and Payment by Participant of Consideration. No Shares or other securities shall be delivered pursuant to any Award until payment in full of any amount required to be paid pursuant to the Plan or the applicable Award Agreement (including, without limitation, any exercise price, tax payment or tax withholding) is received by the Company. Such payment may be made by such method or methods and in such form or forms as the Committee shall determine, including, without limitation, cash, Shares, other securities, other Awards or other property, withholding of Shares, cashless exercise with simultaneous sale, or any combination thereof; provided that the combined value, as determined by the Committee, of all cash and cash equivalents and the Fair Market Value of any such Shares or other property so tendered to the Company, as of the date of such tender, is at least equal to the full amount required to be paid pursuant to the Plan or the applicable Award Agreement to the Company.
 
Code Section 409A.  Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan to the contrary, any Award shall contain terms that (i) are designed to avoid application of Section 409A of the Code to the Award or (ii) are designed to avoid adverse tax consequences under Section 409A of the Code should that Code Section apply to the Award.

7.0
Amendment and Termination
 
Except to the extent prohibited by applicable law and unless otherwise expressly provided in an Award Agreement or in the Plan:
 
Amendments to the Plan. The Board or the Committee may amend, alter, suspend, discontinue, or terminate the Plan without the consent of any shareholder, Participant, other holder or beneficiary of an Award, or other Person; provided, however, no such amendment may be made without stockholder approval to the extent that such approval is required by (i) applicable legal requirements or (ii) the requirements of any securities exchange or market on which the Shares are listed. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Board or the Committee may amend the Plan in such manner as it deems necessary in order to permit Awards to meet the requirements of the Code or other applicable laws, or to prevent adverse tax consequences.



 
 

 
Amendments to Awards. The Committee may waive any conditions or rights under, amend any terms of, or alter any Award theretofore granted, provided no change, other than pursuant to Section 7(c), in any Award shall materially reduce the benefit to Participant without the consent of such Participant.
 
Adjustment of Awards Upon the Occurrence of Certain Unusual or Nonrecurring Events. The Committee is hereby authorized to make adjustments in the terms and conditions of, and the criteria included in, Awards in recognition of unusual or nonrecurring events affecting the Company, any Affiliate, or the financial statements of the Company or any Affiliate, or of changes in applicable laws, regulations, or accounting principles, whenever the Committee determines that such adjustments are appropriate in order to prevent dilution or enlargement of the benefits or potential benefits intended to be made available under the Plan.
 
9.0
Adjustments Upon Changes in Stock/Change in Control
 
Adjustments Upon Changes in Stock. If any change is made in the Shares subject to the Plan, or subject to any Award, without the receipt of consideration by the Company through merger, consolidation, reorganization, recapitalization, reincorporation, stock dividend, dividend in property other than cash, stock split, liquidating dividend, combination of shares, exchange of shares, change in corporate structure or other transaction not involving the receipt of consideration by the Company), the Plan will be appropriately adjusted in the class(es) and maximum number of shares subject to the Plan pursuant to Section 4(c) and the outstanding Awards will be appropriately adjusted in the class(es) and number of shares and exercise price per share of stock subject to such outstanding Awards. Such adjustments shall be made by the Board or the Committee, the determination of which shall be final, binding and conclusive. (The conversion of any convertible securities of the Company shall not be treated as a “transaction not involving the receipt of consideration by the Company”.)
 
Change in Control. Unless otherwise provided in the Award, in the event of a Change in Control described in clauses (b), (c) or (d) of the definition of Change in Control under Section 2 of the Plan, (i) if the Company does not survive as an independent corporation (excluding as a subsidiary), the surviving corporation or an affiliate of such surviving corporation shall assume the Awards outstanding under the Plan or substitute similar awards (including an award to acquire the same consideration paid to the stockholders of the Company in the transaction effecting the Change in Control) for those outstanding under the Plan, or (ii) if the Company continues as an independent corporation (excluding as a subsidiary), such Awards shall continue in full force and effect. In the event of a Change in Control in which the Company does not survive as an independent corporation (excluding as a subsidiary), if any surviving corporation and its affiliates refuse to assume or continue the Awards, or to substitute similar awards for those outstanding under the Plan, then unless otherwise provided in the Award:
 
 
 i.
All Options then outstanding shall become immediately vested and fully exercisable immediately prior to the Change in Control, notwithstanding any provision therein for exercise in installments;
 
 
 

 

 
ii.
All restrictions and conditions of all Restricted Stock then outstanding shall be deemed satisfied, and the Restricted Period or other limitations on payment in full with respect thereto shall be deemed to have expired immediately prior to the date of the Change in Control; and
 
 
iii.
All outstanding Performance Awards and any Other Stock or Performance-Based Awards shall become fully vested, deemed earned in full immediately prior to the date of the Change in Control and promptly paid to the Participants as of the date of the Change of Control, without regard to payment schedules and notwithstanding that the applicable performance cycle, retention cycle or other restrictions and conditions shall not have been completed or satisfied.

Right of Cash-Out. If approved by the Board prior to or within thirty (30) days after such time as a Change in Control shall be deemed to have occurred, the Board shall have the right for a forty-five (45) day period immediately following the date that the Change in Control is deemed to have occurred to require all, but not less than all, Participants to transfer and deliver to the Company all Awards previously granted to the Participants in exchange for an amount equal to the “cash value” (defined below) of the Awards. Such right shall be exercised by written notice to all Participants. For purposes of this Section, the cash value of an Award shall equal the sum of (i) all cash to which the Participant would be entitled upon settlement or exercise of any Award which is not an Option and (ii) in the case of any Award that is an Option, the excess of the “market value” (defined below) per share over the option price, if any, multiplied by the number of shares subject to such Award. For purposes of the preceding sentence, “market value” per share shall mean the higher of (i) the average of the Fair Market Value per share of Common Stock on each of the five (5) trading days immediately following the date a Change in Control is deemed to have occurred or (ii) the highest price, if any, offered in connection with the Change in Control. The amount payable to each Participant by the Company pursuant to this Section shall be in cash or by certified check and shall be reduced by any taxes required to be withheld.

10.0
General Provisions
 
No Rights to Awards. No Director, Employee, Consultant or other Person shall have any claim to be granted any Award, and there is no obligation for uniformity of treatment of Employees, Consultants, or holders or beneficiaries of Awards. The terms and conditions of Awards need not be the same with respect to each recipient.
 
Withholding. The Company or any Affiliate is authorized to withhold at the minimum statutory rate from any Award, from any payment due or transfer made under any Award or under the Plan or from any compensation or other amount owing to a Participant the amount (in cash, Shares, other securities, Shares that would otherwise be issued pursuant to such Award, other Awards or other property) of any applicable taxes payable in respect of an Award, its exercise, the lapse of restrictions thereon, or any payment or transfer under an Award or under the Plan and to take such other action as may be necessary in the opinion of the Company to satisfy all obligations for the payment of such taxes. In addition, the Committee may provide, in an Award Agreement, that the Participant may direct the Company to satisfy such Participant’s tax obligation through the “constructive” tender of already-owned Shares or the withholding of Shares otherwise to be acquired upon the exercise or payment of such Award.
 

 
 

 
No Right to Employment. The grant of an Award shall not be construed as giving a Participant the right to be retained in the employ of the Company or any Affiliate. Further, the Company or an Affiliate may at any time dismiss a Participant from employment, free from any liability or any claim under the Plan, unless otherwise expressly provided in the Plan or in any Award Agreement.
 
Governing Law. The validity, construction, and effect of the Plan and any rules and regulations relating to the Plan shall be determined in accordance with the laws of the State of California and applicable federal law.
 
Severability. If any provision of the Plan or any Award is or becomes or is deemed to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable in any jurisdiction or as to any Person or Award, or would disqualify the Plan or any Award under any law deemed applicable by the Committee, such provision shall be construed or deemed amended to conform to the applicable laws, or if it cannot be construed or deemed amended without, in the determination of the Committee, materially altering the intent of the Plan or the Award, such provision shall be stricken as to such jurisdiction, Person or Award and the remainder of the Plan and any such Award shall remain in full force and effect.
 
Other Laws. The Committee may refuse to issue or transfer any Shares or other consideration under an Award if, acting in its sole discretion, it determines that the issuance of transfer or such Shares or such other consideration might violate any applicable law or regulation or entitle the Company to recover the same under Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act, and any payment tendered to the Company by a Participant, other holder or beneficiary in connection with the exercise of such Award shall be promptly refunded to the relevant Participant, holder or beneficiary.
 
No Trust or Fund Created. Neither the Plan nor the Award shall create or be construed to create a trust or separate fund of any kind or a fiduciary relationship between the Company or any Affiliate and a Participant or any other Person. To the extent that any Person acquires a right to receive payments from the Company or any Affiliate pursuant to an Award, such right shall be no greater than the right of any general unsecured creditor of the Company or any Affiliate.
 
No Fractional Shares. No fractional Shares shall be issued or delivered pursuant to the Plan or any Award, and the Committee shall determine whether cash, other securities, or other property shall be paid or transferred in lieu of any fractional Shares or whether such fractional Shares or any rights thereto shall be canceled, terminated, or otherwise eliminated.
 
 
 
 

 
Securities Laws Compliance. Unless the Shares have been registered under the Securities Act of 1933 (and, in the case of any Participant who may be deemed an affiliate of the Company for securities law purposes, such Shares have been registered under such Act for resale by such Participant), or the Company has determined that an exemption from registration is available, the Company may require prior to and as a condition of the exercise or payment of any Award that (i) the Participant desiring to exercise or receive payment such Award give the Company written notice thereof and that such notice may not be given by the Participant until forty-five (45) days thereafter (which time period may be waived by the Committee in its sole discretion) in order to allow the Company the opportunity to provide to such Participant any disclosure materials, or to make such filings, as may be required under federal and state securities laws and (ii) the Participant desiring to exercise or be paid such Award furnish the Company with a written representation in a form prescribed by the Committee to the effect that such person is acquiring said Shares solely with a view to investment for his or her own account and not with a view to the resale or distribution of all or any part thereof, and that such person will not dispose of any of such Shares otherwise than in accordance with the provisions of Rule 144 under the Act unless and until either the Shares are registered under the Act or the Company is satisfied that an exemption from such registration is available.
 
Headings. Headings are given to the Sections and subsections of the Plan solely as a convenience to facilitate reference. Such headings shall not be deemed in any way material or relevant to the construction or interpretation of the Plan or any provision thereof.
 
Code Section 409A. Notwithstanding anything in this Plan to the contrary, if any Plan provision or Award under the Plan would result in the imposition of an applicable tax under Code Section 409A and related regulations and Treasury pronouncements (“Section 409A”), that Plan provision or Award may be reformed to avoid imposition of the applicable tax and no action taken to comply with Section 409A shall be deemed to adversely affect the Participant’s rights to an Award.
 
No Guarantee of Tax Consequences. None of the Board, the Company nor the Committee makes any commitment or guarantee that any federal, state or local tax treatment will apply or be available to any person participating or eligible to participate hereunder.

11.
Term of the Plan
 
 No Award shall be granted under the Plan after the tenth (10th) anniversary of the date the Plan is adopted by the Board as the Plan shall expire on that date unless earlier terminated pursuant to Section 7. However, unless otherwise expressly provided in the Plan or in an applicable Award Agreement, any Award granted prior to such expiration or termination, and the authority of the Board or the Committee to amend, alter, adjust, suspend, discontinue, or terminate any such Award or to waive any conditions or rights under such Award, shall extend beyond such expiration or termination date.


 
 

 
EX-5.1 3 v243851_ex5-1.htm Unassociated Document

 
EXHIBIT 5.1 - OPINION RE: LEGALITY
 
 Dieterich & Associates
11835 West Olympic Boulevard, Suite 1235E
Los Angeles, California 90064
 
December 23, 2011
 
Platinum Studios, Inc.
 
2029 S. Westgate Avenue
 
Los Angeles, California 90025
 
Gentlemen,
 
We refer to the Registration Statement on Form S-8 (the "Registration Statement") to be filed by Platinum Studios, Inc. ("Company") with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Act"). The Registration Statement relates to an aggregate of 40,000,000 shares of the Common Stock of the Company (the "Shares") pursuant to the 2012 Incentive Plan for Employees and Consultants.
 
As counsel for the Company, we have examined such corporate records, documents and such question of law as we have considered necessary or appropriate for purposes of this opinion and, upon the basis of such examination, advise you that in our opinion, all necessary corporate proceedings by the Company have been duly taken to authorize the issuance of the Shares and that the Shares being registered pursuant to the Registration Statement, when issued will be duly authorized, legally issued, fully paid and non-assessable. This opinion does not cover any matters related to any re-offer or re-sale of the shares by any Plan Beneficiaries, once properly and legally issued pursuant to the Plan as described in the Registration Statement.
 
We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the Registration Statement. This consent is not to be construed as an admission that we are a person whose consent is required to be filed with the Registration Statement under the provisions of the Act. This opinion is not to be used, circulated, quoted or otherwise referred to for any other purpose without our prior written consent. This opinion is based on our knowledge of the law and facts as of the date hereof. This opinion does not address or relate to any specific state securities laws. We assume no duty to communicate with the Company in respect to any matter, which comes to our attention hereafter.
 
Cordially,
 
         
/s/ Christopher Dieterich
       
Christopher Dieterich, Esq.
       
 

 
 

 
 
EX-23.2 4 v243851_ex23-2.htm Unassociated Document
Exhibit 23.2

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

We consent to the incorporation by reference in Registration Statement on Form S-8 of Platinum Studios, Inc. of our report dated March 31, 2010, relating to our audit of the consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2009, which appear in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Platinum Studios, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2010.

 
/s/ HJ Associates & Consultants, LLP
HJ Associates & Consultants, LLP
Salt Lake City, Utah
December 23, 2011

 
 

 

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
 
To the Board of Directors of
Platinum Studios, Inc.
 
We consent to the inclusion in the foregoing Registration Statement on Form S-8 of our report dated April 15, 2011, relating to the consolidated financial statements of Platinum Studios, Inc. and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2010 and for the year then ended, which appears in the Platinum Studios, Inc. Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 15, 2011.  We also consent to the reference to our firm under the caption “Experts”.

 
/s/ Weinberg & Company, P.A.
Weinberg & Company, P.A.

Los Angeles, California
December 23, 2011