-----BEGIN PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE----- Proc-Type: 2001,MIC-CLEAR Originator-Name: webmaster@www.sec.gov Originator-Key-Asymmetric: MFgwCgYEVQgBAQICAf8DSgAwRwJAW2sNKK9AVtBzYZmr6aGjlWyK3XmZv3dTINen TWSM7vrzLADbmYQaionwg5sDW3P6oaM5D3tdezXMm7z1T+B+twIDAQAB MIC-Info: RSA-MD5,RSA, VBtRPdwHnarJUSrGUDCBhrZi45XxLjlACXolERmLMbaM8HOmQ4fuaBtGhRpkkO0m S0AifpKk9Gd8ZeKl77pf3Q== 0001188112-07-001368.txt : 20070504 0001188112-07-001368.hdr.sgml : 20070504 20070504172237 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0001188112-07-001368 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: 8-K PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 6 CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT: 20070502 ITEM INFORMATION: Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement ITEM INFORMATION: Termination of a Material Definitive Agreement ITEM INFORMATION: Financial Statements and Exhibits FILED AS OF DATE: 20070504 DATE AS OF CHANGE: 20070504 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: APPLIED DNA SCIENCES INC CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000744452 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: BIOLOGICAL PRODUCTS (NO DIAGNOSTIC SUBSTANCES) [2836] IRS NUMBER: 592262718 STATE OF INCORPORATION: NV FISCAL YEAR END: 0930 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 8-K SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 002-90539 FILM NUMBER: 07821560 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 25 HEALTH SCIENCES DRIVE STREET 2: SUITE 113 CITY: STONY BROOK STATE: NY ZIP: 11790 BUSINESS PHONE: 631 444 6861 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 25 HEALTH SCIENCES DRIVE STREET 2: SUITE 113 CITY: STONY BROOK STATE: NY ZIP: 11790 FORMER COMPANY: FORMER CONFORMED NAME: PROHEALTH MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIES INC DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 20010504 FORMER COMPANY: FORMER CONFORMED NAME: DCC ACQUISITION CORP DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 19990211 FORMER COMPANY: FORMER CONFORMED NAME: DATALINK CAPITAL CORP/TX/ DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 19980306 8-K 1 t14219.htm FORM 8-K Form 8-K


UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 
FORM 8-K
 
CURRENT REPORT
 
PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
____________________
 
Date of report (Date of earliest event reported): May 2, 2007
 
Applied DNA Sciences, Inc
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)
 
Nevada
(State or Other Jurisdiction
of Incorporation)
002-90539
(Commission File Number)
59-2262718
(IRS Employer
Identification No.)
 
25 Health Sciences Drive, Suite 113
Stony Brook, New York 11790
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)
 
 
631-444-6861
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
 
Not Applicable
(Former Name or Former Address, if Changed Since Last Report)
 
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (see General Instruction A.2 below):
 

o
 
Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
 
o
 
Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
 
o
 
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
 
o
 
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))
 
 



Item 1.01 Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement.
 
Settlement of Litigation
 
On May 2, 2007, we, APDN (B.V.I.) Inc., our wholly-owned subsidiary, Applied DNA Operations Management, Inc., our wholly-owned subsidiary, James A. Hayward, our Chief Executive Officer and one of our directors, and Jun-Jei Sheu, one of our directors (the “Applied DNA parties”), entered into agreements with each of Angela Wiggins, John D. Barnett, Chanty Cheang and Adrian Butash, Jaime Cardona, all of whom are either a former employee or consultant of ours (collectively, the “former employees and consultants”) to settle certain pending litigation and all other claims arising out of the former employees’ and consultants’ employment or consulting relationships with us.
 
Pursuant to the terms of these settlement agreements, the Applied DNA parties on the one hand, and the former employees and consultants on the other, agreed to release each other from any and all liabilities in connection with or arising from the former employees’ and consultants’ prior employment or consulting relationships, and to dismiss certain lawsuits previously disclosed by us (Barnett, et al. v. Applied DNA Sciences, et al., Los Angeles County Superior Court case number BC 350904, and Applied DNA Sciences, Inc. v. Paul Reep, Adrian Butash, John Barnett, Chanty Cheang, Jaime Cardona, and Angela Wiggins, U.S. District Court for the Central District of California case number CV06-2027 RGK) as well as Angela Wiggins v. us, APDN Operations Management, Inc., APDN (B.V.I.) Inc., Peter Brocklesby and James A. Hayward (Los Angeles Superior Court case number BC369331), which was filed by Angela Wiggins on April 10, 2007. In exchange for the consideration referenced in the Settlement Agreement, the Company agreed to pay the Plaintiffs an aggregate amount of $605,000 in cash in five equal installments due on the first day of each month over the five month period beginning on June 1, 2007.
 
The settlement agreements provide that each of the former employees and consultants can cause a judgment to be entered against us, APDN (B.V.I.) Inc. and APDN Operations Management, Inc. (and not the individual Applied DNA Parties) in an amount equal to three times the remaining balance due to such former employee or consultant under the applicable settlement agreement, plus interest, if we default on our payment obligation to such person and we do not satisfy it within the ten day period after receiving notice of such default.
 
A copy of the settlement agreements are attached hereto as Exhibits 10.1 through 10.5 and are incorporated herein by reference.
 
Item 1.02 Termination of a Material Definitive Agreement
 
Conversion of Secured Convertible Promissory Notes
 
As we previously disclosed, on May 2, 2006, we issued and sold $1,000,000 in aggregate principal amount of 10% Secured Convertible Promissory Notes with warrants to purchase an aggregate of 2,000,000 shares of our common stock at a price of $0.50 per share. On May 2, 2007, the outstanding principal amount of these notes and accrued but unpaid interest thereon converted automatically pursuant to the terms of the notes into 9,645,752 shares of our common stock at a conversion price of $0.114039841 per share, which is equal to 80% of the average of the closing bid prices of our common stock on trading days during the 12 months prior to the conversion date. Upon such conversion, all of our obligations under these notes were discharged.
 

 
Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits
 
(d)  Exhibits.
 
Exhibit 10.1 Settlement Agreement and General Release of All Claims by and between the Applied DNA parties and Chanty Cheang

Exhibit 10.2 Settlement Agreement and General Release of All Claims by and between the Applied DNA parties and Angela Wiggins

Exhibit 10.3 Settlement Agreement and General Release of All Claims by and between the Applied DNA parties and Adrian Butash

Exhibit 10.4 Settlement Agreement and General Release of All Claims by and between the Applied DNA parties and John D. Barnett

Exhibit 10.5 Settlement Agreement and General Release of All Claims by and between the Applied DNA parties and Jaime Cardona
 

 
SIGNATURE
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
 
 
 

 
Applied DNA Sciences, Inc.
 
(Registrant)
   
   
   
 
By: /s/ James A. Hayward                       
 
James A. Hayward
 
Chief Executive Officer
   
Date: May 4, 2007
 
 

 
EX-10.1 2 ex10-1.htm EXHIBIT 10.1 Exhibit 10.1

Exhibit 10.1
 

SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT
AND
GENERAL RELEASE OF ALL CLAIMS

This Settlement Agreement and General Release of All Claims (“Agreement”) is made by and between Applied DNA Sciences, Inc. (“ADNAS”), APDN (B.V.I.), Inc., Applied DNA Operations Management, Inc., James Hayward, and Jun-Jei Sheu (“Defendants”), on the one hand, and Chanty Cheang (“CHEANG”) on the other hand (collectively “the parties”) with respect to the following facts:

A.  
CHEANG was at various times an employee of or consultant to Defendant ADNAS.

B.  
On April 17, 2006, CHEANG filed Case No. BC350904 in Los Angeles Superior Court against Defendants (“CHEANG’s Action”) arising out of CHEANG’s employment and/or consulting relationship with ADNAS, alleging breach of written contracts, breach of oral contracts, fraud, California Labor Code violations, and wrongful termination.

C.  
On March 15, 2007, ADNAS filed Case No. BC367661 against CHEANG (“ADNAS’ Action”), alleging unjust enrichment and breach of fiduciary duty.

D.  
Both ADNAS and CHEANG believe that their own actions are meritorious and the actions against them are without merit. Notwithstanding this belief, in the interest of reaching a mutual negotiated resolution of all claims or possible claims between the parties, the parties now desire to settle all claims asserted or that could have been asserted in any action arising out of or in any way related to any acts, transactions or events that have occurred between them to date, including but not limited to any claims that may have arisen before, during, or after the employment or consulting relationships alleged in CHEANG’s Action, and all claims brought in CHEANG’s Action and ADNAS’ Action.

THEREFORE, in consideration of the promises and mutual agreements hereinafter set forth, it is agreed by and between the undersigned as follows:

1.    Payment. ADNAS agrees to pay CHEANG $60,000.00. Payment to CHEANG will be made in five equal monthly installments in the amount of $12,000.00 by check made payable to “Makarem & Associates Attorney-Client trust account.” The first installment shall be due to be mailed by FedEx or other overnight courier service to Makarem & Associates, 11601 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 2440, Los Angeles, California 90025-1760, on or before June 1, 2007, with each subsequent monthly installment due to be mailed on or before the first business day of the following months, with the final installment due to be mailed on or before October 1, 2007.


 
CHEANG acknowledges and agrees that the payments under this paragraph and the other agreements made herein by Defendants constitute adequate legal consideration for the promises and representations made by it in this Agreement.

2.    Releases.
 
2.1. CHEANG generally, unconditionally, irrevocably and absolutely releases and discharge Defendants, and any parent and subsidiary corporations, divisions and other affiliated or related entities of Defendants, past and present, as well as the past or present employees, officers, directors, agents, attorneys, insurers, successors and assigns of each (collectively, “Released Parties”), from all claims related in any way to the transactions or occurrences between them to date, to the fullest extent permitted by law, including, but not limited to, CHEANG’s hiring by and employment or consulting relationship with ADNAS, CHEANG’s compensation, wages or pay of any kind related to Defendants, hers separation of employment from ADNAS, and all other losses, liabilities, claims, charges, demands and causes of action, known or unknown, suspected or unsuspected, arising directly or indirectly out of or in any way connected with CHEANG’s employment with ADNAS. This release is intended to have the broadest possible application and includes, but is not limited to, any tort, contract, common law, constitutional or other statutory claims, including, but not limited to alleged violations of the California Labor Code or the federal Fair Labor Standards Act, the California Family Rights Act, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the California Fair Employment and Housing Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, as amended, and all claims for attorneys’ fees, costs and expenses. This release unconditionally, irrevocably and absolutely releases and discharges the Released Parties from all of the claims asserted by CHEANG in CHEANG’s Action, and/or any other claims that she could have maintained in CHEANG’s Action. CHEANG represents and warrants that she is not a plaintiff or party to any suit, action or proceeding in which any Released Party is a party, other than CHEANG’s Action and ADNAS’ Action. This Agreement is not intended to have any effect on any unemployment benefits that CHEANG may be receiving as of the date that this Agreement is executed.

2.2. Defendants unconditionally, irrevocably and absolutely release and discharge CHEANG from all claims related in any way to the transactions or occurrences between them to date, to the fullest extent permitted by law, including, but not limited to, CHEANG’s hiring by and employment with or consulting relationship with ADNAS, CHEANG’s compensation, wages or pay of any kind related to Defendants, hers separation of employment from ADNAS, and all other losses, liabilities, claims, charges, demands and causes of action, known or unknown, suspected or unsuspected, arising directly or indirectly out of or in any way connected with CHEANG’s employment with ADNAS. This release is intended to have the broadest possible application and includes, but is not limited to, any tort, contract, common law, constitutional or other statutory claims. This release unconditionally, irrevocably and absolutely releases and discharges CHEANG from all of the claims asserted by ADNAS in ADNAS’ Action, and/or any other claims could have been maintained in ADNAS’ Action.
 

 
2.3. The parties acknowledge that they may discover facts or law different from, or in addition to, the facts or law that they know or believe to be true with respect to the claims released in this Agreement and agree, nonetheless, that this Agreement and the releases contained in it shall be and remain effective in all respects notwithstanding such different or additional facts or the discovery of them.

2.4. The parties declare and represent that they intend this Agreement to be complete and not subject to any claim of mistake, and that the releases herein express full and complete releases, and that they intend that the releases herein shall be final and complete. All parties execute these releases with the full knowledge that these releases cover all possible claims against CHEANG or the Released Parties, to the fullest extent permitted by law.

2.5. CHEANG expressly waives hers right to recovery of any type, including damages, penalties, or reinstatement, in any administrative or court action, whether state or federal, and whether brought by CHEANG or on CHEANG’s behalf, related in any way to the matters released herein. Defendants similarly waive their rights against CHEANG to recovery of any type, including damages or penalties, in any administrative or court action, whether state or federal, and whether brought by Defendants or on Defendants’ behalf, related in any way to the matters released herein.

3.    California Civil Code section 1542 Waiver. The parties expressly acknowledge and agree that, with respect to their respective release of claims as set forth above, they expressly waive all rights under Section 1542 of the California Civil Code. That section provides:
 
A GENERAL RELEASE DOES NOT EXTEND TO CLAIMS WHICH THE CREDITOR DOES NOT KNOW OR SUSPECT TO EXIST IN HIS OR HER FAVOR AT THE TIME OF EXECUTING THE RELEASE, WHICH IF KNOWN BY HIM OR HER MUST HAVE MATERIALLY AFFECTED HIS OR HER SETTLEMENT WITH THE DEBTOR.

4.    Dismissal of CHEANG’s Action and ADNAS’ Action. The parties agree to obtain the dismissal of CHEANG’s Action in its entirety and ADNAS’ Action as to CHEANG, with prejudice, by taking all necessary steps to secure such dismissals. No payment shall be made pursuant to paragraph 1 herein until CHEANG’s Action is dismissed with prejudice.

5.    Default.

5.1. If any required payment is not received by the close of business on the tenth business day of any month when due, ADNAS shall be deemed in default of this Agreement. Counsel for CHEANG shall give notice of default in writing by e-mail or facsimile to counsel for ADNAS, and ADNAS shall have ten business days from the date when notice of default is sent to its counsel to cure the default by payment of the full amount of the overdue installment.
 

 
5.2. If ADNAS fails to cure the default in the manner provided by Paragraph 5.1 above by the close of business on the tenth business day after notice of default is sent to their counsel, Defendants stipulate and agree that CHEANG may cause judgment to be entered forthwith in the Action against Defendants Applied DNA Sciences, Inc., APDN Operations Management, Inc., and APDN (B.V.I.), Inc., (collectively “ADNAS Defendants”) in an amount equal to three times the remaining balance on the date of default, plus interest on said judgment from the date of default, enforceable against any or each of the ADNAS Defendants, in CHEANG’s sole discretion, ADNAS Defendants to be liable for all costs of collection.

5.3. The Parties stipulate and agree that their respective counsel shall execute and submit to the Court where the Actions are pending a “Notice of Settlement; Request that Court Retain Jurisdiction Under CCP §664.6; Stipulation for Judgment on Default; Order Thereon” in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A, and further stipulate and agree that in the event of Defendants’ default, the Stipulated Judgment to be entered shall be in the form attached hereto as Exhibit B.

6.    Promise Not to Prosecute. The parties agree that they will not prosecute, nor allow to be prosecuted on their behalf, in any administrative agency, whether state or federal or in any court, whether state or federal, any claim or demand of any type related to the matters released above, it being the intention of the parties that with the execution of this release, CHEANG and the Released Parties will be absolutely, unconditionally and forever discharged of and from all obligations to the other party related in any way to the matters discharged herein.

7.    No Admissions. By entering in to this Agreement, neither CHEANG nor Defendants make any admission that they have engaged, or are now engaging, in any unlawful conduct. The parties understand and acknowledge that this Agreement is not an admission of liability and shall not be used or construed as such in any legal or administrative proceeding.

8.    [Intentionally left blank.]

9.    Severability. In the event that any provision of this Agreement shall be found unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, the provision shall be deemed modified to the extent necessary to allow enforceability of the provision as so limited, it being intended that CHEANG and the Released Parties shall receive the benefits contemplated herein to the fullest extent permitted by law. If a deemed modification is not satisfactory in the judgment of such court, the unenforceable provision shall be deemed deleted, and the validity and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not be affected thereby.


 
10.   Attorneys’ Fees and Costs. All parties to this Agreement agree that they will bear their own attorneys’ fees, costs and all other expenses in connection with CHEANG’s Action and ADNAS’ Action.

11.   No Assignment. CHEANG warrants and represents that she has not assigned or transferred to any person not a party to this Agreement any released matter or any right to any of the payments or other consideration provided by Defendants pursuant to this Agreement. CHEANG agrees to defend, indemnify and hold Defendants and all Released Parties harmless from any and all claims based on or in connection with or arising out of any such assignment or transfer made, purported or claimed.

12.   Joint Drafters. Counsel for CHEANG and counsel for ADNAS have jointly drafted this Agreement. Thus, no rule of law that ambiguity in an Agreement will be construed against the drafter shall be applied in interpreting this Agreement.

13.   Applicable Law. The validity, interpretation and performance of this Agreement shall be construed and interpreted according to the laws of the United States of America and the State of California.

14.   Full Defense. This Agreement may be pled as a full and complete defense to, and may be used as a basis for an injunction against, any action, suit or other proceeding that may be prosecuted, instituted or attempted by any party in breach hereof. The parties agree that in the event that an action or proceeding is instituted by any party in order to enforce the terms or provisions of this Agreement, the prevailing party in such proceeding shall be entitled to an award of reasonable costs and attorneys’ fees incurred in connection with enforcing this Agreement.

15.   Tax Issues. In the event that there is any federal, state or local tax assessed or to be paid as a result of any payments made pursuant to this Agreement, CHEANG shall be solely responsible for the taxes, penalties, interest and assessments and hereby agrees to release and indemnify Defendants from any and all claims by any local, state or federal government agency for any unpaid taxes. Before any payment may be made pursuant to paragraph 1 of this Agreement, CHEANG will provide to ADNAS an IRS Form W-9. ADNAS shall issue and file an IRS Form 1099 regarding any payments for which customary withholdings have not been taken.

16.   Good Faith. The parties agree to do all things necessary and to execute all further documents necessary and appropriate to carry out and effectuate the terms and purposes of this Agreement.

17.   Entire Agreement; Modification. This Agreement is intended to be the entire agreement between the parties and supersedes and cancels any and all other and prior agreements, written or oral, between the parties regarding this subject matter. It is agreed that there are no collateral agreements or representations, written or oral, regarding the settlement of all claims between the parties other than those set forth in this Agreement. This Agreement may be amended only by a written instrument executed by all parties hereto.


 
18.   Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts and shall be binding on all parties when each has signed either an original or copy of this Agreement. Facsimile signatures may be treated as originals.

[The remainder of this page is intentionally left blank and is followed by the signature page.]




 

 
 
 
 
PARTIES TO THIS AGREEMENT HAVE READ THE FOREGOING AGREEMENT AND FULLY UNDERSTAND EACH AND EVERY PROVISION CONTAINED HEREIN. WHEREFORE, THE PARTIES HAVE EXECUTED THIS AGREEMENT ON THE DATES SHOWN BELOW.

Applied DNA Sciences, Inc.
APDN (B.V.I.), Inc.
APDN Operations Management, Inc. 


Dated: ___________________          By: ____________________________
Dr. James Hayward
CEO and as an individual Defendant

 

Dated: ___________________          By: ____________________________
Dr. Jun-Jei Sheu
Defendant
 

Dated: ___________________          By: ____________________________
Chanty Cheang
Plaintiff

Approved as to Form and Content:
 
Makarem & Associates


Dated: ___________________          By: ____________________________
Peter M. Kunstler
Attorney for Chanty CHEANG

Hansen & Taylor LLP


Dated: ___________________          By: ____________________________
Gregory S. Taylor
Attorneys for Defendants
 
EX-10.2 3 ex10-2.htm EXHIBIT 10.2 Exhibit 10.2

Exhibit 10.2
 

SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT
AND
GENERAL RELEASE OF ALL CLAIMS
 
This Settlement Agreement and General Release of All Claims (“Agreement”) is made by and between Applied DNA Sciences, Inc. (“ADNAS”), APDN (B.V.I.), Inc., Applied DNA Operations Management, Inc., James Hayward, and Jun-Jei Sheu (“Defendants”), on the one hand, and Angela Wiggins (“WIGGINS”) on the other hand (collectively “the parties”) with respect to the following facts:
 
A.  
WIGGINS was at various times an employee of or consultant to Defendant ADNAS.
 
B.  
On April 10, 2007, WIGGINS filed Case No. BC369331 in Los Angeles Superior Court against Defendants (“WIGGINS’ Action”) arising out of WIGGINS’ employment and/or consulting relationship with ADNAS, alleging breach of written contracts, breach of oral contracts, and fraud.
 
C.  
On March 15, 2007, ADNAS filed Case No. BC367661 against WIGGINS (“ADNAS’ Action”), alleging unjust enrichment and breach of fiduciary duty.
 
D.  
Both ADNAS and WIGGINS believe that their own actions are meritorious and the actions against them are without merit. Notwithstanding this belief, in the interest of reaching a mutual negotiated resolution of all claims or possible claims between the parties, the parties now desire to settle all claims asserted or that could have been asserted in any action arising out of or in any way related to any acts, transactions or events that have occurred between them to date, including but not limited to any claims that may have arisen before, during, or after the employment or consulting relationships alleged in WIGGINS’ Action, and all claims brought in WIGGINS’ Action and ADNAS’ Action.
 
THEREFORE, in consideration of the promises and mutual agreements hereinafter set forth, it is agreed by and between the undersigned as follows:
 
1.     Payment. ADNAS agrees to pay WIGGINS $40,000.00. Payment to WIGGINS will be made in five equal monthly installments in the amount of $8,000.00 by check made payable to “Makarem & Associates Attorney-Client trust account.” The first installment shall be due to be mailed by FedEx or other overnight courier service to Makarem & Associates, 11601 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 2440, Los Angeles, California 90025-1760, on or before June 1, 2007, with each subsequent monthly installment due to be mailed on or before the first business day of the following months, with the final installment due to be mailed on or before October 1, 2007.
 
WIGGINS acknowledges and agrees that the payments under this paragraph and the other agreements made herein by Defendants constitute adequate legal consideration for the promises and representations made by it in this Agreement.
 

 
2.     Releases.
 
2.1.  WIGGINS generally, unconditionally, irrevocably and absolutely releases and discharge Defendants, and any parent and subsidiary corporations, divisions and other affiliated or related entities of Defendants, past and present, as well as the past or present employees, officers, directors, agents, attorneys, insurers, successors and assigns of each (collectively, “Released Parties”), from all claims related in any way to the transactions or occurrences between them to date, to the fullest extent permitted by law, including, but not limited to, WIGGINS’ hiring by and employment or consulting relationship with ADNAS, WIGGINS’ compensation, wages or pay of any kind related to Defendants, her separation of employment from ADNAS, and all other losses, liabilities, claims, charges, demands and causes of action, known or unknown, suspected or unsuspected, arising directly or indirectly out of or in any way connected with WIGGINS’ employment with ADNAS. This release is intended to have the broadest possible application and includes, but is not limited to, any tort, contract, common law, constitutional or other statutory claims, including, but not limited to alleged violations of the California Labor Code or the federal Fair Labor Standards Act, the California Family Rights Act, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the California Fair Employment and Housing Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, as amended, and all claims for attorneys’ fees, costs and expenses. This release unconditionally, irrevocably and absolutely releases and discharges the Released Parties from all of the claims asserted by WIGGINS in WIGGINS’ Action, and/or any other claims that she could have maintained in WIGGINS’ Action. WIGGINS represents and warrants that she is not a plaintiff or party to any suit, action or proceeding in which any Released Party is a party, other than WIGGINS’ Action and ADNAS’ Action.
 
2.2.  Defendants unconditionally, irrevocably and absolutely release and discharge WIGGINS from all claims related in any way to the transactions or occurrences between them to date, to the fullest extent permitted by law, including, but not limited to, WIGGINS’ hiring by and employment with or consulting relationship with ADNAS, WIGGINS’ compensation, wages or pay of any kind related to Defendants, her separation of employment from ADNAS, and all other losses, liabilities, claims, charges, demands and causes of action, known or unknown, suspected or unsuspected, arising directly or indirectly out of or in any way connected with WIGGINS’ employment with ADNAS. This release is intended to have the broadest possible application and includes, but is not limited to, any tort, contract, common law, constitutional or other statutory claims. This release unconditionally, irrevocably and absolutely releases and discharges WIGGINS from all of the claims asserted by ADNAS in ADNAS’ Action, and/or any other claims could have been maintained in ADNAS’ Action.
 
2.3.  The parties acknowledge that they may discover facts or law different from, or in addition to, the facts or law that they know or believe to be true with respect to the claims released in this Agreement and agree, nonetheless, that this Agreement and the releases contained in it shall be and remain effective in all respects notwithstanding such different or additional facts or the discovery of them.
 
2.4.  The parties declare and represent that they intend this Agreement to be complete and not subject to any claim of mistake, and that the releases herein express full and complete releases, and that they intend that the releases herein shall be final and complete. All parties execute these releases with the full knowledge that these releases cover all possible claims against WIGGINS or the Released Parties, to the fullest extent permitted by law.
 

 
2.5.  WIGGINS expressly waives her right to recovery of any type, including damages, penalties, or reinstatement, in any administrative or court action, whether state or federal, and whether brought by WIGGINS or on WIGGINS’ behalf, related in any way to the matters released herein. Defendants similarly waive their rights against WIGGINS to recovery of any type, including damages or penalties, in any administrative or court action, whether state or federal, and whether brought by Defendants or on Defendants’ behalf, related in any way to the matters released herein.
 
3.     California Civil Code section 1542 Waiver. The parties expressly acknowledge and agree that, with respect to their respective release of claims as set forth above, they expressly waive all rights under Section 1542 of the California Civil Code. That section provides:
 
A GENERAL RELEASE DOES NOT EXTEND TO CLAIMS WHICH THE CREDITOR DOES NOT KNOW OR SUSPECT TO EXIST IN HIS OR HER FAVOR AT THE TIME OF EXECUTING THE RELEASE, WHICH IF KNOWN BY HIM OR HER MUST HAVE MATERIALLY AFFECTED HIS OR HER SETTLEMENT WITH THE DEBTOR.
 
4.     Dismissal of WIGGINS’ Action and ADNAS’ Action. The parties agree to obtain the dismissal of WIGGINS’ Action in its entirety and ADNAS’ Action as to WIGGINS, with prejudice, by taking all necessary steps to secure such dismissals. No payment shall be made pursuant to paragraph 1 herein until WIGGINS’ Action is dismissed with prejudice.
 
5.     Default.
 
5.1.  If any required payment is not received by the close of business on the tenth business day of any month when due, ADNAS shall be deemed in default of this Agreement. Counsel for WIGGINS shall give notice of default in writing by e-mail or facsimile to counsel for ADNAS, and ADNAS shall have ten business days from the date when notice of default is sent to its counsel to cure the default by payment of the full amount of the overdue installment.
 
5.2.  If ADNAS fails to cure the default in the manner provided by Paragraph 5.1 above by the close of business on the tenth business day after notice of default is sent to their counsel, Defendants stipulate and agree that WIGGINS may cause judgment to be entered forthwith in the Action against Defendants Applied DNA Sciences, Inc., APDN Operations Management, Inc., and APDN (B.V.I.), Inc., (collectively “ADNAS Defendants”) in an amount equal to three times the remaining balance on the date of default, plus interest on said judgment from the date of default, enforceable against any or each of the ADNAS Defendants, in WIGGINS’ sole discretion, ADNAS Defendants to be liable for all costs of collection.
 
5.3.  The Parties stipulate and agree that their respective counsel shall execute and submit to the Court where the Actions are pending a “Notice of Settlement; Request that Court Retain Jurisdiction Under CCP §664.6; Stipulation for Judgment on Default; Order Thereon” in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A, and further stipulate and agree that in the event of Defendants’ default, the Stipulated Judgment to be entered shall be in the form attached hereto as Exhibit B.
 

 
6.     Promise Not to Prosecute. The parties agree that they will not prosecute, nor allow to be prosecuted on their behalf, in any administrative agency, whether state or federal or in any court, whether state or federal, any claim or demand of any type related to the matters released above, it being the intention of the parties that with the execution of this release, WIGGINS and the Released Parties will be absolutely, unconditionally and forever discharged of and from all obligations to the other party related in any way to the matters discharged herein.
 
7.     No Admissions. By entering in to this Agreement, neither WIGGINS nor Defendants make any admission that they have engaged, or are now engaging, in any unlawful conduct. The parties understand and acknowledge that this Agreement is not an admission of liability and shall not be used or construed as such in any legal or administrative proceeding.
 
8.     [Intentionally left blank.]
 
9.     Severability. In the event that any provision of this Agreement shall be found unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, the provision shall be deemed modified to the extent necessary to allow enforceability of the provision as so limited, it being intended that WIGGINS and the Released Parties shall receive the benefits contemplated herein to the fullest extent permitted by law. If a deemed modification is not satisfactory in the judgment of such court, the unenforceable provision shall be deemed deleted, and the validity and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not be affected thereby.
 
10.   Attorneys’ Fees and Costs. All parties to this Agreement agree that they will bear their own attorneys’ fees, costs and all other expenses in connection with WIGGINS’ Action and ADNAS’ Action.
 
11.   No Assignment. WIGGINS warrants and represents that she has not assigned or transferred to any person not a party to this Agreement any released matter or any right to any of the payments or other consideration provided by Defendants pursuant to this Agreement. WIGGINS agrees to defend, indemnify and hold Defendants and all Released Parties harmless from any and all claims based on or in connection with or arising out of any such assignment or transfer made, purported or claimed.
 
12.   Joint Drafters. Counsel for WIGGINS and counsel for ADNAS have jointly drafted this Agreement. Thus, no rule of law that ambiguity in an Agreement will be construed against the drafter shall be applied in interpreting this Agreement.
 
13.   Applicable Law. The validity, interpretation and performance of this Agreement shall be construed and interpreted according to the laws of the United States of America and the State of California.
 
14.   Full Defense. This Agreement may be pled as a full and complete defense to, and may be used as a basis for an injunction against, any action, suit or other proceeding that may be prosecuted, instituted or attempted by any party in breach hereof. The parties agree that in the event that an action or proceeding is instituted by any party in order to enforce the terms or provisions of this Agreement, the prevailing party in such proceeding shall be entitled to an award of reasonable costs and attorneys’ fees incurred in connection with enforcing this Agreement.
 

 
15.   Tax Issues. In the event that there is any federal, state or local tax assessed or to be paid as a result of any payments made pursuant to this Agreement, WIGGINS shall be solely responsible for the taxes, penalties, interest and assessments and hereby agrees to release and indemnify Defendants from any and all claims by any local, state or federal government agency for any unpaid taxes. Before any payment may be made pursuant to paragraph 1 of this Agreement, WIGGINS will provide to ADNAS an IRS Form W-9. ADNAS shall issue and file an IRS Form 1099 regarding any payments for which customary withholdings have not been taken.
 
16.   Good Faith. The parties agree to do all things necessary and to execute all further documents necessary and appropriate to carry out and effectuate the terms and purposes of this Agreement.
 
17.   Entire Agreement; Modification. This Agreement is intended to be the entire agreement between the parties and supersedes and cancels any and all other and prior agreements, written or oral, between the parties regarding this subject matter. It is agreed that there are no collateral agreements or representations, written or oral, regarding the settlement of all claims between the parties other than those set forth in this Agreement. This Agreement may be amended only by a written instrument executed by all parties hereto.
 
18.   Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts and shall be binding on all parties when each has signed either an original or copy of this Agreement. Facsimile signatures may be treated as originals.
 
[The remainder of this page is intentionally left blank and is followed by the signature page.]
 
 
 
 
 


 
 
 
PARTIES TO THIS AGREEMENT HAVE READ THE FOREGOING AGREEMENT AND FULLY UNDERSTAND EACH AND EVERY PROVISION CONTAINED HEREIN. WHEREFORE, THE PARTIES HAVE EXECUTED THIS AGREEMENT ON THE DATES SHOWN BELOW.

 
Applied DNA Sciences, Inc.
APDN (B.V.I.), Inc.
APDN Operations Management, Inc. 


Dated: ___________________          By: ____________________________
Dr. James Hayward
CEO and as an individual Defendant

 

Dated: ___________________          By: ____________________________
Dr. Jun-Jei Sheu
Defendant
 

Dated: ___________________          By: ____________________________
Angela Wiggins
Plaintiff

Approved as to Form and Content:
 
Makarem & Associates


Dated: ___________________          By: ____________________________
Peter M. Kunstler
Attorney for Angela Wiggins

Hansen & Taylor LLP


Dated: ___________________          By: ____________________________
Gregory S. Taylor
Attorneys for Defendants
EX-10.3 4 ex10-3.htm EXHIBIT 10.3 Exhibit 10.3

Exhibit 10.3
 
 
SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT
AND
GENERAL RELEASE OF ALL CLAIMS

This Settlement Agreement and General Release of All Claims (“Agreement”) is made by and between Applied DNA Sciences, Inc. (“ADNAS”), APDN (B.V.I.), Inc., Applied DNA Operations Management, Inc., James Hayward, and Jun-Jei Sheu (“Defendants”), on the one hand, and Adrian Butash (“BUTASH”) on the other hand (collectively “the parties”) with respect to the following facts:

A.  
BUTASH was at various times an employee of or consultant to Defendant ADNAS.

B.  
On April 17, 2006, BUTASH filed Case No. BC350904 in Los Angeles Superior Court against Defendants (“BUTASH’s Action”) arising out of BUTASH’s employment and/or consulting relationship with ADNAS, alleging breach of written contracts, breach of oral contracts, fraud, California Labor Code violations, and wrongful termination.

C.  
On March 15, 2007, ADNAS filed Case No. BC367661 against BUTASH (“ADNAS’ Action”), alleging unjust enrichment and breach of fiduciary duty.

D.  
Both ADNAS and BUTASH believe that their own actions are meritorious and the actions against them are without merit. Notwithstanding this belief, in the interest of reaching a mutual negotiated resolution of all claims or possible claims between the parties, the parties now desire to settle all claims asserted or that could have been asserted in any action arising out of or in any way related to any acts, transactions or events that have occurred between them to date, including but not limited to any claims that may have arisen before, during, or after the employment or consulting relationships alleged in BUTASH’s Action, and all claims brought in BUTASH’s Action and ADNAS’ Action.

THEREFORE, in consideration of the promises and mutual agreements hereinafter set forth, it is agreed by and between the undersigned as follows:

1.    Payment. ADNAS agrees to pay BUTASH $225,000.00. Payment to BUTASH will be made in five equal monthly installments in the amount of $45,000.00 by check made payable to “Makarem & Associates Attorney-Client trust account.” The first installment shall be due to be mailed by FedEx or other overnight courier service to Makarem & Associates, 11601 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 2440, Los Angeles, California 90025-1760, on or before June 1, 2007, with each subsequent monthly installment due to be mailed on or before the first business day of the following months, with the final installment due to be mailed on or before October 1, 2007.


 
BUTASH acknowledges and agrees that the payments under this paragraph and the other agreements made herein by Defendants constitute adequate legal consideration for the promises and representations made by it in this Agreement.

2.    Releases.
 
2.1. BUTASH generally, unconditionally, irrevocably and absolutely releases and discharge Defendants, and any parent and subsidiary corporations, divisions and other affiliated or related entities of Defendants, past and present, as well as the past or present employees, officers, directors, agents, attorneys, insurers, successors and assigns of each (collectively, “Released Parties”), from all claims related in any way to the transactions or occurrences between them to date, to the fullest extent permitted by law, including, but not limited to, BUTASH’s hiring by and employment or consulting relationship with ADNAS, BUTASH’s compensation, wages or pay of any kind related to Defendants, his separation of employment from ADNAS, and all other losses, liabilities, claims, charges, demands and causes of action, known or unknown, suspected or unsuspected, arising directly or indirectly out of or in any way connected with BUTASH’s employment with ADNAS. This release is intended to have the broadest possible application and includes, but is not limited to, any tort, contract, common law, constitutional or other statutory claims, including, but not limited to alleged violations of the California Labor Code or the federal Fair Labor Standards Act, the California Family Rights Act, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the California Fair Employment and Housing Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, as amended, and all claims for attorneys’ fees, costs and expenses. This release unconditionally, irrevocably and absolutely releases and discharges the Released Parties from all of the claims asserted by BUTASH in BUTASH’s Action, and/or any other claims that he could have maintained in BUTASH’s Action. BUTASH represents and warrants that he is not a plaintiff or party to any suit, action or proceeding in which any Released Party is a party, other than BUTASH’s Action and ADNAS’ Action. This Agreement is not intended to have any effect on any unemployment benefits that BUTASH may be receiving as of the date that this Agreement is executed.

2.2. Defendants unconditionally, irrevocably and absolutely release and discharge BUTASH from all claims related in any way to the transactions or occurrences between them to date, to the fullest extent permitted by law, including, but not limited to, BUTASH’s hiring by and employment with or consulting relationship with ADNAS, BUTASH’s compensation, wages or pay of any kind related to Defendants, his separation of employment from ADNAS, and all other losses, liabilities, claims, charges, demands and causes of action, known or unknown, suspected or unsuspected, arising directly or indirectly out of or in any way connected with BUTASH’s employment with ADNAS. This release is intended to have the broadest possible application and includes, but is not limited to, any tort, contract, common law, constitutional or other statutory claims. This release unconditionally, irrevocably and absolutely releases and discharges BUTASH from all of the claims asserted by ADNAS in ADNAS’ Action, and/or any other claims could have been maintained in ADNAS’ Action.


 
2.3. The parties acknowledge that they may discover facts or law different from, or in addition to, the facts or law that they know or believe to be true with respect to the claims released in this Agreement and agree, nonetheless, that this Agreement and the releases contained in it shall be and remain effective in all respects notwithstanding such different or additional facts or the discovery of them.

2.4. The parties declare and represent that they intend this Agreement to be complete and not subject to any claim of mistake, and that the releases herein express full and complete releases, and that they intend that the releases herein shall be final and complete. All parties execute these releases with the full knowledge that these releases cover all possible claims against BUTASH or the Released Parties, to the fullest extent permitted by law.

2.5. BUTASH expressly waives his right to recovery of any type, including damages, penalties, or reinstatement, in any administrative or court action, whether state or federal, and whether brought by BUTASH or on BUTASH’s behalf, related in any way to the matters released herein. Defendants similarly waive their rights against BUTASH to recovery of any type, including damages or penalties, in any administrative or court action, whether state or federal, and whether brought by Defendants or on Defendants’ behalf, related in any way to the matters released herein.

3.     California Civil Code section 1542 Waiver. The parties expressly acknowledge and agree that, with respect to their respective release of claims as set forth above, they expressly waive all rights under Section 1542 of the California Civil Code. That section provides:
 
A GENERAL RELEASE DOES NOT EXTEND TO CLAIMS WHICH THE CREDITOR DOES NOT KNOW OR SUSPECT TO EXIST IN HIS OR HER FAVOR AT THE TIME OF EXECUTING THE RELEASE, WHICH IF KNOWN BY HIM OR HER MUST HAVE MATERIALLY AFFECTED HIS OR HER SETTLEMENT WITH THE DEBTOR.

4.     Dismissal of BUTASH’s Action and ADNAS’ Action. The parties agree to obtain the dismissal of BUTASH’s Action in its entirety and ADNAS’ Action as to BUTASH, with prejudice, by taking all necessary steps to secure such dismissals. No payment shall be made pursuant to paragraph 1 herein until BUTASH’s Action is dismissed with prejudice.

5.     Default.

5.1. If any required payment is not received by the close of business on the tenth business day of any month when due, ADNAS shall be deemed in default of this Agreement. Counsel for BUTASH shall give notice of default in writing by e-mail or facsimile to counsel for ADNAS, and ADNAS shall have ten business days from the date when notice of default is sent to its counsel to cure the default by payment of the full amount of the overdue installment.
 

 
5.2. If ADNAS fails to cure the default in the manner provided by Paragraph 5.1 above by the close of business on the tenth business day after notice of default is sent to their counsel, Defendants stipulate and agree that BUTASH may cause judgment to be entered forthwith in the Action against Defendants Applied DNA Sciences, Inc., APDN Operations Management, Inc., and APDN (B.V.I.), Inc., (collectively “ADNAS Defendants”) in an amount equal to three times the remaining balance on the date of default, plus interest on said judgment from the date of default, enforceable against any or each of the ADNAS Defendants, in BUTASH’s sole discretion, ADNAS Defendants to be liable for all costs of collection.

5.3. The Parties stipulate and agree that their respective counsel shall execute and submit to the Court where the Actions are pending a “Notice of Settlement; Request that Court Retain Jurisdiction Under CCP §664.6; Stipulation for Judgment on Default; Order Thereon” in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A, and further stipulate and agree that in the event of Defendants’ default, the Stipulated Judgment to be entered shall be in the form attached hereto as Exhibit B.

6.     Promise Not to Prosecute. The parties agree that they will not prosecute, nor allow to be prosecuted on their behalf, in any administrative agency, whether state or federal or in any court, whether state or federal, any claim or demand of any type related to the matters released above, it being the intention of the parties that with the execution of this release, BUTASH and the Released Parties will be absolutely, unconditionally and forever discharged of and from all obligations to the other party related in any way to the matters discharged herein.

7.    No Admissions. By entering in to this Agreement, neither BUTASH nor Defendants make any admission that they have engaged, or are now engaging, in any unlawful conduct. The parties understand and acknowledge that this Agreement is not an admission of liability and shall not be used or construed as such in any legal or administrative proceeding.

8.     Older Workers’ Benefit Protection Act. This Agreement is intended to satisfy the requirements of the Older Workers’ Benefit Protection Act, 29 U.S.C. sec. 626(f). The following general provisions, along with the other provisions of this Agreement, are agreed to for this purpose:

8.1. BUTASH acknowledges and agrees that he has read and understands the terms of this Agreement.

8.2. BUTASH acknowledges that this Agreement advises him in writing that he may consult with an attorney before executing this Agreement, and that he has obtained and considered such legal counsel as he deems necessary, such that he is entering into this Agreement freely, knowingly, and voluntarily.


 
8.3. BUTASH acknowledges that he has been given at least twenty-one (21) days in which to consider whether or not to enter into this Agreement. BUTASH understands that, at his option, he may elect not to use the full 21-day period.

8.4. This Agreement shall not become effective or enforceable until the eighth day after BUTASH signs this Agreement. BUTASH may revoke his acceptance of this Agreement within seven (7) days after the date he signs it. BUTASH’s revocation must be in writing and received by Defendants’ counsel, Gregory S. Taylor, by 5:00 p.m. on the seventh day in order to be effective. If BUTASH does not revoke acceptance within the seven (7) day period, BUTASH’s acceptance of this Agreement shall become binding and enforceable on the eighth day (“Effective Date”).

8.5. This Agreement does not waive or release any rights or claims that BUTASH may have under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act that arise after the execution of this Agreement.

9.     Severability. In the event that any provision of this Agreement shall be found unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, the provision shall be deemed modified to the extent necessary to allow enforceability of the provision as so limited, it being intended that BUTASH and the Released Parties shall receive the benefits contemplated herein to the fullest extent permitted by law. If a deemed modification is not satisfactory in the judgment of such court, the unenforceable provision shall be deemed deleted, and the validity and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not be affected thereby.

10.   Attorneys’ Fees and Costs. All parties to this Agreement agree that they will bear their own attorneys’ fees, costs and all other expenses in connection with BUTASH’s Action and ADNAS’ Action.

11.   No Assignment. BUTASH warrants and represents that he has not assigned or transferred to any person not a party to this Agreement any released matter or any right to any of the payments or other consideration provided by Defendants pursuant to this Agreement. BUTASH agrees to defend, indemnify and hold Defendants and all Released Parties harmless from any and all claims based on or in connection with or arising out of any such assignment or transfer made, purported or claimed.

12.   Joint Drafters. Counsel for BUTASH and counsel for ADNAS have jointly drafted this Agreement. Thus, no rule of law that ambiguity in an Agreement will be construed against the drafter shall be applied in interpreting this Agreement.

13.   Applicable Law. The validity, interpretation and performance of this Agreement shall be construed and interpreted according to the laws of the United States of America and the State of California.


 
14.   Full Defense. This Agreement may be pled as a full and complete defense to, and may be used as a basis for an injunction against, any action, suit or other proceeding that may be prosecuted, instituted or attempted by any party in breach hereof. The parties agree that in the event that an action or proceeding is instituted by any party in order to enforce the terms or provisions of this Agreement, the prevailing party in such proceeding shall be entitled to an award of reasonable costs and attorneys’ fees incurred in connection with enforcing this Agreement.

15.   Tax Issues. In the event that there is any federal, state or local tax assessed or to be paid as a result of any payments made pursuant to this Agreement, BUTASH shall be solely responsible for the taxes, penalties, interest and assessments and hereby agrees to release and indemnify Defendants from any and all claims by any local, state or federal government agency for any unpaid taxes. Before any payment may be made pursuant to paragraph 1 of this Agreement, BUTASH will provide to ADNAS an IRS Form W-9. ADNAS shall issue and file an IRS Form 1099 regarding any payments for which customary withholdings have not been taken.

16.   Good Faith. The parties agree to do all things necessary and to execute all further documents necessary and appropriate to carry out and effectuate the terms and purposes of this Agreement.

17.   Entire Agreement; Modification. This Agreement is intended to be the entire agreement between the parties and supersedes and cancels any and all other and prior agreements, written or oral, between the parties regarding this subject matter. It is agreed that there are no collateral agreements or representations, written or oral, regarding the settlement of all claims between the parties other than those set forth in this Agreement. This Agreement may be amended only by a written instrument executed by all parties hereto.

18.   Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts and shall be binding on all parties when each has signed either an original or copy of this Agreement. Facsimile signatures may be treated as originals.










PARTIES TO THIS AGREEMENT HAVE READ THE FOREGOING AGREEMENT AND FULLY UNDERSTAND EACH AND EVERY PROVISION CONTAINED HEREIN. WHEREFORE, THE PARTIES HAVE EXECUTED THIS AGREEMENT ON THE DATES SHOWN BELOW.

Applied DNA Sciences, Inc.
APDN (B.V.I.), Inc.
APDN Operations Management, Inc. 


Dated: ___________________          By: ____________________________
Dr. James Hayward
CEO and as an individual Defendant

 

Dated: ___________________          By: ____________________________
Dr. Jun-Jei Sheu
Defendant
 

Dated: ___________________          By: ____________________________
Adrian Butash
Plaintiff

Approved as to Form and Content:
 
Makarem & Associates


Dated: ___________________          By: ____________________________
Peter M. Kunstler
Attorney for Adrian BUTASH

Hansen & Taylor LLP


Dated: ___________________          By: ____________________________
Gregory S. Taylor
Attorneys for Defendants
 
EX-10.4 5 ex10-4.htm EXHIBIT 10.4 Exhibit 10.4

Exhibit 10.4
 

SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT
AND
GENERAL RELEASE OF ALL CLAIMS

This Settlement Agreement and General Release of All Claims (“Agreement”) is made by and between Applied DNA Sciences, Inc. (“ADNAS”), APDN (B.V.I.), Inc., Applied DNA Operations Management, Inc., James Hayward, and Jun-Jei Sheu (“Defendants”), on the one hand, and John D. Barnett (“BARNETT”) on the other hand (collectively “the parties”) with respect to the following facts:

A.  
BARNETT was at various times an employee of or consultant to Defendant ADNAS.

B.  
On April 17, 2006, BARNETT filed Case No. BC350904 in Los Angeles Superior Court against Defendants (“BARNETT’s Action”) arising out of BARNETT’s employment and/or consulting relationship with ADNAS, alleging breach of written contracts, breach of oral contracts, fraud, California Labor Code violations, and wrongful termination.

C.  
On March 15, 2007, ADNAS filed Case No. BC367661 against BARNETT (“ADNAS’ Action”), alleging unjust enrichment and breach of fiduciary duty.

D.  
Both ADNAS and BARNETT believe that their own actions are meritorious and the actions against them are without merit. Notwithstanding this belief, in the interest of reaching a mutual negotiated resolution of all claims or possible claims between the parties, the parties now desire to settle all claims asserted or that could have been asserted in any action arising out of or in any way related to any acts, transactions or events that have occurred between them to date, including but not limited to any claims that may have arisen before, during, or after the employment or consulting relationships alleged in BARNETT’s Action, and all claims brought in BARNETT’s Action and ADNAS’ Action.

THEREFORE, in consideration of the promises and mutual agreements hereinafter set forth, it is agreed by and between the undersigned as follows:

1.     Payment. ADNAS agrees to pay BARNETT $200,000.00. Payment to BARNETT will be made in five equal monthly installments in the amount of $40,000.00 by check made payable to “Makarem & Associates Attorney-Client trust account.” The first installment shall be due to be mailed by FedEx or other overnight courier service to Makarem & Associates, 11601 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 2440, Los Angeles, California 90025-1760, on or before June 1, 2007, with each subsequent monthly installment due to be mailed on or before the first business day of the following months, with the final installment due to be mailed on or before October 1, 2007.


 
BARNETT acknowledges and agrees that the payments under this paragraph and the other agreements made herein by Defendants constitute adequate legal consideration for the promises and representations made by it in this Agreement.

2.     Releases.
 
2.1. BARNETT generally, unconditionally, irrevocably and absolutely releases and discharge Defendants, and any parent and subsidiary corporations, divisions and other affiliated or related entities of Defendants, past and present, as well as the past or present employees, officers, directors, agents, attorneys, insurers, successors and assigns of each (collectively, “Released Parties”), from all claims related in any way to the transactions or occurrences between them to date, to the fullest extent permitted by law, including, but not limited to, BARNETT’s hiring by and employment or consulting relationship with ADNAS, BARNETT’s compensation, wages or pay of any kind related to Defendants, his separation of employment from ADNAS, and all other losses, liabilities, claims, charges, demands and causes of action, known or unknown, suspected or unsuspected, arising directly or indirectly out of or in any way connected with BARNETT’s employment with ADNAS. This release is intended to have the broadest possible application and includes, but is not limited to, any tort, contract, common law, constitutional or other statutory claims, including, but not limited to alleged violations of the California Labor Code or the federal Fair Labor Standards Act, the California Family Rights Act, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the California Fair Employment and Housing Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, as amended, and all claims for attorneys’ fees, costs and expenses. This release unconditionally, irrevocably and absolutely releases and discharges the Released Parties from all of the claims asserted by BARNETT in BARNETT’s Action, and/or any other claims that he could have maintained in BARNETT’s Action. BARNETT represents and warrants that he is not a plaintiff or party to any suit, action or proceeding in which any Released Party is a party, other than BARNETT’s Action and ADNAS’ Action. This Agreement is not intended to have any effect on any unemployment benefits that BARNETT may be receiving as of the date that this Agreement is executed.

2.2. Defendants unconditionally, irrevocably and absolutely release and discharge BARNETT from all claims related in any way to the transactions or occurrences between them to date, to the fullest extent permitted by law, including, but not limited to, BARNETT’s hiring by and employment with or consulting relationship with ADNAS, BARNETT’s compensation, wages or pay of any kind related to Defendants, his separation of employment from ADNAS, and all other losses, liabilities, claims, charges, demands and causes of action, known or unknown, suspected or unsuspected, arising directly or indirectly out of or in any way connected with BARNETT’s employment with ADNAS. This release is intended to have the broadest possible application and includes, but is not limited to, any tort, contract, common law, constitutional or other statutory claims. This release unconditionally, irrevocably and absolutely releases and discharges BARNETT from all of the claims asserted by ADNAS in ADNAS’ Action, and/or any other claims could have been maintained in ADNAS’ Action.


 
2.3. The parties acknowledge that they may discover facts or law different from, or in addition to, the facts or law that they know or believe to be true with respect to the claims released in this Agreement and agree, nonetheless, that this Agreement and the releases contained in it shall be and remain effective in all respects notwithstanding such different or additional facts or the discovery of them.

2.4. The parties declare and represent that they intend this Agreement to be complete and not subject to any claim of mistake, and that the releases herein express full and complete releases, and that they intend that the releases herein shall be final and complete. All parties execute these releases with the full knowledge that these releases cover all possible claims against BARNETT or the Released Parties, to the fullest extent permitted by law.

2.5. BARNETT expressly waives his right to recovery of any type, including damages, penalties, or reinstatement, in any administrative or court action, whether state or federal, and whether brought by BARNETT or on BARNETT’s behalf, related in any way to the matters released herein. Defendants similarly waive their rights against BARNETT to recovery of any type, including damages or penalties, in any administrative or court action, whether state or federal, and whether brought by Defendants or on Defendants’ behalf, related in any way to the matters released herein.

3.     California Civil Code section 1542 Waiver. The parties expressly acknowledge and agree that, with respect to their respective release of claims as set forth above, they expressly waive all rights under Section 1542 of the California Civil Code. That section provides:
 
A GENERAL RELEASE DOES NOT EXTEND TO CLAIMS WHICH THE CREDITOR DOES NOT KNOW OR SUSPECT TO EXIST IN HIS OR HER FAVOR AT THE TIME OF EXECUTING THE RELEASE, WHICH IF KNOWN BY HIM OR HER MUST HAVE MATERIALLY AFFECTED HIS OR HER SETTLEMENT WITH THE DEBTOR.

4.     Dismissal of BARNETT’s Action and ADNAS’ Action. The parties agree to obtain the dismissal of BARNETT’s Action in its entirety and ADNAS’ Action as to BARNETT, with prejudice, by taking all necessary steps to secure such dismissals. No payment shall be made pursuant to paragraph 1 herein until BARNETT’s Action is dismissed with prejudice.

5.     Default.

5.1. If any required payment is not received by the close of business on the tenth business day of any month when due, ADNAS shall be deemed in default of this Agreement. Counsel for BARNETT shall give notice of default in writing by e-mail or facsimile to counsel for ADNAS, and ADNAS shall have ten business days from the date when notice of default is sent to its counsel to cure the default by payment of the full amount of the overdue installment.
 

 
5.2. If ADNAS fails to cure the default in the manner provided by Paragraph 5.1 above by the close of business on the tenth business day after notice of default is sent to their counsel, Defendants stipulate and agree that BARNETT may cause judgment to be entered forthwith in the Action against Defendants Applied DNA Sciences, Inc., APDN Operations Management, Inc., and APDN (B.V.I.), Inc., (collectively “ADNAS Defendants”) in an amount equal to three times the remaining balance on the date of default, plus interest on said judgment from the date of default, enforceable against any or each of the ADNAS Defendants, in BARNETT’s sole discretion, ADNAS Defendants to be liable for all costs of collection.

5.3. The Parties stipulate and agree that their respective counsel shall execute and submit to the Court where the Actions are pending a “Notice of Settlement; Request that Court Retain Jurisdiction Under CCP §664.6; Stipulation for Judgment on Default; Order Thereon” in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A, and further stipulate and agree that in the event of Defendants’ default, the Stipulated Judgment to be entered shall be in the form attached hereto as Exhibit B.

6.     Promise Not to Prosecute. The parties agree that they will not prosecute, nor allow to be prosecuted on their behalf, in any administrative agency, whether state or federal or in any court, whether state or federal, any claim or demand of any type related to the matters released above, it being the intention of the parties that with the execution of this release, BARNETT and the Released Parties will be absolutely, unconditionally and forever discharged of and from all obligations to the other party related in any way to the matters discharged herein.

7.     No Admissions. By entering in to this Agreement, neither BARNETT nor Defendants make any admission that they have engaged, or are now engaging, in any unlawful conduct. The parties understand and acknowledge that this Agreement is not an admission of liability and shall not be used or construed as such in any legal or administrative proceeding.

8.     Older Workers’ Benefit Protection Act. This Agreement is intended to satisfy the requirements of the Older Workers’ Benefit Protection Act, 29 U.S.C. sec. 626(f). The following general provisions, along with the other provisions of this Agreement, are agreed to for this purpose:

8.1. BARNETT acknowledges and agrees that he has read and understands the terms of this Agreement.

8.2. BARNETT acknowledges that this Agreement advises him in writing that he may consult with an attorney before executing this Agreement, and that he has obtained and considered such legal counsel as he deems necessary, such that he is entering into this Agreement freely, knowingly, and voluntarily.


 
8.3. BARNETT acknowledges that he has been given at least twenty-one (21) days in which to consider whether or not to enter into this Agreement. BARNETT understands that, at his option, he may elect not to use the full 21-day period.

8.4. This Agreement shall not become effective or enforceable until the eighth day after BARNETT signs this Agreement. BARNETT may revoke his acceptance of this Agreement within seven (7) days after the date he signs it. BARNETT’s revocation must be in writing and received by Defendants’ counsel, Gregory S. Taylor, by 5:00 p.m. on the seventh day in order to be effective. If BARNETT does not revoke acceptance within the seven (7) day period, BARNETT’s acceptance of this Agreement shall become binding and enforceable on the eighth day (“Effective Date”).

8.5. This Agreement does not waive or release any rights or claims that BARNETT may have under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act that arise after the execution of this Agreement.

9.     Severability. In the event that any provision of this Agreement shall be found unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, the provision shall be deemed modified to the extent necessary to allow enforceability of the provision as so limited, it being intended that BARNETT and the Released Parties shall receive the benefits contemplated herein to the fullest extent permitted by law. If a deemed modification is not satisfactory in the judgment of such court, the unenforceable provision shall be deemed deleted, and the validity and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not be affected thereby.

10.   Attorneys’ Fees and Costs. All parties to this Agreement agree that they will bear their own attorneys’ fees, costs and all other expenses in connection with BARNETT’s Action and ADNAS’ Action.

11.   No Assignment. BARNETT warrants and represents that he has not assigned or transferred to any person not a party to this Agreement any released matter or any right to any of the payments or other consideration provided by Defendants pursuant to this Agreement. BARNETT agrees to defend, indemnify and hold Defendants and all Released Parties harmless from any and all claims based on or in connection with or arising out of any such assignment or transfer made, purported or claimed.

12.   Joint Drafters. Counsel for BARNETT and counsel for ADNAS have jointly drafted this Agreement. Thus, no rule of law that ambiguity in an Agreement will be construed against the drafter shall be applied in interpreting this Agreement.


 
13.   Applicable Law. The validity, interpretation and performance of this Agreement shall be construed and interpreted according to the laws of the United States of America and the State of California.

14.   Full Defense. This Agreement may be pled as a full and complete defense to, and may be used as a basis for an injunction against, any action, suit or other proceeding that may be prosecuted, instituted or attempted by any party in breach hereof. The parties agree that in the event that an action or proceeding is instituted by any party in order to enforce the terms or provisions of this Agreement, the prevailing party in such proceeding shall be entitled to an award of reasonable costs and attorneys’ fees incurred in connection with enforcing this Agreement.

15.   Tax Issues. In the event that there is any federal, state or local tax assessed or to be paid as a result of any payments made pursuant to this Agreement, BARNETT shall be solely responsible for the taxes, penalties, interest and assessments and hereby agrees to release and indemnify Defendants from any and all claims by any local, state or federal government agency for any unpaid taxes. Before any payment may be made pursuant to paragraph 1 of this Agreement, BARNETT will provide to ADNAS an IRS Form W-9. ADNAS shall issue and file an IRS Form 1099 regarding any payments for which customary withholdings have not been taken.

16.   Good Faith. The parties agree to do all things necessary and to execute all further documents necessary and appropriate to carry out and effectuate the terms and purposes of this Agreement.

17.   Entire Agreement; Modification. This Agreement is intended to be the entire agreement between the parties and supersedes and cancels any and all other and prior agreements, written or oral, between the parties regarding this subject matter. It is agreed that there are no collateral agreements or representations, written or oral, regarding the settlement of all claims between the parties other than those set forth in this Agreement. This Agreement may be amended only by a written instrument executed by all parties hereto.

18.   Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts and shall be binding on all parties when each has signed either an original or copy of this Agreement. Facsimile signatures may be treated as originals.

[The remainder of this page is intentionally left blank and is followed by the signature page.]










PARTIES TO THIS AGREEMENT HAVE READ THE FOREGOING AGREEMENT AND FULLY UNDERSTAND EACH AND EVERY PROVISION CONTAINED HEREIN. WHEREFORE, THE PARTIES HAVE EXECUTED THIS AGREEMENT ON THE DATES SHOWN BELOW.

Applied DNA Sciences, Inc.
APDN (B.V.I.), Inc.
APDN Operations Management, Inc. 


Dated: ___________________          By: ____________________________
Dr. James Hayward
CEO and as an individual Defendant

 

Dated: ___________________          By: ____________________________
Dr. Jun-Jei Sheu
Defendant
 

Dated: ___________________          By: ____________________________
John Barnett
Plaintiff

Approved as to Form and Content:
 
Makarem & Associates


Dated: ___________________          By: ____________________________
Peter M. Kunstler
Attorney for John D. Barnett

Hansen & Taylor LLP


Dated: ___________________          By: ____________________________
Gregory S. Taylor
Attorneys for Defendants
 
EX-10.5 6 ex10-5.htm EXHIBIT 10.5 Exhibit 10.5

Exhibit 10.5
 

SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT
AND
GENERAL RELEASE OF ALL CLAIMS

This Settlement Agreement and General Release of All Claims (“Agreement”) is made by and between Applied DNA Sciences, Inc. (“ADNAS”), APDN (B.V.I.), Inc., Applied DNA Operations Management, Inc., James Hayward, and Jun-Jei Sheu (“Defendants”), on the one hand, and Jaime Cardona (“CARDONA”) on the other hand (collectively “the parties”) with respect to the following facts:

A.  
CARDONA was at various times an employee of or consultant to Defendant ADNAS.

B.  
On April 17, 2006, CARDONA filed Case No. BC350904 in Los Angeles Superior Court against Defendants (“CARDONA’s Action”) arising out of CARDONA’s employment and/or consulting relationship with ADNAS, alleging breach of written contracts, breach of oral contracts, fraud, California Labor Code violations, and wrongful termination.

C.  
On March 15, 2007, ADNAS filed Case No. BC367661 against CARDONA (“ADNAS’ Action”), alleging unjust enrichment and breach of fiduciary duty.

D.  
Both ADNAS and CARDONA believe that their own actions are meritorious and the actions against them are without merit. Notwithstanding this belief, in the interest of reaching a mutual negotiated resolution of all claims or possible claims between the parties, the parties now desire to settle all claims asserted or that could have been asserted in any action arising out of or in any way related to any acts, transactions or events that have occurred between them to date, including but not limited to any claims that may have arisen before, during, or after the employment or consulting relationships alleged in CARDONA’s Action, and all claims brought in CARDONA’s Action and ADNAS’ Action.

THEREFORE, in consideration of the promises and mutual agreements hereinafter set forth, it is agreed by and between the undersigned as follows:

1.     Payment. ADNAS agrees to pay CARDONA $80,000.00. Payment to CARDONA will be made in five equal monthly installments in the amount of $16,000.00 by check made payable to “Makarem & Associates Attorney-Client trust account.” The first installment shall be due to be mailed by FedEx or other overnight courier service to Makarem & Associates, 11601 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 2440, Los Angeles, California 90025-1760, on or before June 1, 2007, with each subsequent monthly installment due to be mailed on or before the first business day of the following months, with the final installment due to be mailed on or before October 1, 2007.


 
CARDONA acknowledges and agrees that the payments under this paragraph and the other agreements made herein by Defendants constitute adequate legal consideration for the promises and representations made by it in this Agreement.

2.    Releases.
 
2.1. CARDONA generally, unconditionally, irrevocably and absolutely releases and discharge Defendants, and any parent and subsidiary corporations, divisions and other affiliated or related entities of Defendants, past and present, as well as the past or present employees, officers, directors, agents, attorneys, insurers, successors and assigns of each (collectively, “Released Parties”), from all claims related in any way to the transactions or occurrences between them to date, to the fullest extent permitted by law, including, but not limited to, CARDONA’s hiring by and employment or consulting relationship with ADNAS, CARDONA’s compensation, wages or pay of any kind related to Defendants, his separation of employment from ADNAS, and all other losses, liabilities, claims, charges, demands and causes of action, known or unknown, suspected or unsuspected, arising directly or indirectly out of or in any way connected with CARDONA’s employment with ADNAS. This release is intended to have the broadest possible application and includes, but is not limited to, any tort, contract, common law, constitutional or other statutory claims, including, but not limited to alleged violations of the California Labor Code or the federal Fair Labor Standards Act, the California Family Rights Act, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the California Fair Employment and Housing Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, as amended, and all claims for attorneys’ fees, costs and expenses. This release unconditionally, irrevocably and absolutely releases and discharges the Released Parties from all of the claims asserted by CARDONA in CARDONA’s Action, and/or any other claims that he could have maintained in CARDONA’s Action. CARDONA represents and warrants that he is not a plaintiff or party to any suit, action or proceeding in which any Released Party is a party, other than CARDONA’s Action and ADNAS’ Action. This Agreement is not intended to have any effect on any unemployment benefits that CARDONA may be receiving as of the date that this Agreement is executed.

2.2. Defendants unconditionally, irrevocably and absolutely release and discharge CARDONA from all claims related in any way to the transactions or occurrences between them to date, to the fullest extent permitted by law, including, but not limited to, CARDONA’s hiring by and employment with or consulting relationship with ADNAS, CARDONA’s compensation, wages or pay of any kind related to Defendants, his separation of employment from ADNAS, and all other losses, liabilities, claims, charges, demands and causes of action, known or unknown, suspected or unsuspected, arising directly or indirectly out of or in any way connected with CARDONA’s employment with ADNAS. This release is intended to have the broadest possible application and includes, but is not limited to, any tort, contract, common law, constitutional or other statutory claims. This release unconditionally, irrevocably and absolutely releases and discharges CARDONA from all of the claims asserted by ADNAS in ADNAS’ Action, and/or any other claims could have been maintained in ADNAS’ Action.


 
2.3. The parties acknowledge that they may discover facts or law different from, or in addition to, the facts or law that they know or believe to be true with respect to the claims released in this Agreement and agree, nonetheless, that this Agreement and the releases contained in it shall be and remain effective in all respects notwithstanding such different or additional facts or the discovery of them.

2.4. The parties declare and represent that they intend this Agreement to be complete and not subject to any claim of mistake, and that the releases herein express full and complete releases, and that they intend that the releases herein shall be final and complete. All parties execute these releases with the full knowledge that these releases cover all possible claims against CARDONA or the Released Parties, to the fullest extent permitted by law.

2.5. CARDONA expressly waives his right to recovery of any type, including damages, penalties, or reinstatement, in any administrative or court action, whether state or federal, and whether brought by CARDONA or on CARDONA’s behalf, related in any way to the matters released herein. Defendants similarly waive their rights against CARDONA to recovery of any type, including damages or penalties, in any administrative or court action, whether state or federal, and whether brought by Defendants or on Defendants’ behalf, related in any way to the matters released herein.

3.    California Civil Code section 1542 Waiver. The parties expressly acknowledge and agree that, with respect to their respective release of claims as set forth above, they expressly waive all rights under Section 1542 of the California Civil Code. That section provides:
 
A GENERAL RELEASE DOES NOT EXTEND TO CLAIMS WHICH THE CREDITOR DOES NOT KNOW OR SUSPECT TO EXIST IN HIS OR HER FAVOR AT THE TIME OF EXECUTING THE RELEASE, WHICH IF KNOWN BY HIM OR HER MUST HAVE MATERIALLY AFFECTED HIS OR HER SETTLEMENT WITH THE DEBTOR.

4.     Dismissal of CARDONA’s Action and ADNAS’ Action. The parties agree to obtain the dismissal of CARDONA’s Action in its entirety and ADNAS’ Action as to CARDONA, with prejudice, by taking all necessary steps to secure such dismissals. No payment shall be made pursuant to paragraph 1 herein until CARDONA’s Action is dismissed with prejudice.

5.     Default.

5.1. If any required payment is not received by the close of business on the tenth business day of any month when due, ADNAS shall be deemed in default of this Agreement. Counsel for CARDONA shall give notice of default in writing by e-mail or facsimile to counsel for ADNAS, and ADNAS shall have ten business days from the date when notice of default is sent to its counsel to cure the default by payment of the full amount of the overdue installment.
 

 
5.2. If ADNAS fails to cure the default in the manner provided by Paragraph 5.1 above by the close of business on the tenth business day after notice of default is sent to their counsel, Defendants stipulate and agree that CARDONA may cause judgment to be entered forthwith in the Action against Defendants Applied DNA Sciences, Inc., APDN Operations Management, Inc., and APDN (B.V.I.), Inc., (collectively “ADNAS Defendants”) in an amount equal to three times the remaining balance on the date of default, plus interest on said judgment from the date of default, enforceable against any or each of the ADNAS Defendants, in CARDONA’s sole discretion, ADNAS Defendants to be liable for all costs of collection.

5.3. The Parties stipulate and agree that their respective counsel shall execute and submit to the Court where the Actions are pending a “Notice of Settlement; Request that Court Retain Jurisdiction Under CCP §664.6; Stipulation for Judgment on Default; Order Thereon” in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A, and further stipulate and agree that in the event of Defendants’ default, the Stipulated Judgment to be entered shall be in the form attached hereto as Exhibit B.

6.     Promise Not to Prosecute. The parties agree that they will not prosecute, nor allow to be prosecuted on their behalf, in any administrative agency, whether state or federal or in any court, whether state or federal, any claim or demand of any type related to the matters released above, it being the intention of the parties that with the execution of this release, CARDONA and the Released Parties will be absolutely, unconditionally and forever discharged of and from all obligations to the other party related in any way to the matters discharged herein.

7.     No Admissions. By entering in to this Agreement, neither CARDONA nor Defendants make any admission that they have engaged, or are now engaging, in any unlawful conduct. The parties understand and acknowledge that this Agreement is not an admission of liability and shall not be used or construed as such in any legal or administrative proceeding.

8.    Older Workers’ Benefit Protection Act. This Agreement is intended to satisfy the requirements of the Older Workers’ Benefit Protection Act, 29 U.S.C. sec. 626(f). The following general provisions, along with the other provisions of this Agreement, are agreed to for this purpose:

8.1. CARDONA acknowledges and agrees that he has read and understands the terms of this Agreement.

8.2. CARDONA acknowledges that this Agreement advises him in writing that he may consult with an attorney before executing this Agreement, and that he has obtained and considered such legal counsel as he deems necessary, such that he is entering into this Agreement freely, knowingly, and voluntarily.


 
8.3. CARDONA acknowledges that he has been given at least twenty-one (21) days in which to consider whether or not to enter into this Agreement. CARDONA understands that, at his option, he may elect not to use the full 21-day period.

8.4. This Agreement shall not become effective or enforceable until the eighth day after CARDONA signs this Agreement. CARDONA may revoke his acceptance of this Agreement within seven (7) days after the date he signs it. CARDONA’s revocation must be in writing and received by Defendants’ counsel, Gregory S. Taylor, by 5:00 p.m. on the seventh day in order to be effective. If CARDONA does not revoke acceptance within the seven (7) day period, CARDONA’s acceptance of this Agreement shall become binding and enforceable on the eighth day (“Effective Date”).

8.5. This Agreement does not waive or release any rights or claims that CARDONA may have under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act that arise after the execution of this Agreement.

9.    Severability. In the event that any provision of this Agreement shall be found unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, the provision shall be deemed modified to the extent necessary to allow enforceability of the provision as so limited, it being intended that CARDONA and the Released Parties shall receive the benefits contemplated herein to the fullest extent permitted by law. If a deemed modification is not satisfactory in the judgment of such court, the unenforceable provision shall be deemed deleted, and the validity and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not be affected thereby.

10.   Attorneys’ Fees and Costs. All parties to this Agreement agree that they will bear their own attorneys’ fees, costs and all other expenses in connection with CARDONA’s Action and ADNAS’ Action.

11.   No Assignment. CARDONA warrants and represents that he has not assigned or transferred to any person not a party to this Agreement any released matter or any right to any of the payments or other consideration provided by Defendants pursuant to this Agreement. CARDONA agrees to defend, indemnify and hold Defendants and all Released Parties harmless from any and all claims based on or in connection with or arising out of any such assignment or transfer made, purported or claimed.

12.   Joint Drafters. Counsel for CARDONA and counsel for ADNAS have jointly drafted this Agreement. Thus, no rule of law that ambiguity in an Agreement will be construed against the drafter shall be applied in interpreting this Agreement.


 
13.   Applicable Law. The validity, interpretation and performance of this Agreement shall be construed and interpreted according to the laws of the United States of America and the State of California.

14.   Full Defense. This Agreement may be pled as a full and complete defense to, and may be used as a basis for an injunction against, any action, suit or other proceeding that may be prosecuted, instituted or attempted by any party in breach hereof. The parties agree that in the event that an action or proceeding is instituted by any party in order to enforce the terms or provisions of this Agreement, the prevailing party in such proceeding shall be entitled to an award of reasonable costs and attorneys’ fees incurred in connection with enforcing this Agreement.

15.   Tax Issues. In the event that there is any federal, state or local tax assessed or to be paid as a result of any payments made pursuant to this Agreement, CARDONA shall be solely responsible for the taxes, penalties, interest and assessments and hereby agrees to release and indemnify Defendants from any and all claims by any local, state or federal government agency for any unpaid taxes. Before any payment may be made pursuant to paragraph 1 of this Agreement, CARDONA will provide to ADNAS an IRS Form W-9. ADNAS shall issue and file an IRS Form 1099 regarding any payments for which customary withholdings have not been taken.

16.   Good Faith. The parties agree to do all things necessary and to execute all further documents necessary and appropriate to carry out and effectuate the terms and purposes of this Agreement.

17.   Entire Agreement; Modification. This Agreement is intended to be the entire agreement between the parties and supersedes and cancels any and all other and prior agreements, written or oral, between the parties regarding this subject matter. It is agreed that there are no collateral agreements or representations, written or oral, regarding the settlement of all claims between the parties other than those set forth in this Agreement. This Agreement may be amended only by a written instrument executed by all parties hereto.

18.   Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts and shall be binding on all parties when each has signed either an original or copy of this Agreement. Facsimile signatures may be treated as originals.







 


PARTIES TO THIS AGREEMENT HAVE READ THE FOREGOING AGREEMENT AND FULLY UNDERSTAND EACH AND EVERY PROVISION CONTAINED HEREIN. WHEREFORE, THE PARTIES HAVE EXECUTED THIS AGREEMENT ON THE DATES SHOWN BELOW.

Applied DNA Sciences, Inc.
APDN (B.V.I.), Inc.
APDN Operations Management, Inc. 


Dated: ___________________          By: ____________________________
Dr. James Hayward
CEO and as an individual Defendant

 

Dated: ___________________          By: ____________________________
Dr. Jun-Jei Sheu
Defendant
 

Dated: ___________________          By: ____________________________
Jaime Cardona
Plaintiff

Approved as to Form and Content:
 
Makarem & Associates


Dated: ___________________          By: ____________________________
Peter M. Kunstler
Attorney for Jaime CARDONA

Hansen & Taylor LLP


Dated: ___________________          By: ____________________________
Gregory S. Taylor
Attorneys for Defendants
 
 
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