UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
[X] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014
or
[ ] TRANSITION REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from _____________________ to ___________________________
Commission file number 000-54652
MARATHON PATENT GROUP, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Nevada
(State or other jurisdiction of Incorporation or organization)
01-0949984
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
11100 Santa Monica Blvd. Ste. 380, Los Angeles, CA
(Address of principal executive offices)
90025
(Zip Code)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code (703) 232-1701
Securities registered under Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act:
Common Stock $0.0001 par value per share
(Title of class)
The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC
(Name of each exchange on which registered)
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act Yes [ ] No [X ]
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Act. Yes [ ] No [X]
Note - Checking the box above will not relieve any registrant required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act from
their obligations under those Sections.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to
such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes [X] No [ ]
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Website, if any, every Interactive Data File
required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for
such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes [X] No [ ]
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers in response to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§229.405 of this chapter) is not contained
herein, and will not be contained, to the best registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in
Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendments to this From 10-K. [ ]
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting
company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer
Non-accelerated filer (Do not check if a smaller
reporting company)
o
o
Accelerated filer
Smaller reporting company
o
þ
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes [ ] No [X]
State the aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates computed by reference to the price at which
the common equity was sold, or the average bid and asked price of such common equity, as of the last business day of the registrant’s most
recently completed second fiscal quarter.
As of June 30, 2014, the aggregate market value of voting stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant, based on the closing sales price of
Common Stock on June 30, 2014, was approximately $40 million. As of March 18, 2015, the registrant had 13,918,177 shares of Common
Stock outstanding.
Table of Contents
Business
PART I
Item 1.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
Item 2.
Item 3.
Item 4.
Properties
Legal Proceedings
Mine Safety Disclosures
PART II
Item 5.
Item 6.
Item 7.
Item 8.
Item 9.
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures
Item 9B. Other Information
Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Selected Financial Data
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
PART III
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
Item 11.
Item 12.
Item 13.
Item 14.
Executive Compensation
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
Principal Accounting Fees and Services
PART IV
Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
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Table of Contents
FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS
MARATHON PATENT GROUP, INC.
This Annual Report on Form 10-K and other written and oral statements made from time to time by us may contain so-called “forward-
looking statements,” all of which are subject to risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as
“expects,” “plans,” “will,” “forecasts,” “projects,” “intends,” “estimates,” and other words of similar meaning. One can identify them by the fact
that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. These statements are likely to address our growth strategy, financial results and product
and development programs. One must carefully consider any such statement and should understand that many factors could cause actual results
to differ from our forward-looking statements. These factors may include inaccurate assumptions and a broad variety of other risks and
uncertainties, including some that are known and some that are not. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed and actual future results
may vary materially.
These statements are only predictions and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, including the risks in the
section entitled “Risk Factors” and the risks set out below, any of which may cause our or our industry’s actual results, levels of activity,
performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements expressed or
implied by these forward-looking statements. These risks include, by way of example and not in limitation:
•
•
•
The uncertainty of profitability;
Risks related to failure to obtain adequate financing on a timely basis and on acceptable terms; and
Other risks and uncertainties related to our business plan and business strategy.
This list is not an exhaustive list of the factors that may affect any of our forward-looking statements. These and other factors should be
considered carefully and readers should not place undue reliance on our forward-looking statements. Forward looking statements are made based
on management’s beliefs, estimates and opinions on the date the statements are made and we undertake no obligation to update forward-looking
statements if these beliefs, estimates and opinions or other circumstances should change. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in
the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements. Except as
required by applicable law, including the securities laws of the United States we do not intend to update any of the forward-looking statements to
conform these statements to actual results.
Information regarding market and industry statistics contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K is included based on information
available to us that we believe is accurate. It is generally based on industry and other publications that are not produced for purposes of securities
offerings or economic analysis. We have not reviewed or included data from all sources. Forecasts and other forward-looking information
obtained from these sources are subject to the same qualifications and the additional uncertainties accompanying any estimates of future market
size, revenue and market acceptance of products and services. As a result, investors should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking
statements.
As used in this annual report, the terms “we”, “us”, “our”, the “Company”, “Marathon Patent Group, Inc.” and “MARA” mean
Marathon Patent Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries, unless otherwise indicated.
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ITEM 1. BUSINESS
PART I
We acquire patents and patent rights from owners or other ventures and seek to monetize the value of the patents through litigation and
licensing strategies, alone or with others. Part of our acquisition strategy is to acquire or invest in patents and patent rights that cover a wide-
range of subject matter which allows us to seek the benefits of a diversified portfolio of assets in differing industries and countries. Generally,
the patents and patent rights that we seek to acquire have large identifiable targets who are or have been using technology that we believe
infringes our patents and patent rights. We generally monetize our portfolio of patents and patent rights by entering into license discussions, and
if that is unsuccessful, initiating enforcement activities against any infringing parties with the objective of entering into comprehensive settlement
and license agreements that may include the granting of non-exclusive retroactive and future rights to use the patented technology, a covenant not
to sue, a release of the party from certain claims, the dismissal of any pending litigation and other terms. Our strategy has been developed with
the expectation that it will result in a long-term, diversified revenue stream for the Company. As of December 31, 2014, we owned 378 U.S. and
foreign patents and patent rights and 22 patent applications.
Our principal office is located at 11100 Santa Monica Blvd., Suite 380, Los Angeles, CA 90225. Our telephone number is (703) 232-
1701.
We were incorporated in the State of Nevada on February 23, 2010 under the name “Verve Ventures, Inc.” On December 7, 2011, we
changed our name to “American Strategic Minerals Corporation” and were engaged in exploration and potential development of uranium and
vanadium minerals business. During June 2012, we discontinued our minerals business and began to invest in real estate properties in Southern
California. In November 2012, we discontinued our real estate business.
Industry Overview and Market Opportunity
Under U.S. law, an inventor or patent owner has the right to seek to exclude others from making, selling or using their patented
invention and seeking damages. Unfortunately, it is often the case that infringers are unwilling, at least initially, to negotiate or pay reasonable
royalties for their unauthorized use of patents and some prefer to fight allegations of patent infringement. Inventors and/or patent holders, without
sufficient legal, financial and/or expert technical resources to commence or continue legal action, are at a disadvantage as they may be perceived to
lack credibility in dealing with potential licensees and as a result, are often ignored. As a result of the common reluctance of patent infringers to
negotiate and ultimately take a patent license for the use of patented technologies, patent licensing and enforcement often begins with the filing of
patent enforcement litigation. However, the majority of patent infringement litigations settle out of court based on the strength of the patent claims,
validity, and persuasive evidence and clarity that the patent is being infringed.
Business Model and Strategy – Overview
Our business encompasses two main elements: (1) the identification, analysis and acquisition of patents and patent rights; and (2) the
generation of revenue from the acquired patents or patent rights. Typically, we compensate the patent seller with cash, equity, earn-out or debt
upon the acquisition of the patents or patent rights or resolution of claims.
Key Factors of Our Business Model
Diversification
As of December 31, 2014, we owned 378 U.S. and foreign patents and patent rights and 22 patent applications across a broad array of
technologies and markets. We intend to add more patents and patent applications for the purpose of generating additional revenues from assertion
against infringers. By owning multiple patent assets, we seek to continue to be diversified in both the types of patents that we own as well as the
frequency and size of the monetization revenue generated. This diversification prevents us from having to rely on a single patent, or patent
family, to generate our revenue. Additionally, by commencing multiple settlement and licensing campaigns with our different patent assets, we
intend to generate frequent revenue events through the execution of multiple settlement and licensing agreements. Our diversification of patent
assets and revenue generation allows us to avoid the binary risk that can be associated with owning a single patent asset that typically generates a
single stream of licensing revenue.
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Patent Acquisition Opportunities
We have worked to establish a supply of patent acquisition opportunities with patent brokers and dealers, with individual inventors and
patent owners, as well as with large corporations (including Fortune 500 corporations) who own patents. Service providers, such as patent
prosecution and litigation attorneys and patent licensing professionals, have also become key providers of patent opportunities. We maintain an
important relationship with IP Navigation Group LLC (“IP Nav”), and have received a significant amount of our patent acquisition opportunities
from our relationship with IP Nav. Affiliates of IP Nav maintain a significant ownership interest in our Company, as well as participating with
us in revenue from various asset monetization efforts. We intend to continue to expand our relationships for patent acquisitions, and expand the
industries to which our patents apply.
Patent Portfolio Evaluation
We follow a disciplined due diligence approach when analyzing potential patent acquisitions. Each opportunity to acquire a patent can
vary based on the amount and type of patent assets, the complexity of the underlying inventions, and the analysis of the industries in which the
invention is being used.
Opus Analytics
During September 2014 we acquired a limited field of use exclusive license to market Opus Analytics from IP Nav. Opus Analytics is a
proprietary patent analytics tool that we use extensively to review and analyze patent acquisition opportunities. Opus Analytics is also a SAAS
(Software as a Service) tool that we offer to third-parties to generate additional revenue streams from financial professionals, investors, patent
licensing and monetization companies, and legal and investment professionals.
Our potential patent acquisition opportunities are entered into Opus Analytics to evaluate patent decisions. The algorithm underlying
Opus is comprised of approximately 120 factors, and it has been continuously updated using actual observations. After evaluation of the patents
by Opus Analytics, the Company reviews subtleties in the language of a patent’s recorded interactions with the patent office and evaluates prior
art and literature. This evaluation can make significant differences in the potential monetization revenue derived from a patent or patent portfolio.
We have developed proprietary processes and procedures for identifying problem areas and evaluating the strength of a patent portfolio before the
decision is made to allocate resources to an acquisition or to launch an effective monetization effort, using the judgment and skill of our
personnel.
We may also seek to use third-party experts in the evaluation and due diligence of patent assets. The combination of our management
team and third-party patent attorneys, intellectual property licensing experts, and technology engineers allow us to conduct our tailored patent
acquisition and evaluation processes and procedures. We evaluate both the types and strength of the claims of the patent as well as the file
history of the patent.
Finally, we identify potential infringers; industries within which the potential infringers exist; longevity of the patented technology; and a
variety of other factors that directly impact the magnitude and potential success of a licensing and enforcement program.
Competition
While there has been a noticeable proliferation of patent monetization firms seeking to enter the business in the past few years, both
public and private, there also has emerged competition from aggregators and commercial enterprises seeking to extend non-litigation licensing or
membership approaches to patent disputes, which is a further source of competition to our business. We also compete with venture capital
enterprises and funds, strategic buyers, lawyers and various industry leaders for patents and patent rights. There also is strong competition for
experts, engineers and attorneys who are important for successful monetization campaigns when litigation ensues. Most of these competitors
have substantially greater financial and human resources than we do. As the market matures, we expect more companies entering the market to
pursue similar opportunities, which may reduce our market share and opportunities.
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Our Customers
Currently, we define customers as those companies that procure licenses to our patents, to satisfy legal claims of infringement against
commercial products or services they produce or sell. Our licensees generally obtain non-recurring, non-exclusive, non-assignable license
agreements in return for a single payment at signing. However, in certain cases, such as the licenses for our Medtech portfolio, we may enter into
licenses with recurring royalty payments that continue for a defined period of time.
Intellectual Property and Patent Rights
Our intellectual property is primarily comprised of issued patents, patent applications and contract rights to patents. We began to
generate revenue from patents during the second quarter of 2013. As of December 31, 2014, the median expiration date for patents in our
portfolio is August 6, 2017, and the latest expiration date for a patent in our portfolio is July 29, 2029. A summary of our patent portfolios is as
follows:
Subsidiary
Bismarck IP Inc.
Clouding Corp.
CRFD Research, Inc.
Cyberfone Systems, LLC
Dynamic Advances, LLC
E2E Processing, Inc.
Hybrid Sequence IP, Inc.
IP Liquidity Ventures, LLC
Loopback Technologies, Inc.
Medtech Group Acquisition Corp.
Relay IP, Inc.
Sampo IP, LLC
Sarif Biomedical LLC
Selene Communication Technologies, LLC
Signal IP, Inc.
TLI Communications, LLC
Vantage Point Technology, Inc.
Number
of Patents
14
Earliest
Expiration
Date
09/15/16
Median
Expiration
Date
09/15/15
Latest
Expiration
Date
01/22/18
Subject Matter
03/29/29
Communication and PBX
equipment
Network and data
management
08/19/23 Web page content translator
and device-to-device transfer
system
Telephony and data
transactions
03/06/23
Natural language interface
07/18/24 Manufacturing schedules
11/11/17
using adaptive learning
Asynchronous
communications
Pharmaceuticals / tire
pressure systems
Automotive
08/27/22
07/29/29 Medical technology
Expired
11/16/23
Expired
11/28/21
08/06/22
06/17/17
03/09/18
Multicasting
Centrifugal communications
Microsurgery equipment
Communications
Automotive
Telecommunications
Computer networking and
operations
11/14/15
09/09/16
07/17/17
Expired
06/06/15
07/26/20
70
4
38
4
4
2
6
10
169
1
3
5
3
7
1
37
Expired
10/05/21
09/17/21
08/11/22
Expired
09/15/15
Expired
04/27/20
10/02/17
11/17/23
09/25/17
06/01/18
Expired
03/13/18
Expired
11/23/20
12/01/15
06/17/17
12/21/16
Expired
Expired
Expired
03/13/18
Expired
05/05/18
03/10/14
06/17/17
Expired
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Patent Enforcement Litigation
We are involved in numerous ongoing patent enforcement proceedings alleging infringement in numerous jurisdictions, both within the
United States and abroad. As of December 31, 2014, we were involved in enforcement actions against approximately 77 defendants, as set forth
below:
United States
District of Delaware
Eastern District of Texas
Central District of California
Northern District of California
Eastern District of Michigan
Northern District of New York
Foreign
Germany
Research and Development
25
18
12
8
2
1
11
We have not expended funds for research and development costs.
Employees
As of December 31, 2014, we had 8 full-time employees and 1 part-time employee. We believe our employee relations to be good.
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
There are numerous and varied risks, known and unknown, that may prevent us from achieving our goals. If any of these risks actually
occur, our business, financial condition or results of operation may be materially adversely affected. In such case, the trading price of our
Common Stock could decline and investors could lose all or part of their investment.
Risks Related to Our Company
We have changed the focus of our business to acquiring patents and patent rights and monetizing the value of those assets through
enforcement campaigns that are expected to generate revenue. We may not be able to successfully monetize the patents that we acquire
and thus we may fail to realize all of the anticipated benefits of such acquisitions.
There is no assurance that we will be able to continue to successfully acquire, develop or monetize our patent portfolio. The acquisition
of patents could fail to produce anticipated benefits or we could have other adverse effects that we do not currently foresee. Failure to
successfully monetize our patents would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
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In addition, the acquisition of patent portfolios is subject to a number of risks, including, but not limited to the following:
● There is a significant time lag between acquiring a patent portfolio and recognizing revenue from those patent assets. During that time
lag, substantial amounts of costs are likely to be incurred that could have a negative effect on our results of operations, cash flows
and financial position;
●
The monetization of a patent portfolio will be a time consuming and expensive process that may disrupt our operations. If our
monetization efforts are not successful, our results of operations could be harmed. In addition, we may not achieve anticipated
synergies or other benefits from such acquisition; and
● We may encounter unforeseen difficulties with our business or operations in the future that may deplete our capital resources more
rapidly than anticipated. As a result, we may be required to obtain additional working capital in the future through public or private
debt or equity financings, borrowings or otherwise. If we are required to raise additional working capital in the future, such financing
may be unavailable to us on favorable terms, if at all, or may be dilutive to our existing stockholders. If we fail to obtain additional
working capital, as and when needed, such failure could have a material adverse impact on our business, results of operations and
financial condition.
Therefore, there is no assurance that the monetization of our patent portfolios will generate enough revenue to recoup our investment.
We are presently reliant on the patent assets we acquire from other patent owners. If we are unable to monetize such assets and generate
revenue and profit through those assets or by other means, there is a significant risk that our business would fail.
At the commencement of our current line of business in 2012, we acquired a portfolio of patent assets from Sampo IP, LLC
(“Sampo”), a company affiliated with our Chief Executive Officer, Douglas Croxall, from which we have generated revenue from enforcement
activities and for which we plan to continue to generate enforcement related revenue. On April 16, 2013, we acquired a patent from Mosaid
Technologies Incorporated, a Canadian corporation. On April 22, 2013, we acquired a patent portfolio through a merger between CyberFone
Acquisition Corp., a Texas corporation and our wholly owned subsidiary and CyberFone Systems LLC, a Texas limited liability company
(“CyberFone Systems”). In June 2013, in connection with the closing of a licensing agreement with Siemens Technology, we acquired a patent
portfolio from that company. In September 2013, we acquired a portfolio from TeleCommunication Systems and an additional portfolio from
Intergraph Corporation. In October 2013, we acquired a patent portfolio from TT IP, LLC. In December 2013 we had three transactions: (i) in
connection with a licensing agreement with Zhone, we acquired a portfolio of patents from that company; (ii) we acquired a patent portfolio
from Delphi Technologies, Inc.; and (iii) in connection with a settlement and license agreement, we agreed to settle and release another
defendant for past and future use of our patents, whereby the defendant agreed to assign and transfer 2 U.S. patents and rights to us. In May
2014, we acquired ownership rights of Dynamic Advances, LLC, a Texas limited liability company, IP Liquidity Ventures, LLC, a Delaware
limited liability company, and Sarif Biomedical, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, all of which hold patent portfolios or contract rights
to the revenue generated from the patent portfolios. In June 2014, we acquired Selene Communication Technologies, LLC, which holds multiple
patents in the search and network intrusion field. In August 2014, we acquired patents from Clouding IP LLC, with such patents related to
network and data management technology. In September 2014, we acquired TLI Communications, which owns a single patent in the
telecommunication field. In October 2014, we acquired three patent portfolios from MedTech Development, LLC, which owns medical
technology patents. We plan to generate revenues from our acquired patent portfolios. However, if our efforts to generate revenue from these
assets fail, we will have incurred significant losses and may be unable to acquire additional assets. If this occurs, our business would likely fail.
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We have economic interests in portfolios that the Company does not control and the decision regarding the timing and amount of
licenses are held by third parties, which could lead to outcomes materially different than what the Company intended.
The Company owns contract rights to two portfolios over which it does not exercise control and cannot determine when and if, and if so,
for how much, the patent owner licenses the patents. This could lead to situations where we have dedicated resources, time and money to
portfolios that despite the best interests of the Company provide little or no return on our investment. In these situations, the Company would
record a loss on its investment and incur losses that contribute to the overall performance of the company.
Failure to effectively manage our growth could place strains on our managerial, operational and financial resources and could adversely
affect our business and operating results.
Our growth has placed, and is expected to continue to place, a strain on our managerial, operational and financial resources and
systems which are limited. Further, as our subsidiary companies’ businesses grow, we will be required to continue to manage multiple
relationships. Any further growth by us or our subsidiary companies, or an increase in the number of our strategic relationships, may place
additional strain on our managerial, operational and financial resources and systems. Although we may not grow as we expect, if we fail to
manage our growth effectively or to develop and expand our managerial, operational and financial resources and systems, our business and
financial results would be materially harmed.
We initiate legal proceedings against potentially infringing companies in the normal course of our business and we believe that
extended litigation proceedings would be time-consuming and costly, which may adversely affect our financial condition and our ability to
operate our business.
To monetize our patent assets, we generally initiate legal proceedings against likely infringing companies, pursuant to which we may
allege that such companies infringe on one or more of our patents. Our viability could be highly dependent on the outcome of the litigation, and
there is a risk that we may be unable to achieve the results we desire from such litigation, which failure would substantially harm our
business. In addition, the defendants in the litigations are likely to be much larger than us and have substantially more resources than we do,
which could make our litigation efforts more difficult and impact the duration of the litigation which would require us to devote our limited
financial, managerial and other resources to support litigation that may be disproportionate to the anticipated recovery.
We anticipate that these legal proceedings may continue for several years and may require significant expenditures for legal fees and
other expenses. Disputes regarding the assertion of patents and other intellectual property rights are highly complex and technical. Once
initiated, we may be forced to litigate against others to enforce or defend our patent rights or to determine the validity and scope of other party’s
patent rights. The defendants or other third parties involved in the lawsuits in which we are involved may allege defenses and/or file
counterclaims or commence re-examination proceedings by patenting issuance authorities in an effort to avoid or limit liability and damages for
patent infringement, or declare our patents to be invalid or non-infringed. If such defenses or counterclaims are successful, they may preclude
our ability to derive monetization revenue from the patents. A negative outcome of any such litigation, or affecting one or more claims contained
within any such litigation, could materially and adversely impact our business. Additionally, we anticipate that our legal fees and other expenses
will be material and will negatively impact our financial condition and results of operations and may result in our inability to continue our
business.
We may seek to internally develop additional new inventions and intellectual property, which would take time and be costly. Moreover, the
failure to obtain or maintain intellectual property rights for such inventions would lead to the loss of our investments in such activities.
We may in the future seek to engage in commercial business ventures or seek internal development of new inventions or intellectual
property. These activities would require significant amounts of financial, managerial and other resources and would take time to achieve. Such
activities could also distract our management team from its present business initiatives, which could have a material and adverse effect on our
business. There is also the risk that such initiatives may not yield any viable new business or revenue, inventions or technology, which would
lead to a loss of our investment in such activities.
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In addition, even if we are able to internally develop new inventions, in order for those inventions to be viable and to compete
effectively, we would need to develop and maintain, and we would be heavily reliant upon, a proprietary position with respect to such inventions
and intellectual property. However, there are significant risks associated with any such intellectual property we may develop principally including
the following:
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
patent applications we may file may not result in issued patents or may take longer than we expect to result in issued patents;
we may be subject to interference proceedings;
we may be subject to opposition proceedings in the U.S. or foreign countries;
any patents that are issued to us may not provide meaningful protection;
we may not be able to develop additional proprietary technologies that are patentable;
other companies may challenge patents issued to us;
other companies may have independently developed and/or patented (or may in the future independently develop and patent) similar or
alternative technologies, or duplicate our technologies;
other companies may design around technologies we have developed; and
enforcement of our patents would be complex, uncertain and very expensive.
We cannot be certain that patents will be issued as a result of any future patent applications, or that any of our patents, once issued, will
provide us with adequate protection from competing products. For example, issued patents may be circumvented or challenged, declared invalid
or unenforceable, or narrowed in scope. In addition, since publication of discoveries in scientific or patent literature often lags behind actual
discoveries, we cannot be certain that we will be the first to make our additional new inventions or to file patent applications covering those
inventions. It is also possible that others may have or may obtain issued patents that could prevent us from commercializing our products or
require us to obtain licenses requiring the payment of significant fees or royalties in order to enable us to conduct our business. As to those
patents that we may acquire, our continued rights will depend on meeting any obligations to the seller and we may be unable to do so. Our
failure to obtain or maintain intellectual property rights for our inventions would lead to the loss of our investments in such activities, which
would have a material adverse effect on us.
Moreover, patent application delays could cause delays in recognizing revenue from our internally generated patents and could cause us
to miss opportunities to license patents before other competing technologies are developed or introduced into the market.
Our future success depends on our ability to expand our organization to match the growth of our activities.
As our operations grow, the administrative demands upon us will grow, and our success will depend upon our ability to meet those
demands. We are organized as a holding company, with numerous subsidiaries, each of which will require their own needs for financial,
managerial and other resources to be satisfied, and the parent operating company will have its own requirements for financial, managerial and
other resources, which could create challenges to our ability to successfully manage our subsidiaries and operations and which could impact our
ability to assure compliance with our policies, practices and procedures. These demands include increased executive, accounting, management,
legal services, staff support, and general office services. We may need to hire additional qualified personnel to meet these demands, the cost and
quality of which is dependent in part upon market factors outside of our control. Further, we will need to effectively manage the training and
growth of our staff to maintain an efficient and effective workforce, and our failure to do so could adversely affect our business and operating
results.
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Potential acquisitions may present risks, and we may be unable to achieve the financial or other goals intended at the time of any potential
acquisition.
Our future growth depends, in part, on our ability to acquire patented technologies, patent portfolios, or companies holding such
patented technologies and patent portfolios. Accordingly, we have engaged in acquisitions to expand our patent portfolios and we intend to
continue to explore such acquisitions. Such acquisitions are subject to numerous risks, including the following:
o
o
o
o
o
o
our inability to enter into a definitive agreement with respect to any potential acquisition, or if we are able to enter into such
agreement, our inability to consummate the potential acquisition;
difficulty integrating the operations, technology and personnel of the acquired entity;
our inability to achieve the anticipated financial and other benefits of the specific acquisition;
difficulty in maintaining controls, procedures and policies during the transition and monetization process;
diversion of our management’s attention from other business concerns; and
failure of our due diligence process to identify significant issues, including issues with respect to patented technologies and patent
portfolios, and other legal and financial contingencies.
If we are unable to manage these risks effectively as part of any acquisition, our business could be adversely affected.
Our revenues are unpredictable, and this may harm our financial condition.
From November 12, 2012 to the present, our operating subsidiaries have executed our business strategy of acquiring patent portfolios
and accompanying patent rights and monetizing the value of those assets. As of December 31, 2014, on a consolidated basis, our operating
subsidiaries owned, controlled or had economic rights to 378 patent assets, which include U.S. patents and certain foreign counterparts,
covering technologies used in a wide variety of industries. These acquisitions continue to expand and diversify our revenue generating
opportunities. However, due to the nature of our patent monetization business and uncertainties regarding the amount and timing of the receipt
of funds from the monetization of our patent assets resulting in part from uncertainties regarding the outcome of enforcement actions, rates of
adoption of our patented technologies, outlook for the businesses for defendants, and certain other factors, our revenues may vary substantially
from quarter to quarter, which could make our business difficult to manage, adversely affect our business and operating results, cause our
quarterly results to fall below expectations and adversely affect the market price of our Common Stock.
Our patent monetization cycle is lengthy and costly, and our marketing, legal and administrative efforts may be unsuccessful.
We expect significant marketing, legal and administrative expenses prior to generating revenue from monetization efforts. We will also
spend considerable time and resources educating defendants on the benefits of a settlement, prior to or during litigation, that may include a
license of our patent rights. As such, we may incur significant losses in any particular period before any associated revenue stream begins.
If our efforts to convince defendants of the benefits of a settlement arrangement prior to litigation are unsuccessful, we may need to
continue with the litigation process or other enforcement action to protect our patent rights and to realize revenue from those rights. We may
also need to litigate to enforce the terms of existing agreements, protect our trade secrets, or determine the validity and scope of the proprietary
rights of others. Enforcement proceedings are typically protracted and complex. The costs are typically substantial, and the outcomes are
unpredictable. Enforcement actions will divert our managerial, technical, legal and financial resources from business operations.
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Our exposure to uncontrollable risks, including new legislation, court rulings or actions by the United States Patent and Trademark
Office, could adversely affect our activities including our revenues, expenses and results of operations.
Our patent acquisition and monetization business is subject to numerous risks, including the following:
New legislation, regulations or rules related to obtaining patents or enforcing patents could significantly increase our operating costs
and reduce our revenue and results of operations.
If new legislation, regulations or rules are implemented either by Congress, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, the executive
branch, or the courts, that impact the patent application process, the patent enforcement process, the rights of patent holders, or litigation
practices, such changes could materially and negatively affect our revenue and expenses and, therefore, our results of operations and the overall
success of our company. Recently, United States patent laws were amended with the enactment of the Leahy-Smith America Invents Act, or the
America Invents Act, which took effect on March 16, 2013. The America Invents Act includes a number of significant changes to U.S. patent
law. In general, the legislation attempts to address issues surrounding the enforceability of patents and the increase in patent litigation by, among
other things, establishing new procedures for patent litigation. For example, the America Invents Act changes the way that parties may be joined
in patent infringement actions, increasing the likelihood that such actions will need to be brought against individual allegedly-infringing parties
by their respective individual actions or activities. In addition, the America Invents Act enacted a new inter-partes review, or IPR, process at the
USPTO which can be used by defendants, and other individuals and entities, to separately challenge the validity of any patent. At this time, it is
not clear what, if any, impact the America Invents Act will have on the operation of our patent monetization and enforcement business.
However, the America Invents Act and its implementation could increase the uncertainties and costs surrounding the enforcement of our
patented technologies, which could have a material adverse effect on our business and financial condition. Patents from nine of our portfolios
are currently the subject of inter-partes reviews.
In addition, the U.S. Department of Justice, or the DOJ, has conducted reviews of the patent system to evaluate the impact of patent
assertion entities on industries in which those patents relate. It is possible that the findings and recommendations of the DOJ could impact the
ability to effectively monetize and enforce standards-essential patents and could increase the uncertainties and costs surrounding the enforcement
of any such patented technologies. Also, the Federal Trade Commission, or FTC, has published its intent to initiate a proposed study under
Section 6(b) of the Federal Trade Commission Act to evaluate the patent assertion practice and market impact of Patent Assertion Entities, or
PAEs. The FTC’s notice and request for public comment relating to the PAE study appeared in the Federal Register on October 3, 2013. The
FTC has solicited information from the Company regarding its portfolios and activities, and the Company is currently in the process of
complying with the FTC request for such information. It is expected that the results of the PAE study by the FTC will be provided to Congress
and other agencies, such as the DOJ, who could take action, including legislative proposals, based on the results of the study.
Finally, new rules regarding the burden of proof in patent enforcement actions could substantially increase the cost of our enforcement
actions and new standards or limitations on liability for patent infringement could negatively impact our revenue derived from such enforcement
actions.
Changes in patent law could adversely impact our business.
Patent laws may continue to change and may alter the historically consistent protections afforded to owners of patent rights. Such
changes may not be advantageous for us and may make it more difficult to obtain adequate patent protection to enforce our patents against
infringing parties. Increased focus on the growing number of patent-related lawsuits may result in legislative changes that increase our costs and
related risks of asserting patent enforcement actions. For instance, in December 2013, the United States House of Representatives passed a bill
that would require non-practicing entities that bring patent infringement lawsuits to pay legal costs of the defendants, if the lawsuits are
unsuccessful and certain standards are not met.
Trial judges and juries often find it difficult to understand complex patent enforcement litigation, and as a result, we may need to appeal
adverse decisions by lower courts in order to successfully enforce our patent rights.
It is difficult to predict the outcome of litigation, particularly patent enforcement litigation. It is often difficult for juries and trial judges
to understand complex, patented technologies and, as a result, there is a higher rate of successful appeals in patent enforcement litigation than
more standard business litigation. Such appeals are expensive and time consuming, resulting in increased costs and delayed final non-appealable
judgments that can require payment of damages to the Company. Although we diligently pursue enforcement litigation, we cannot predict with
significant reliability the decisions that may be made by juries and trial courts.
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More patent applications are filed each year resulting in longer delays in getting patents issued by the USPTO.
We hold and continue to acquire pending patents in the application or review phase. We believe there is a trend of increasing patent
applications each year, which we believe is resulting in longer delays in obtaining approval of pending patent applications. The application
delays could cause delays in monetizing such patents which could cause us to miss opportunities to license patents before other competing
technologies are developed or introduced into the market.
Patent enforcement litigation is taking longer.
Our patent enforcement actions are almost exclusively prosecuted in federal court. Federal trial courts that hear our patent enforcement
actions also hear criminal and other cases. Criminal cases always take priority over our actions. As a result, it is difficult to predict the length of
time it will take to complete an enforcement action. Moreover, we believe there is a trend in increasing numbers of civil and criminal
proceedings and, as a result, we believe that the risk of delays in our patent enforcement actions has grown and will continue to grow and will
increasingly affect our business in the future unless this trend changes.
Any reductions in the funding of the USPTO could have an adverse impact on the cost of processing pending patent applications and the
value of those pending patent applications.
Our ownership or acquisition of pending patent applications before the USPTO is subject to funding and other risks applicable to a
government agency. The value of our patent portfolio is dependent, in part, on the issuance of patents in a timely manner, and any reductions in
the funding of the USPTO could negatively impact the value of our assets. Further, reductions in funding from Congress could result in higher
patent application filing and maintenance fees charged by the USPTO, causing an unexpected increase in our expenses.
Our acquisitions of patent assets may be time consuming, complex and costly, which could adversely affect our operating results.
Acquisitions of patent or other intellectual property assets, are often time consuming, complex and costly to consummate. We may
utilize many different transaction structures in our acquisitions and the terms of such acquisition agreements tend to be heavily negotiated. As a
result, we expect to incur significant operating expenses and may be required to raise capital during the negotiations even if the acquisition is
ultimately not consummated. Even if we are able to acquire particular patent assets, there is no guarantee that we will generate sufficient revenue
related to those patent assets to offset the acquisition costs. While we will seek to conduct sufficient due diligence on the patent assets we are
considering for acquisition, we may acquire patent assets from a seller who does not have proper title to those assets. In those cases, we may be
required to spend significant resources to defend our ownership interest in the patent assets and, if we are not successful, our acquisition may be
invalid, in which case we could lose part or all of our investment in the assets.
We may also identify patent or other patent assets that cost more than we are prepared to spend with our own capital resources. We
may incur significant costs to organize and negotiate a structured acquisition that does not ultimately result in an acquisition of any patent assets
or, if consummated, proves to be unprofitable for us. These higher costs could adversely affect our operating results and, if we incur losses, the
value of our securities will decline.
In addition, we may acquire patents and technologies that are in the early stages of adoption in the commercial, industrial and consumer
markets. Demand for some of these technologies will likely be untested and may be subject to fluctuation based upon the rate at which our
companies may adopt our patented technologies in their products and services. As a result, there can be no assurance as to whether technologies
we acquire or develop will have value that we can monetize.
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In certain acquisitions of patent assets, we may seek to defer payment or finance a portion of the acquisition price. This approach may put
us at a competitive disadvantage and could result in harm to our business.
We have limited capital and may seek to negotiate acquisitions of patent or other intellectual property assets where we can defer
payments or finance a portion of the acquisition price. These types of debt financing or deferred payment arrangements may not be as attractive to
sellers of patent assets as receiving the full purchase price for those assets in cash at the closing of the acquisition. As a result, we might not
compete effectively against other companies in the market for acquiring patent assets, many of whom have substantially greater cash resources
than we have. In addition, any failure to satisfy any debt repayment obligations that we may incur, may result in adverse consequences to our
operating results.
Any failure to maintain or protect our patent assets could significantly impair our return on investment from such assets and harm our
brand, our business and our operating results.
Our ability to operate our business and compete in the patent market largely depends on the superiority, uniqueness and value of our
acquired patent assets. To protect our proprietary rights, we rely on and will rely on a combination of patent, trademark, copyright and trade
secret laws, confidentiality agreements, common interest agreements and agreements with our employees and third parties, and protective
contractual provisions. No assurances can be given that any of the measures we undertake to protect and maintain the value of our assets will
have any measure of success.
Following the acquisition of patent assets, we will likely be required to spend significant time and resources to maintain the
effectiveness of those assets by paying maintenance fees and making filings with the United States Patent and Trademark Office. We may
acquire patent assets, including patent applications that require us to spend resources to prosecute such patent applications with the United States
Patent and Trademark Office. Further, there is a material risk that patent related claims (such as, for example, infringement claims (and/or claims
for indemnification resulting therefrom), unenforceability claims, or invalidity claims) will be asserted or prosecuted against us, and such
assertions or prosecutions could materially and adversely affect our business. Regardless of whether any such claims are valid or can be
successfully asserted, defending such claims could cause us to incur significant costs and could divert resources away from our core business
activities.
Despite our efforts to protect our intellectual property rights, any of the following or similar occurrences may reduce the value of our
intellectual property:
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our patent applications, trademarks and copyrights may not be granted and, if granted, may be challenged or invalidated;
issued trademarks, copyrights, or patents may not provide us with any competitive advantages when compared to potentially
infringing other properties;
our efforts to protect our intellectual property rights may not be effective in preventing misappropriation of our technology; or
our efforts may not prevent the development and design by others of products or technologies similar to or competitive with, or
superior to those we acquire and/or prosecute.
Moreover, we may not be able to effectively protect our intellectual property rights in certain foreign countries where we may do
business in the future or from which competitors may operate. If we fail to maintain, defend or prosecute our patent assets properly, the value of
those assets would be reduced or eliminated, and our business would be harmed.
Weak global economic conditions may cause infringing parties to delay entering into settlement and licensing agreements, which could
prolong our litigation and adversely affect our financial condition and operating results.
Our business depends significantly on worldwide economic conditions and the United States and world economies have recently
experienced weak economic conditions. Uncertainty about global economic conditions poses a risk as businesses may postpone spending in
response to tighter credit, negative financial news and declines in income or asset values. This response could have a material adverse effect on
the willingness of parties infringing on our assets to enter into settlements or other revenue generating agreements voluntarily. Entering into
such agreements is critical to our business, and our failure to do so could cause material harm to our business.
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If we are unable to adequately protect our patent assets, we may not be able to compete effectively.
Our ability to compete depends in part upon the strength of the patents and patent rights that we own or may hereafter acquire. We rely
on a combination of U.S. and foreign patents, copyrights, trademark, trade secret laws and other types of agreements to establish and protect our
patent, intellectual property and proprietary rights. The efforts we take to protect our patents, intellectual property and proprietary rights may not
be sufficient or effective at stopping unauthorized use of our patents, intellectual property and proprietary rights. In addition, effective trademark,
patent, copyright and trade secret protection may not be available or cost-effective in every country in which our services are made available.
There may be instances where we are not able to fully protect or utilize our patent and other intellectual property in a manner that maximizes
competitive advantage. If we are unable to protect our patent assets and intellectual property and proprietary rights from unauthorized use, the
value of those assets may be reduced, which could negatively impact our business. Our inability to obtain appropriate protections for our
intellectual property may also allow competitors to enter markets and produce or sell the same or similar products. In addition, protecting our
patents and patent rights is expensive and diverts critical managerial resources. If any of the foregoing were to occur, or if we are otherwise
unable to protect our intellectual property and proprietary rights, our business and financial results could be adversely affected.
If we are forced to resort to legal proceedings to enforce our intellectual property rights, the proceedings could be burdensome and
expensive. In addition, our patent rights could be at risk if we are unsuccessful in, or cannot afford to pursue, those proceedings. We also rely
on trade secrets and contract law to protect some of our patent rights and proprietary technology. We will enter into confidentiality and invention
agreements with our employees and consultants. Nevertheless, these agreements may not be honored and they may not effectively protect our
right to our un-patented trade secrets and know-how. Moreover, others may independently develop substantially equivalent proprietary
information and techniques or otherwise gain access to our trade secrets and know-how.
We expect that we will be substantially dependent on a concentrated number of customers. If we are unable to establish, maintain or
replace our relationships with customers and develop a diversified customer base, our revenues may fluctuate and our growth may be
limited.
A significant portion of our revenues will be generated from a limited number of customers and licenses to those customers. For the
year ended December 31, 2014, five licenses with two licensees accounted for approximately 88% of our revenue. There can be no guarantee
that we will be able to obtain additional licenses for the Company’s patents, or if we able to do so, that the licenses will be of the same or larger
size allowing us to sustain or grow our revenue levels, respectively. If we are not able to generate licenses from the limited group of prospective
customers that we anticipate may generate a substantial majority of our revenues in the future, or if they do not generate revenues at the levels or
at the times that we anticipate, our ability to maintain or grow our revenues and our results of operations will be adversely affected.
We acquired the rights to market and license a patent analytics tool from IP Navigation Group, LLC and will dedicate resources and incur
costs in an effort to generate revenues. We may not be able to generate revenues and there is a risk that the time spent marketing and
licensing the tool will distract management from the enforcement of the Company’s patent portfolios.
We expect to dedicate resources and incur costs in the marketing and licensing of the patent analytics tool, named Opus Analytics, in
order to generate revenue, but there are no assurances that our efforts will be successful. We may not generate any revenues from the licensing
of the tool or may not generate enough license revenue to exceed our costs. Our efforts therefore could lead to losses and could have a material
adverse affect on our income, expenses or results of operations.
In addition, the time and effort spent marketing and licensing Opus Analytics could distract the Company and its officers from the
management of the balance of the Company’s business and have a deleterious effect on results from the enforcement of the Company’s patents
and patent rights. This could lead to either sub-par returns from the patent and patent right enforcement efforts or even total losses of the value
of such patents and patent rights, leading to considerable losses.
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Risks Related to Our Indebtedness
Our cash flows and capital resources may be insufficient to make required payments on our indebtedness and future indebtedness.
As of December 31, 2014 and March 18, 2015, we have $22,488,065 and $29,488,065 of indebtedness outstanding. Our indebtedness
could have important consequences to you. For example, it could:
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make it difficult for us to satisfy our debt obligations;
make us more vulnerable to general adverse economic and industry conditions;
limit our ability to obtain additional financing for working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions and other general corporate
requirements;
expose us to interest rate fluctuations because the interest rate on the debt under the Credit Facility is variable;
require us to dedicate a portion of our cash flow from operations to payments on our debt, thereby reducing the availability of
our cash flow for operations and other purposes;
limit our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business and the industry in which we operate; and
place us at a competitive disadvantage compared to competitors that may have proportionately less debt and greater financial
resources.
In addition, our ability to make scheduled payments or refinance our obligations depends on our successful financial and operating
performance, cash flows and capital resources, which in turn depend upon prevailing economic conditions and certain financial, business and
other factors, many of which are beyond our control. These factors include, among others:
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economic and demand factors affecting our industry;
pricing pressures;
increased operating costs;
competitive conditions; and
other operating difficulties.
If our cash flows and capital resources are insufficient to fund our debt service obligations, we may be forced to reduce or delay capital
expenditures, sell material assets or operations, obtain additional capital or restructure our debt. In the event that we are required to dispose of
material assets or operations to meet our debt service and other obligations, the value realized on such assets or operations will depend on market
conditions and the availability of buyers. Accordingly, any such sale may not, among other things, be for a sufficient dollar amount. Our
obligations pursuant to the Loan Agreement are secured by a security interest in all of our assets, exclusive of intellectual property. The foregoing
encumbrances may limit our ability to dispose of material assets or operations. We also may not be able to restructure our indebtedness on
favorable economic terms, if at all.
We may incur additional indebtedness in the future, including pursuant to the Fortress Documents (as defined herein). Our incurrence of
additional indebtedness would intensify the risks described above.
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The Fortress Documents contain various covenants limiting the discretion of our management in operating our business.
On January 29, 2015, the Company and certain of its subsidiaries entered into a series of Agreements including a Securities Purchase
Agreement (the “Fortress Purchase Agreement”) and a Subscription Agreement with DBD Credit Funding, LLC (“DBD”), an affiliate of
Fortress Credit Corp., under which the Company sold to the purchasers: (i) $15,000,000 original principal amount of Senior Secured Notes (the
“Fortress Notes”), (ii) a right to receive a portion of certain proceeds from monetization net revenues received by the Company (after receipt by
the Company of $15,000,000 of monetization net revenues and repayment of the Fortress Notes), (iii) a five-year warrant (the “Fortress
Warrant”) to purchase 100,000 shares of the Issuer’s Common Stock exercisable at $7.44 per share, subject to adjustment; and (iv) 134,409
shares of the Issuer’s Common Stock. Pursuant to the Fortress Purchase Agreement, as security for the payment and performance in full of the
secured obligations, the Company and certain subsidiaries executed and delivered in favor of the purchasers a Security Agreement and a Patent
Security Agreement, including a pledge of the Company’s interests in certain of its subsidiaries (together with the Fortress Purchase
Agreement, the Fortress Notes and the Fortress Warrant, the “Fortress Documents”).
The Fortress Documents contains, subject to certain carve-outs, various restrictive covenants that limit our management's discretion in
operating our business. In particular, these instruments limit our ability to, among other things:
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incur additional debt;
grant liens on assets;
dispose assets outside the ordinary course of business; and
make fundamental business changes.
If we fail to comply with the restrictions in the Fortress Documents, a default may allow the creditors under the relevant instruments to
accelerate the related debt and to exercise their remedies under these agreements, which will typically include the right to declare the principal
amount of that debt, together with accrued and unpaid interest and other related amounts, immediately due and payable, to exercise any remedies
the creditors may have to foreclose on assets that are subject to liens securing that debt and to terminate any commitments they had made to
supply further funds.
The rights of the holders of the Company’s Common Stock will be subordinate to our creditors.
On May 2, 2014, we issued three promissory notes in the aggregate principal amount of $5,000,000 (which increased to $6,000,000 as
the promissory notes were not paid in full on or prior to June 30, 2014) and preferred stock and warrants. On October 13, 2014, we issued a
note in the amount of $9,000,000 and assumed existing indebtedness in the amount of $5,500,000, both pursuant to the acquisition of three
patent portfolios from MedTech Development, LLC. On October 16, 2014, we issued Convertible Notes in the aggregate principal amount of
$5,550,000, which mature on October 16, 2018. On January 29, 2015 and February 12, 2015, we issued to DBD notes in the principal
amounts of $15,000,000 and $5,000,000, respectively.
Accordingly, the holders of Common Stock will rank junior to such indebtedness, as well as to other non-equity claims on the
Company and our assets, including claims in our liquidation.
Risks Relating to Our Stock
Our management will be able to exert significant influence over us to the detriment of minority stockholders.
Our executive officers and directors beneficially own approximately 12.1% of our outstanding Common Stock as of March 18, 2015. As
a result, our management could exert significant influence over our business and affairs and all matters requiring stockholder approval,
including mergers or other fundamental corporate transactions. The concentration of ownership may have the effect of delaying or preventing a
change in control and could affect the market price of our Common Stock.
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Exercise of warrants will dilute stockholders’ percentage of ownership.
We have issued options and warrants to purchase our Common Stock to our officers, directors, consultants and certain shareholders.
In the future, we may grant additional options, warrants and convertible securities. The exercise or conversion of options, warrants or
convertible securities will dilute the percentage ownership of our stockholders. The dilutive effect of the exercise or conversion of these
securities may adversely affect our ability to obtain additional capital. The holders of these securities may be expected to exercise or convert
them when we would be able to obtain additional equity capital on terms more favorable than these securities.
Our Common Stock may be delisted from The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC if we fail to comply with continued listing standards.
Our Common Stock is currently traded on The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC under the symbol “MARA.” If we fail to meet any of
the continued listing standards of The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC, our Common Stock could be delisted from The NASDAQ Stock Market
LLC. These continued listing standards include specifically enumerated criteria, such as:
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a $1.00 minimum closing bid price;
stockholders’ equity of $2.5 million;
500,000 shares of publicly-held Common Stock with a market value of at least $1 million;
300 round-lot stockholders; and
compliance with NASDAQ’s corporate governance requirements, as well as additional or more stringent criteria that may be applied in
the exercise of NASDAQ’s discretionary authority.
We could fail in future financing efforts or be delisted from NASDAQ if we fail to receive stockholder approval when needed.
We are required under the NASDAQ rules to obtain stockholder approval for any issuance of additional equity securities that would
comprise 20% or more of the total shares of our Common Stock outstanding before the issuance of such securities sold at a discount to the
greater of book or market value in an offering that is not deemed to be a “public offering” by NASDAQ. Funding of our operations and
acquisitions of assets may require issuance of additional equity securities at a discount that would comprise 20% or more of the total shares of
our Common Stock outstanding, but we might not be successful in obtaining the required stockholder approval for such an issuance. If we are
unable to obtain financing due to stockholder approval difficulties, such failure may have a material adverse effect on our ability to continue
operations.
Our Common Stock may be affected by limited trading volume and price fluctuations, which could adversely impact the value of our
Common Stock.
There has been limited trading in our Common Stock and there can be no assurance that an active trading market in our Common Stock
will either develop or be maintained. Our Common Stock has experienced, and is likely to experience in the future, significant price and volume
fluctuations, which could adversely affect the market price of our Common Stock without regard to our operating performance. In addition, we
believe that factors such as quarterly fluctuations in our financial results and changes in the overall economy or the condition of the financial
markets could cause the price of our Common Stock to fluctuate substantially. These fluctuations may also cause short sellers to periodically
enter the market in the belief that we will have poor results in the future. We cannot predict the actions of market participants and, therefore, can
offer no assurances that the market for our Common Stock will be stable or appreciate over time.
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In connection with the issuance of preferred stock, convertible notes and warrants in 2014 and subsequently, holders of the Company’s
Common Stock will experience immediate and substantial dilution upon the conversion of such preferred stock and the exercise of such
warrants.
On May 1, 2014, we issued 2,047,158 shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock, 782,000 shares of our par value $0.0001 Series
B Convertible Preferred Stock (the “Series B Preferred Stock”) and warrants to purchase an aggregate of 511,790 shares of Common Stock. In
addition, pursuant to a consulting agreement entered into in September 2014, we issued 100,000 shares of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock
on September 17, 2014 and 16,666 shares of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock on October 17, 2014, November 17, 2014 and December 17,
2014. We issued Convertible Notes and Warrants to purchase 258,998 shares of Common Stock on October 16, 2014. Finally, we issued a
five-year warrant to purchase 100,000 shares of our common stock exercisable at $7.44 per share, and 134,409 shares of Common Stock to
DBD Credit Funding, LLC (“DBD”) on January 29, 2015. While all of the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock was automatically converted
pursuant to the terms of the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock Certificate of Designation during the year ended December 31, 2014 and Notes
in the aggregate principal amount of $5,050,000 have been redeemed in February, 2015, upon conversion of the Series B Convertible Preferred
Stock, the remaining Convertible Notes (if converted) and exercise of the warrants, you will experience dilution. As of March 18, 2015,
we have 13,918,177 shares of Common Stock outstanding. Assuming full conversion of the Series B Convertible Preferred Stock, the
Convertible Notes, after giving effect to the repayment of the Notes and the exercise of the warrants issued on May 1, 2014, October 16, 2014
and January 29, 2015, the number of shares of our Common Stock outstanding will increase 1,919,455 shares from 13,918,177 shares of
Common Stock outstanding as of March 18, 2015 to 15,837,632 shares of Common stock outstanding.
Our stock price may be volatile.
The market price of our Common Stock is likely to be highly volatile and could fluctuate widely in price in response to various factors,
many of which are beyond our control, including the following:
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changes in our industry;
competitive pricing pressures;
our ability to obtain working capital financing;
additions or departures of key personnel;
sales of our Common Stock;
our ability to execute our business plan;
operating results that fall below expectations;
loss of any strategic relationship;
regulatory developments; and
economic and other external factors.
In addition, the securities markets have from time to time experienced significant price and volume fluctuations that are unrelated to the
operating performance of particular companies. These market fluctuations may also materially and adversely affect the market price of our
Common Stock.
We have never paid nor do we expect in the near future to pay cash dividends.
On November 19, 2014, we declared a stock dividend pursuant to which holders of our common stock, par value $0.0001 as of the
close of business of the record date of December 15, 2014 shall receive one additional share of common stock for each share of common stock
held by such holders. Other than as described herein, we have never paid cash dividends on our capital stock and do not anticipate paying any
cash dividends on our Common Stock for the foreseeable future. While it is possible that we may declare a dividend after a large settlement,
investors should not rely on such a possibility, nor should they rely on an investment in us if they require income generated from dividends paid
on our capital stock. Any income derived from our Common Stock would only come from rise in the market price of our Common Stock,
which is uncertain and unpredictable.
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Offers or availability for sale of a substantial number of shares of our Common Stock may cause the price of our Common Stock to decline.
If our stockholders sell substantial amounts of our Common Stock in the public market upon the expiration of any statutory holding
period or lockup agreements, under Rule 144, or issued upon the exercise of outstanding warrants or other convertible securities, it could create a
circumstance commonly referred to as an "overhang" and in anticipation of which the market price of our Common Stock could fall. The
existence of an overhang, whether or not sales have occurred or are occurring, also could make more difficult our ability to raise additional
financing through the sale of equity or equity-related securities in the future at a time and price that we deem reasonable or appropriate. The
shares of our restricted Common Stock will be freely tradable upon the earlier of: (i) effectiveness of a registration statement covering such shares
and (ii) the date on which such shares may be sold without registration pursuant to Rule 144 (or other applicable exemption) under the Securities
Act.
Because we became public by means of a reverse merger, we may not be able to attract the attention of major brokerage firms.
There may be risks associated with us becoming public through a “reverse merger.” Securities analysts of major brokerage firms may
not provide coverage of us since there is no incentive to brokerage firms to recommend the purchase of our Common Stock. No assurance can
be given that brokerage firms will, in the future, want to conduct any secondary offerings on our behalf.
Investor relations activities, nominal “float” and supply and demand factors may affect the price of our stock.
We expect to utilize various techniques such as non-deal road shows and investor relations campaigns in order to create investor
awareness for us. These campaigns may include personal, video and telephone conferences with investors and prospective investors in which
our business practices are described. We may provide compensation to investor relations firms and pay for newsletters, websites, mailings and
email campaigns that are produced by third parties based upon publicly-available information concerning us. We do not intend to review or
approve the content of such analysts’ reports or other materials based upon analysts’ own research or methods. Investor relations firms should
generally disclose when they are compensated for their efforts, but whether such disclosure is made or complete is not under our control. In
addition, investors in us may, from time to time, also take steps to encourage investor awareness through similar activities that may be
undertaken at the expense of the investors. Investor awareness activities may also be suspended or discontinued which may impact the trading
market our Common Stock.
If we lose key personnel or are unable to attract and retain additional qualified personnel, we may not be able to successfully manage our
business and achieve our objectives.
We believe our future success will depend upon our ability to retain our key management, including Doug Croxall, our Chief Executive
Officer. In addition, Erich Spangenberg, the founder and former Chief Executive Officer and principal of IP Nav and a significant stockholder
of the Company, is also important to the success of our Company. We do not have any agreement with Mr. Spangenberg related to services he
is to perform for IP Nav or the Company. We may not be successful in attracting, assimilating and retaining our employees in the future. The
loss of Mr. Croxall would have a material adverse effect on our operations. We have entered into an amendment to the employment agreement
with Mr. Croxall, which extends the term of his employment agreement to November 2017. We are competing for employees against
companies that are more established than we are and have the ability to pay more cash compensation than we do. As of the date hereof, we have
not experienced problems hiring employees.
If we fail to establish and maintain an effective system of internal control, we may not be able to report our financial results accurately and
timely or to prevent fraud. Any inability to report and file our financial results accurately and timely could harm our reputation and
adversely impact the trading price of our Common Stock.
Effective internal control is necessary for us to provide reliable financial reports and prevent fraud. If we cannot provide reliable
financial reports or prevent fraud, we may not be able to manage our business as effectively as we would if an effective control environment
existed, and our business and reputation with investors may be harmed. As a result, our small size and any future internal control deficiencies
may adversely affect our financial condition, results of operation and access to capital. We have not performed an in-depth analysis to determine
if historical un-discovered failures of internal controls exist, and may in the future discover areas of our internal control that need improvement.
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As a result of its internal control assessment, the Company determined there is a material weakness with respect to segregation of duties.
The Company determined that there is a material weakness in its internal controls with respect to the segregation of duties. Since the
Company currently has six employees, most of whom have no involvement in our financial controls and reporting, we are unable to sufficiently
distribute reporting and accounting to tasks across enough individuals to insure that the Company does not have a material weakness in its
financial reporting system.
ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
None.
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
We lease approximately 1,732 square feet of office space at 11100 Santa Monica Blvd., Suite 380, Los Angeles, California, 90025. In
October 2013, we entered into a new seven-year lease for this office space that commences on May 1, 2014. The lease terms provide for an
initial monthly base rent of $5,300 plus the payment of certain operating expenses and the lease contains annual increases in rent.
We lease approximately 200 square feet of office space at 2331 Mill Road, Suite 100, Alexandria, VA 22314. The lease is on a month-
to-month term and provides for a monthly rent of $646.
We lease a suite at 5900 South Lake Forest Drive, Suite 300, McKinney, TX 75070. The lease is on a month-to-month term and
provides for a monthly rent of $646.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
In the normal course of our business of patent monetization, it is generally necessary for us to initiate litigation in order to commence the
process of protecting our patent rights. Such activities are expected to lead to a monetization event. Accordingly, we are, and in the future expect
to become, a party to ongoing patent enforcement related litigation alleging infringement by various third parties of certain of the patented
technologies owned and/or controlled by us. Litigation is commenced by and managed through the subsidiary that owns the related portfolio of
patents or patent rights. In connection with our enforcement activities, we are currently involved in multiple patent infringement cases. As of
December 31, 2014, the Company has in suit a total of 77 active defendants in the following jurisdictions:
United States
District of Delaware
Eastern District of Texas
Central District of California
Northern District of California
Eastern District of Michigan
Northern District of New York
Foreign
Germany
25
18
12
8
2
1
11
On August 14, 2014, Dominion Harbor Group, LLC (“Dominion”), a former vendor to the Company, filed a complaint against the
Company in the Northern District of Texas for breach of contract, unjust enrichment and fraudulent inducement and seeking in excess of $3
million in damages. The case was subsequently moved to binding arbitration pursuant to the terms of an agreement between Dominion Harbor
Group, LLC and the Company. The Company denies these allegations and believes that this claim is entirely without merit and intends to
vigorously defend itself in this action and has filed a claim against Dominion for approximately $462,000 in damages.
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Other than as disclosed herein, we know of no other material, active or pending legal proceedings against us, nor are we involved as a
plaintiff in any material proceedings or pending litigation other than in the normal course of business.
ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES.
None.
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PART II
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER
PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES.
Market Information
Our Common Stock is currently quoted on The NASDAQ Stock Market under the symbol “MARA”. Through July 25, 2014, our
Common Stock was quoted on the OTC Markets under the symbol “MARA”. The following table sets forth the high and low bid quotations for
our Common Stock as reported for the periods indicated. The prices set forth below give retroactive effect to the 1:13 reverse split effectuated on
July 18, 2013 and the 1:2 stock dividend issued on December 22, 2014.
Fiscal 2015
First quarter through March 18, 2015
Fiscal 2014
First Quarter
Second Quarter
Third Quarter
Fourth Quarter
Fiscal 2013
First Quarter
Second Quarter
Third Quarter
Fourth Quarter
Holders
$
$
High
Low
8.43 $
6.46
3.58 $
5.55
7.95
9.67
6.50
3.05
3.65
3.40
2.88
3.18
5.43
5.86
1.69
2.08
2.21
2.30
As of March 18, 2015, there were 78 holders of record of 13,918,177 shares of the Company's Common Stock.
Dividends
On November 19, 2014, we declared a stock dividend pursuant to which holders of our common stock, par value $0.0001 as of the
close of business of the record date of December 15, 2014 shall receive one additional share of common stock for each share of common stock
held by such holders (“Stock Dividend”). All share numbers and per share prices in this Annual Report reflect the Stock Dividend, unless
otherwise indicated. Other than as described herein, the Company has not paid any cash dividends to date and does not anticipate or contemplate
paying cash dividends in the foreseeable future. It is the present intention of management to utilize all available funds for the development of the
Company's business.
Securities Authorized for Issuance under Equity Compensation Plans
2012 and 2014 Equity Incentive Plans
The following table gives information about the Company’s Common Stock that may be issued upon the exercise of options, warrants
and Common and Preferred Stock granted to employees, directors and consultants under either of the Company’s 2012 Equity Incentive Plan and
2014 Equity Incentive Plan as of December 31, 2014.
On August 1, 2012, our board of directors and stockholders adopted the 2012 Equity Incentive Plan, pursuant to which 1,538,462
shares of our Common Stock are reserved for issuance as awards to employees, directors, consultants, advisors and other service providers.
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On September 16, 2014, our board of directors adopted the 2014 Equity Incentive Plan. The 2014 Plan authorizes the Company to grant
stock options, restricted stock, preferred stock, other stock based awards, and performance awards to purchase up to 3,000,000 shares of stock
and the 2014 Plan is subject to shareholder approval on or prior to September 16, 2015. Awards may be granted to the Company’s directors,
officers, consultants, advisors and employees. Unless earlier terminated by the Board, the 2014 Plan will terminate, and no further awards may be
granted, after September 16, 2024.
Equity Compensation Plan Information
Set forth below is a summary of outstanding option, warrant and right grants both within plans approved by security holders and
those not yet approved by security holders:
Number of
securities
remaining
available for
future
issuance
under equity
compenstion
plans
(excluding
secutrities
reflected in
Column (a)
Number of
securities to
be issued
upon exercise
of outstnading
options,
warrants and
rights
Weighted-
average
exercise price
of outstanding
options,
warrants and
rights
Plan category
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders
Total
1,538,462
1,208,285
2,746,747
$
$
$
3.26
6.15
4.53
-
1,791,715
1,791,715
In addition, the Company approved an inducement grant of a stock option to Mr. Daniel Gelbtuch to purchase 290,000 shares of
Common Stock outside either the 2012 Equity Incentive Plan or the 2014 Equity Incentive Plan. This grant complies with Nasdaq inducement
grant rules and is not subject to security holder approval.
Recent issuances of unregistered securities
On April 15, 2014, the Company issued a new board member, Edward Kovalik, a five (5) year option to purchase an aggregate of
20,000 shares of the Company’s Common Stock with an exercise price of $3.295 per share, subject to adjustment, which shall vest in twelve
(12) monthly installments commencing on the date of grant. The issuance of these securities was deemed to be exempt from the registration
requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, by virtue of Section 4(2) therefore, as a transaction by an issuer not involving a public
offering.
On April 22, 2014, the Company issued 300,000 shares of Restricted Common Stock to TT IP LLC in consideration of acquisition of
patents on November 13, 2013. The transaction did not involve any underwriters, underwriting discounts or commissions, or any public
offering. The issuance of these securities was deemed to be exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended, by virtue of Section 4(a)(2) thereof, as a transaction by an issuer not involving a public offering.
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On May 1, 2014, the Company issued 2,047,158 shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock and warrants to purchase an aggregate
of 511,790 shares of Common Stock in a private placement to accredited investors. All of the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock was
automatically converted pursuant to the terms of the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock Certificate of Designation during the year ended
December 31, 2014. The exercise price of the warrants is $3.75, after giving effect to the 2:1 stock dividend issued on December 22, 2014. The
transaction did not involve any underwriters, underwriting discounts or commissions, or any public offering. The issuance of these securities was
deemed to be exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act by virtue of the provisions of Section 4(a)(2) and Regulation D
(Rule 506) thereunder, and the corresponding provisions of state securities laws.
On May 2, 2014, the Company issued an aggregate of 782,000 shares of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock valued at $2,807,380 to
acquire IP Liquidity Ventures, LLC, Dynamic Advances, LLC and Sarif Biomedical, LLC. The transaction did not involve any underwriters,
underwriting discounts or commissions, or any public offering. The issuance of these securities was deemed to be exempt from the registration
requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, by virtue of Section 4(a)(2) thereof, as a transaction by an issuer not involving a public
offering.
On May 14, 2014, the Company issued existing employees, ten (10) year options to purchase an aggregate of 80,000 shares of the
Company’s Common Stock with an exercise price of $4.165 per share, subject to adjustment, which shall vest in three (3) annual installments,
with 33% vesting on the first anniversary of the date of grant, 33% on the second anniversary of the date of grant and 34% on the third
anniversary of the date of grant. The issuance of these securities was deemed to be exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities
Act of 1933, as amended, by virtue of Section 4(2) therefore, as a transaction by an issuer not involving a public offering.
On May 14, 2014, the Company issued to consultants, five (5) year options to purchase an aggregate of 160,000 shares of the
Company’s Common Stock with an exercise price of $4.165 per share, subject to adjustment, which shall vest in three (3) annual installments,
with 33% vesting on the first anniversary of the date of grant, 33% on the second anniversary of the date of grant and 34% on the third
anniversary of the date of grant. The issuance of these securities was deemed to be exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities
Act of 1933, as amended, by virtue of Section 4(2) therefore, as a transaction by an issuer not involving a public offering. The options were
valued based on the Black-Scholes model, using the strike and market prices of $4.165 per share, life of 3.5 years, volatility of 50% based on the
closing price of the 50 trading sessions immediately preceding the grant and a discount rate as published by the Federal Reserve of 1.00%.
On May 15, 2014, the Company entered into an executive employment agreement with Francis Knuettel II (“Knuettel Agreement”)
pursuant to which Mr. Knuettel would serve as the Company’s Chief Financial Officer. As part of the consideration, the Company agreed to
grant Mr. Knuettel a ten (10) year stock option to purchase an aggregate of 290,000 shares of Common Stock, with a strike price of $4.165 per
share, vesting in thirty-six (36) equal installments on each monthly anniversary of the date of the Knuettel Agreement. The issuance of these
securities was deemed to be exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 by virtue of Section 4(2) thereof, as a
transaction by an issuer not involving a public offering.
On June 15, 2014, the Company issued to a consultant a five (5) year stock option to purchase an aggregate of 40,000 shares of the
Company’s Common Stock with an exercise price of $5.05 per share, subject to adjustment, which shall vest in twenty-four (24) each monthly
installments on each monthly anniversary date of the grant. The issuance of these securities was deemed to be exempt from the registration
requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, by virtue of Section 4(2) therefore, as a transaction by an issuer not involving a public
offering.
On June 2, 2014, the Company issued 48,078 shares of unrestricted Common Stock to an investor in the May 2013 private placement,
pursuant to the exercise of a warrant received in the May 2013 private placement. The transaction did not involve any underwriters,
underwriting discounts or commissions, or any public offering. The issuance of these securities was deemed to be exempt from the registration
requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, by virtue of Section 4(a)(2) thereof, as a transaction by an issuer not involving a public
offering.
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On June 30, 2014, the Company issued 200,000 shares of restricted Common Stock in the acquisition of Selene Communications
Technologies, LLC. In connection with this transaction, the Company valued the shares at the fair market value on the date of grant at $4.90 per
share or $980,000. The transaction did not involve any underwriters, underwriting discounts or commissions, or any public offering. The
issuance of these securities was deemed to be exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, by virtue of
Section 4(a)(2) thereof, as a transaction by an issuer not involving a public offering.
On July 18, 2014, the Company issues a total of 26,722 shares of Common Stock pursuant to the exercise of stock options held by a
former member of the Company’s Board of Directors and the Company’s former Chief Financial Officer. The transaction did not involve any
underwriters, underwriting discounts or commissions, or any public offering. The issuance of these securities was deemed to be exempt from
the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, by virtue of Section 4(a)(2) thereof, as a transaction by an issuer not
involving a public offering.
On August 29, 2014, the Company entered into an executive employment agreement with Daniel Gelbtuch (“Gelbtuch Agreement”)
pursuant to which Mr. Gelbtuch would serve as the Company’s Chief Marketing Officer. As part of the consideration, the Company agreed to
grant Mr. Gelbtuch ten (10) year stock options to purchase an aggregate of 290,000 shares of Common Stock, with a strike price of $5.62 per
share, vesting in thirty-six (36) equal installments on each monthly anniversary of the date of the Gelbtuch Agreement. The issuance of these
securities was deemed to be exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 by virtue of Section 4(2) thereof, as a
transaction by an issuer not involving a public offering. Mr. Gelbtuch’s employment with the Company was terminated as of January 20, 2015
and the vested shares at that time remain available for Mr. Gelbtuch to exercise.
On September 16, 2014, the Company issued to two of its independent board members, in lieu of cash compensation, 6,178 shares
each of Restricted Common Stock. The shares shall vest quarterly over twelve (12) months commencing on the date of grant. The transaction
did not involve any underwriters, underwriting discounts or commissions, or any public offering. The issuance of these securities was deemed
to be exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, by virtue of Section 4(a)(2) thereof, as a transaction
by an issuer not involving a public offering.
On September 17, 2014, the Company entered into a consulting agreement (the “Consulting Agreement”) with GRQ Consultants, Inc.
(“GRQ”), pursuant to which GRQ shall provide certain consulting services including, but not limited to, advertising, marketing, business
development, strategic and business planning, channel partner development and other functions intended to advance the business of the
Company. As consideration, GRQ shall be entitled to 200,000 shares of the Company’s Series B Convertible Preferred Stock, 50% of which
vested upon execution of the Consulting Agreement, and 50% of which shall vest in six (6) equal monthly installments of commencing on
October 17, 2014. The first tranche of 100,000 shares of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock was issued to GRQ on October 6, 2014 and
150,000 shares in total, for a value of $1,103,581, was issued in 2014. In addition, the Consulting Agreement allows for GRQ to receive
additional shares of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock upon the achievement of certain performance benchmarks. All shares of Series B
Convertible Preferred Stock issuable to GRQ shall be pursuant to the 2014 Plan and shall be subject to shareholder approval of the 2014 Plan on
or prior to September 16, 2015. The Consulting Agreement contains an acknowledgement that the conversion of the preferred stock into shares
of the Company’s Common Stock is precluded by the equity blockers set forth in the certificate of designation and in Section 17 of the 2014 Plan
to ensure compliance with NASDAQ Listing Rule 5635(d). Every share of Series B Preferred Stock may be converted into two shares of
Common Stock, after giving effect to the 2:1 stock dividend issued on December 22, 1014. The transaction did not involve any underwriters,
underwriting discounts or commissions, or any public offering. The issuance of these securities was deemed to be exempt from the registration
requirements of the Securities Act by virtue of the provisions of Section 4(a)(2) and Regulation D (Rule 506) thereunder, and the corresponding
provisions of state securities laws.
On September 19, 2014, the Company authorized the issuance of 120,000 shares of Common Stock to the sellers of TLI
Communications LLC. The Company valued the Common Stock at the fair market value on the date of the Interests Sale Agreement at $6.815 per
share or $818,000. The transaction did not involve any underwriters, underwriting discounts or commissions, or any public offering. The
issuance of these securities was deemed to be exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, by virtue of
Section 4(a)(2) thereof, as a transaction by an issuer not involving a public offering.
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On September 30, 2014, the Company issued 50,000 shares of restricted Common Stock in the acquisition of the assets of Clouding IP,
LLC. In connection with this transaction, the Company valued the shares at the quoted market price on the date of grant at $5.62 per share or
$281,000. The transaction did not involve any underwriters, underwriting discounts or commissions, or any public offering. The issuance of
these securities was deemed to be exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, by virtue of Section
4(a)(2) thereof, as a transaction by an issuer not involving a public offering.
For the three months ended September 30, 2014, certain holders of warrants exercised their warrants in a cashless, net exercise basis in
exchange for 84,652 shares of the Company’s Common Stock. The transaction did not involve any underwriters, underwriting discounts or
commissions, or any public offering. The issuance of these securities was deemed to be exempt from the registration requirements of the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended, by virtue of Section 4(a)(2) thereof, as a transaction by an issuer not involving a public offering.
On October 16, 2014, the Company sold to certain accredited investors an aggregate of $5,550,000 of principal amount of convertible
notes due October 9, 2018 along with two-year warrants to purchase 258,998 shares of the Company’s Common Stock, par value $0.0001 per
share pursuant to a securities purchase agreement. The warrants were valued at $169,015 and were recorded as a discount to the fair value of the
convertible notes. The notes and warrants are initially convertible into shares of the Company’s Common Stock at a conversion price of $7.50 per
share and an exercise price of $8.25 per share, respectively. The conversion and exercise prices are subject to adjustment in the event of certain
events, including stock splits and dividends. The Notes bear interest at the rate of 11% per annum, payable quarterly in cash on each of the
three, six, nine and twelve month anniversary of the issuance date and on each conversion date. The Company reviewed the instruments in the
context of ASC 480 and determined that the convertible notes should be recorded as a liability and analyzed the conversion feature and
bifurcation pursuant to ASC 815 and ASC 470, respectively, to determine that the was no beneficial conversion feature and that the convertible
notes and warrants should not be bifurcated.
On October 31, 2014, the Company entered into an executive employment agreement with Enrique Sanchez (“Sanchez Agreement”)
pursuant to which Mr. Sanchez would serve as the Company’s Senior Vice President of Licensing. As part of the consideration, the Company
agreed to grant Mr. Sanchez ten (10) year stock options to purchase an aggregate of 160,000 shares of Common Stock, with a strike price of
$6.40 per share, vesting in thirty-six (36) equal installments on each monthly anniversary of the date of the Sanchez Agreement. The issuance of
these securities was deemed to be exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 by virtue of Section 4(2) thereof, as a
transaction by an issuer not involving a public offering.
On October 31, 2014, the Company entered into an executive employment agreement with Umesh Jani (“Jani Agreement”) pursuant to
which Mr. Jani would serve as the Company’s Chief Technology Officer and SVP of Licensing. As part of the consideration, the Company
agreed to grant Mr. Jani ten (10) year stock options to purchase an aggregate of 100,000 shares of Common Stock, with a strike price of $6.40
per share, vesting in thirty-six (36) equal installments on each monthly anniversary of the date of the Jani Agreement. The issuance of these
securities was deemed to be exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 by virtue of Section 4(2) thereof, as a
transaction by an issuer not involving a public offering.
On October 31, 2014, the Company issued existing employees, ten (10) year options to purchase an aggregate of 680,000 shares of the
Company’s Common Stock with an exercise price of $6.40 per share, subject to adjustment, which shall vest in twenty-four (24) equal
installments on each monthly anniversary. The issuance of these securities was deemed to be exempt from the registration requirements of the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended, by virtue of Section 4(2) therefore, as a transaction by an issuer not involving a public offering.
On October 31, 2014, the Company issued to a consultant, a five (5) year options to purchase an aggregate of 30,000 shares of the
Company’s Common Stock with an exercise price of $6.40 per share, subject to adjustment, which shall vest in twenty-four (24) equal
installments on each monthly anniversary of the grant. The issuance of these securities was deemed to be exempt from the registration
requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, by virtue of Section 4(2) therefore, as a transaction by an issuer not involving a public
offering.
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For the three months ended December 31, 2014, certain holders of warrants exercised their warrants in exchange for 29,230 shares of
the Company’s Common Stock. The transaction did not involve any underwriters, underwriting discounts or commissions, or any public
offering. The issuance of these securities was deemed to be exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended,
by virtue of Section 4(a)(2) thereof, as a transaction by an issuer not involving a public offering.
Recent Repurchases of Securities
None.
ITEM 6. SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
We are a smaller reporting company as defined by Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and are not required to provide
the information under this item.
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Business of the Company
We acquire patents and patent rights from owners or other ventures and seek to monetize the value of the patents through litigation and
licensing strategies, alone or with others. Part of our acquisition strategy is to acquire or invest in patents and patent rights that cover a wide-
range of subject matter which allows us to seek the benefits of a diversified portfolio of assets in differing industries and countries. Generally,
the patents and patent rights that we seek to acquire have large identifiable targets who are or have been using technology that we believe
infringes our patents and patent rights. We generally monetize our portfolio of patents and patent rights by entering into license discussions, and
if that is unsuccessful, initiating enforcement activities against any infringing parties with the objective of entering into comprehensive settlement
and license agreements that may include the granting of non-exclusive retroactive and future rights to use the patented technology, a covenant not
to sue, a release of the party from certain claims, the dismissal of any pending litigation and other terms. Our strategy has been developed with
the expectation that it will result in a long-term, diversified revenue stream for the Company. As of December 31, 2014, we owned 378 U.S. and
foreign patents and patent rights and 22 patent applications.
Recent Developments
Fortress Transaction
On January 29, 2015, the Company and certain of its subsidiaries (each a “Subsidiary”) entered into a series of Agreements including a
Securities Purchase Agreement (“Fortress Securities Agreement”) and a Subscription Agreement with DBD, an affiliate of Fortress Credit Corp.,
under which the Issuer sold to the purchasers: (i) $15,000,000 original principal amount of Fortress Notes, (ii) a right to receive a portion of
certain proceeds from monetization net revenues received by the Company (after receipt by the Company of $15,000,000 of monetization net
revenues and repayment of the Fortress Notes), (the “Revenue Stream”), (iii) a five-year Fortress Warrant to purchase 100,000 shares of the
Company’s Common Stock exercisable at $7.44 per share, subject to adjustment (the “Fortress Warrant Shares”); and (iv) 134,409 shares of the
Issuer’s Common Stock (the “Fortress Shares”). Under the Fortress Purchase Agreement, the Company has the right to require the purchasers
to purchase an additional $5,000,000 of Notes (which will increase proportionately the Revenue Stream), subject to the achievement of certain
milestones, and further contemplates that Fortress Credit Corp. may, but is not obligated to, fund up to an additional $30,000,000, on equivalent
economic terms. The Company may use the proceeds to finance the monetization of its existing assets, provide further expansion capital for new
acquisitions, to repay existing debt (including without limitation, the Company's 11% convertible notes issued October 9, 2013 and for general
working capital and corporate purposes.
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Pursuant to the Purchase Agreement entered into on January 29, 2015, the Company issued a Note in the original principal amount of
$15,000,000 (the “Initial Note”). The Initial Note matures on July 29, 2018. If any additional Notes are issued pursuant to the Fortress Purchase
Agreement, the maturity date of such additional Notes shall be 42 months after issuance. The unpaid principal amount of the Initial Note
(including any PIK Interest, as defined below) shall bear cash interest at a rate equal to LIBOR plus 9.75% per annum; provided that upon and
during the continuance of an Event of Default (as defined in the Purchase Agreement), the interest rate shall increase by an additional 2% per
annum. Interest on the Initial Note shall be paid on the last business day of each calendar month (the “Interest Payment Date”), commencing
January 31, 2015. Interest shall be paid in cash except that 2.75% per annum of the interest due on each Interest Payment Date shall be paid-in-
kind, by increasing the principal amount of the Notes by the amount of such interest, effective as of the applicable Interest Payment Date (“PIK
Interest”). PIK Interest shall be treated as added principal of the Initial Note for all purposes, including interest accrual and the calculation of any
prepayment premium.
The Purchase Agreement contains certain customary events of default, and also contains certain covenants including a requirement that
the Company maintain minimum liquidity of $1,000,000 in unrestricted cash and cash equivalents and that the Company shall have
Monetization Revenues (as defined in the Fortress Purchase Agreement) for each of the four fiscal quarters commencing December 31, 2014 of
at least $15,000,000.
The terms of the Fortress Warrant provide that until January 29, 2020, the Warrant may be exercised for cash or on a cashless basis.
Exercisability of the Fortress Warrant is limited if, upon exercise, the holder would beneficially own more than 4.99% of the Company’s
Common Stock.
As part of the transaction, DBD entered into a lock-up agreement (the “Lock-Up Agreement”) pursuant to which the parties and certain
related holders agreed until the earlier of 12 months or acceleration of an Event of Default (as defined in the Issuer Purchase Agreement), that
they will not, directly or indirectly, (i) offer, sell, offer to sell, contract to sell, hedge, hypothecate, pledge, sell any option or contract to purchase
any option or contract to sell, grant any option, right or warrant to purchase or sell (or announce any offer, sale, offer of sale, contract of sale,
hedge, hypothecation, pledge, sale of any option or contract to purchase, purchase of any option or contract of sale, grant of any option, right or
warrant to purchase or other sale or disposition), or otherwise transfer or dispose of (or enter into any transaction or device that is designed to,
or could be expected to, result in the disposition by any person at any time in the future), the Lock-Up Shares (as defined in the Lock-Up
Agreement), beneficially owned, within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange
Act”), by such Holder and his/her Related Group (as such terms are defined in the Lock-Up Agreement) on the date of the Lock-Up Agreement
or thereafter acquired or (ii) enter into any swap or other agreement or any transaction that transfers, in whole or in part, directly or indirectly,
the economic consequence of ownership of the Lock-Up Shares, whether or not any such swap or transaction described in clause (i) or (ii)
above is to be settled by delivery of any Lock-Up Shares. The Holders may purchase additional shares of the Company’s Common Stock
during the Lock-Up Period (as defined in the Lock-Up Agreement) to the extent that such purchase only increases the net holding of the
Holders in the Company.
In connection with the transactions, TechDev, Audrey Spangenberg, Erich Spangenberg, and Granicus (the “Spangenberg Holders”)
entered into a lock-up agreement (the “Spangenberg Lockup”) with respect to 1,626,924 shares of Common Stock, 48,078 shares of Common
Stock underlying warrants, and 782,000 shares of Common Stock underlying preferred stock, pursuant to which the Spangenberg Holders
agreed that until payment in full of the Note Obligations, which shall include but not be limited to all principal and interest on outstanding Notes
pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, the Spangenberg Holders and certain related parties agreed that they will not, directly or indirectly, (i)
offer, sell, offer to sell, contract to sell, hedge, hypothecate, pledge, sell any option or contract to purchase any option or contract to sell, grant
any option, right or warrant to purchase or sell (or announce any offer, sale, offer of sale, contract of sale, hedge, hypothecation, pledge, sale of
any option or contract to purchase, purchase of any option or contract of sale, grant of any option, right or warrant to purchase or other sale or
disposition), or otherwise transfer or dispose of (or enter into any transaction or device that is designed to, or could be expected to, result in the
disposition by any person at any time in the future), more than 5% of the Spangenberg Lockup shares (as defined in the Spangenberg Lock-Up
Agreement), beneficially owned, within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act, by such Holder and his/her Related Group (as
such terms are defined in the Spangenberg Lock-Up Agreement) on the date of the Spangenberg Lock-Up Agreement or thereafter acquired or
(ii) enter into any swap or other agreement or any transaction that transfers, in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, the economic consequence
of ownership of more than 5% of the Spangenberg Lock-Up Shares, whether or not any such swap or transaction described in clause (i) or (ii)
above is to be settled by delivery of any Lock-Up Shares. The Spangenberg Holders may purchase additional shares of the Company’s
Common Stock during the Lock-Up Period (as defined in the Spangenberg Lock-Up Agreement) to the extent that such purchase only increases
the net holding of the Holders in the Company.
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Pursuant to the Issuer Purchase Agreement, as security for the payment and performance in full of the Secured Obligations in favor of
the Issuer Note purchasers the Company and certain subsidiaries executed and delivered in favor of the purchasers the Fortress Security
Agreement and the Fortress Patent Security Agreement, including a pledge of the Company’s interests in certain of its subsidiaries. As further set
forth in a Security Agreement, repayment of the Note Obligations (as defined in the Notes) is secured by a first priority lien and security interest
in all of the assets of the Company, subject to permitted liens on permitted indebtedness that existed as of January 29, 2015. The security interest
does not include a lien on the assets held by Orthophoenix, LLC. Certain subsidiaries of the Company (excluding Orthophoenix) also executed
guarantees in favor of the purchasers (each, a “Guaranty”), guaranteeing the Note Obligations. As required by the October Notes, the October
Note holders consented to the transactions described herein.
Within thirty days, the Company is required to open a cash collateral account into which all Company revenue shall be deposited and
which shall be subject to a control agreement outlining the disbursement in accordance with the terms of the Purchase Agreement of all
proceeds.
Pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, the Company entered into the Fortress Patent License Agreement with DBD pursuant to which
the Company agreed to grant to the Licensee certain rights, including right to license certain patents and patent applications, which licensing
rights to be available solely upon an acceleration of the Note Obligations, as provided in the Fortress Purchase Agreement.
Stock Dividend
On November 19, 2014, the Board of Directors of the Company declared a stock dividend pursuant to which holders of the Company’s
Common Stock as of the close of business of the record date of December 15, 2014 shall receive one additional share of Common Stock at the
close of business on December 22, 2014 for each share of Common Stock held by such holders. Throughout this Annual Report, all share and
per share values for all periods presented in the accompanying consolidated financial statements are retroactively restated for the effect of the
stock dividend.
Patent Acquisitions
Medtech Entities
On October 13, 2014, Medtech Group Acquisition Corp (“Medtech Corp.”), a Texas corporation and newly formed wholly owned
subsidiary of the Company, entered into an interest sale agreement to purchase 100% of the equity or membership interests of Orthophoenix,
LLC (“Orthophoenix”), a Delaware limited liability company, TLIF, LLC (“TLIF”) and MedTech Development Deutschland GmbH (“MedTech
GmbH” and along with Orthophoenix and TLIF, the “Medtech Entities”) from MedTech Development, LLC (“MedTech Development”). The
Medtech Entities own patents in the medical technology field.
Pursuant to the terms of the Interest Sale Agreement between MedTech Development, Medtech Corp. and the Medtech Entities, the
Company (i) paid MedTech Development $1,000,000 cash and (ii) issue a Promissory Note to MedTech Development in the amount of
$9,000,000 and (iii) assumed existing debt payable to Medtronics, Inc. The assumed debt payable to Medtronics was subsequently adjusted as a
purchase price adjustment, as a result of which, the outstanding amount was $6.25 million prior to any repayment by the Company. The debt is
due in installments through July 20, 2015; in the event that the Company pays the total amount due by June 30, 2015, the Company will receive a
reduction in the remaining principal owed by the Company in the amount of $750,000. The transaction resulted in a business combination and
caused the Medtech Entities to become wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Company.
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Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
The discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based upon our financial statements, which have
been prepared in accordance with US GAAP. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that
affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. On an on-going
basis, we evaluate our estimates based on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the
circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily
apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.
Management believes the following critical accounting policies affect the significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of
the financial statements.
Principles of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and present the
financial statements of the Company and our wholly-owned and majority owned subsidiaries. In the preparation of our consolidated financial
statements, intercompany transactions and balances are eliminated.
Use of Estimates and Assumptions
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with US GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that
affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the
reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Significant estimates
made by management include, but are not limited to, estimating the useful lives of patent assets, the assumptions used to calculate fair value of
warrants and options granted, goodwill impairment, realization of long-lived assets, deferred income taxes, unrealized tax positions and business
combination accounting.
Revenue Recognition
The Company recognizes revenue in accordance with ASC Topic 605, “Revenue Recognition.” Revenue is recognized when (i)
persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, (ii) all obligations have been substantially performed, (iii) amounts are fixed or determinable and
(iv) collectability of amounts is reasonably assured.
The Company considers the revenue generated from a settlement and licensing agreement as one unit of accounting under ASC 605-25,
“Multiple-Element Arrangements” as the delivered items do not have value to customers on a standalone basis, there are no undelivered elements
and there is no general right of return relative to the license. Under ASC 605-25, the appropriate recognition of revenue is determined for the
combined deliverables as a single unit of accounting and revenue is recognized upon delivery of the final elements, including the license for past
and future use and the release.
Also, due to the fact that the settlement element and license element for past and future use are the Company’s major central business, the
Company presents these two elements as one revenue category in its statement of operations. The Company does not expect to provide licenses
that do not provide some form of settlement or release.
Accounting for Acquisitions
In the normal course of its business, the Company makes acquisitions of patent assets and may also make acquisitions of
businesses. With respect to each such transaction, the Company evaluates facts of the transaction and follows the guidelines prescribed in
accordance with ASC 805 – Business Combinations to determine the proper accounting treatment for each such transaction and then records the
transaction in accordance with the conclusions reached in such analysis. The Company performs such analysis with respect to each material
acquisition within the consolidated group of entities.
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Intangible Assets - Patents
Intangible assets include patents purchased and patents acquired in lieu of cash in licensing transactions. The patents purchased are
recorded based on the cost to acquire them and patents acquired in lieu of cash are recorded at their fair market value. The costs of these assets
are amortized over their remaining useful lives. Useful lives of intangible assets are periodically evaluated for reasonableness and the assets are
tested for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may no longer be recoverable.
Goodwill
Goodwill is tested for impairment at the reporting unit level at least annually in accordance with ASC 350, and between annual tests if an
event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying value. When
conducting its annual goodwill impairment assessment, the Company initially performs a qualitative evaluation of whether it is more likely than
not that goodwill is impaired. If it is determined by a qualitative evaluation that it is more likely than not that goodwill is impaired, the Company
then applies a two-step impairment test. The two-step impairment test first compares the fair value of the Company’s reporting unit to its carrying
or book value. If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying value, goodwill is not impaired and the Company is not required to
perform further testing. If the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the Company determines the implied fair value of the
reporting unit’s goodwill and if the carrying value of the reporting unit’s goodwill exceeds its implied fair value, then an impairment loss equal to
the difference is recorded in the consolidated statement of operations. The Company performs the annual testing for impairment of goodwill at
the reporting unit level during the quarter ended September 30.
As of September 30, 2014, a qualitative evaluation of the goodwill in accordance with ASC 350 indicated that the fair value of
CyberFone was less than its carrying amount, including goodwill. That conclusion was based in the large number of defendants that have already
been released from the case and various financial metrics. The Company then conduced an analysis of the revenue forecast of the remaining
defendants and discounted for time and risk. This quantitative test indicated that the fair value of CyberFone was less than its carrying value and
that there was an implied fair value for goodwill of zero. Consequently the second step of the impairment resulted in the determination of an
impairment loss in the amount of $2,144,488, which was charged to the consolidated statements of operations for the three and nine months
ended September 30, 2014.
Other Intangible Assets
In accordance with ASC 350-30-65, “Intangibles - Goodwill and Others”, the Company assesses the impairment of identifiable
intangibles whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. Factors the Company considers
to be important which could trigger an impairment review include the following: (1) significant underperformance relative to expected historical
or projected future operating results; (2) significant changes in the manner of use of the acquired assets or the strategy for the overall business;
and (3) significant negative industry or economic trends.
When the Company determines that the carrying value of intangibles may not be recoverable based upon the existence of one or more of
the above indicators of impairment and the carrying value of the asset cannot be recovered from projected undiscounted cash flows, the Company
records an impairment charge. The Company measures any impairment based on a projected discounted cash flow method using a discount rate
determined by management to be commensurate with the risk inherent in the current business model.
Impairment of Long-lived Assets
The Company accounts for the impairment or disposal of long-lived assets according to the ASC 360 “Property, Plant and
Equipment”. The Company continually monitors events and changes in circumstances that could indicate that the carrying amounts of long-lived
assets, including mineral rights, may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the
carrying amount of an asset to the estimated future net undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. When necessary, impaired
assets are written down to their estimated fair value based on the best information available. Estimated fair value is generally based on either
appraised value or measured by discounting estimated future cash flows. Considerable management judgment is necessary to estimate discounted
future cash flows. Accordingly, actual results could vary significantly from such estimates. The Company recognizes an impairment loss when
the sum of expected undiscounted future cash flows is less than the carrying amount of the asset.
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Stock-based Compensation
Stock-based compensation is accounted for based on the requirements of the Share-Based Payment Topic of ASC 718 which requires
recognition in the consolidated financial statements of the cost of employee and director services received in exchange for an award of equity
instruments over the period the employee or director is required to perform the services in exchange for the award (presumptively, the vesting
period). The ASC also requires measurement of the cost of employee and director services received in exchange for an award based on the grant-
date fair value of the award.
Pursuant to ASC Topic 505-50, for share-based payments to consultants and other third parties, compensation expense is determined at
the “measurement date.” The expense is recognized over the vesting period of the award. Until the measurement date is reached, the total amount
of compensation expense remains uncertain. The Company initially records compensation expense based on the fair value of the award at the
reporting date. As stock-based compensation expense is recognized based on awards expected to vest, forfeitures are also estimated at the time of
grant and revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. For the year ended December 31, 2014,
expected forfeitures are immaterial. The Company will re-assess the impact of forfeitures if actual forfeitures increase in future periods.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In May 2014, the Financial Accountings Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09, Revenue from
Contracts with Customers, or ASU 2014-09, which requires an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for
the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. The standard will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance in U.S. GAAP
when it becomes effective and shall take effective on January 1, 2017. The standard permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect
transition method and the early application of the standard is not permitted. The Company is presently evaluating the effect that ASU 2014-09
will have on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures and has not yet selected a transition method.
In August 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-15, Disclosure of Uncertainties About an Entity's Ability to
Continue as a Going Concern. This standard update provides guidance around management's responsibility to evaluate whether there is
substantial doubt about an entity's ability to continue as a going concern and to provide related footnote disclosures. The new guidance is effective
for all annual and interim periods ending after December 15, 2016. The Company does not expect that the new guidance will have an impact on
the Company's consolidated financial statements.
There were other updates recently issued, most of which represented technical corrections to the accounting literature or application to
specific industries and are not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
Results of Operations for the Years Ended December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013
Revenues
The Company continued to expand it operations in 2014 with the commencement of additional enforcement actions and the acquisition
of ten additional patent portfolios, raising the number of patents and patent rights to 378 from 118 as of December 31, 2013 across a broad array
of technologies and end markets. With the increased scope of the Company’s business, revenue increased by $17,986,098, or 526%, to
$21,404,469 in the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to $3,418,371 of revenue in the year ended December 31, 2014. The increase in
revenues in 2014 versus 2013 resulted from existing patent portfolios reaching more advanced stages of enforcement as well as an increasing
number of patent portfolios acquired and entered into enforcement campaigns.
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Revenues from five licenses from five different subsidiaries of the Company accounted for approximately 88% of the Company’s
revenue for the year ended December 31, 2014 versus five licenses all from the same Company subsidiary accounting for approximately 62% of
the revenue for the year ended December 31, 2013.
For the Year Ended December 31, 2014
For the Year Ended December 31, 2013
Licensor
Clouding Corp.
Selene Communication Technologies,
LLC
CRFD
Relay
IP Liquidity
License
Amount
$ 10,500,000
$
$
$
$
2,900,000
2,800,000
1,750,000
937,500
% of Revenue
Licensor
49% Cyberfone Systems, LLC
14% Cyberfone Systems, LLC
13% Cyberfone Systems, LLC
8% Cyberfone Systems, LLC
4% Cyberfone Systems, LLC
Total
88%
$
$
$
$
$
License
Amount
1,175,000
250,000
250,000
250,000
200,000
Total
% of Revenue
34%
7%
7%
7%
6%
62%
The Company derived these revenues from the one-time issuance of non-recurring, non-exclusive, non-assignable licenses to two
different entities and their affiliates for certain of the Company’s patents. While the Company has a growing portfolio of patents, at this time, the
Company expects that a significant portion of its future revenues will be based on one-time grants of similar non-recurring, non-exclusive, non-
assignable licenses to a relatively small number of entities and their affiliates. Further, with the expected small number of firms with which the
Company enters into license agreements, and the amount and timing of such license agreements, the Company also expects that its revenues may
be highly variable from one period to the next.
Operating Expenses
Direct cost of revenues for the years ended December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 amounted to $11,787,445 and $957,040,
respectively. For the year ended December 31, 2014, this represented an increase of $10,830,405, or 1,132%. Direct costs of revenue include
contingent payments to patent enforcement legal costs, patent enforcement advisors and inventors. Direct costs of revenue also includes various
non-contingent costs associated with enforcing the Company’s patent rights and otherwise in developing and entering into settlement and
licensing agreements that generate the Company’s revenue. Such costs include other legal fees and expenses, consulting fees, data management
costs and other costs.
We incurred other operating expenses of $15,823,752 and $6,136,784 for the years ended December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013,
respectively. This represented an increase of $9,686,968, or 158%, in 2014 versus 2013. These expenses primarily consisted of amortization of
patents, general expenses, compensation to our officers, directors and employees, professional fees and consulting incurred in connection with
the day-to-day operation of our business as well as an impairment of goodwill of $2,144,488 and $0 in the years ended December 31, 2014 and
December 31, 2013, respectively. Other operating expenses consisted of the following:
Amortization of intangibles and depreciation
Compensation and related taxes
Consulting fees
Professional fees
Other general and administrative
Loss on impairment of goodwill
Total
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Total Operating Expenses
For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2014
For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2013
5,528,280
3,904,462
2,134,672
1,566,375
545,475
2,144,488
15,823,752
1,038,505
2,997,053
901,686
655,202
544,338
-
6,136,784
Table of Contents
Operating expenses for the years ended December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 include non-cash operating expenses totaling
$10,996,155 and $3,157,778, respectively. Non-cash operating expenses consisted of the following:
Amortization of intangibles and depreciation
Compensation and related taxes
Consulting fees
Professional fees
Other general and administrative
Loss on impairment of goodwill
Total
Amortization of patents
Non-Cash Operating Expenses
For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2014
For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2013
5,528,280
1,751,034
1,536,603
5,750
-
2,144,488
10,966,155
1,038,505
1,493,512
613,303
12,458
-
-
3,157,778
Amortization expenses were $5,528,280 and $1,038,505 for the years ended December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, an
increase of $4,489,775 or 432%. The increase results from the significant number of patents and patent portfolios we have added in 2014, during
which the Company acquired ownership of or contractual rights to ten patent portfolios. When the Company acquires patents and patent rights,
the Company capitalizes those assets and amortizes the costs over the remaining useful lives of the assets. All patent amortization expenses are
non-cash expenses.
Compensation expense and related taxes
Compensation expense includes cash compensation, related payroll taxes and benefits and also non-cash equity compensation. For the
years ended December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, compensation expense and related payroll taxes were $3,904,462 and $2,997,053,
respectively, an increase of $907,409 or 30%. The increase in compensation primarily reflects an increase in the number of average employees in
2014 versus 2013 and to a lesser extent from an increase in cash compensation, equity-based compensation, payroll taxes and benefits to our
employees. During the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, we recognized non-cash employee and board equity based compensation of
$1,751,034 and $1,493,512, respectively.
Consulting fees
For the years ended December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, we incurred consulting fees of $2,134,672 and $901,686, respectively,
an increase of $1,232,986 or 137%. Consulting fees include both cash and non-cash related consulting fees primarily for investor relations and
public relations services as well as other consulting services. Approximately 75% of the increase in 2014 versus 2013 resulted from increased
non-cash fee arrangements related to stock or option grants. During the years ended December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, we recognized
non-cash equity based consulting of $1,536,603 and $613,303, respectively.
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Professional fees
Professional fees for the years ended December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, were $1,566,375 and $655,202, an
increase of $911,173 or 139%. Professional fees primarily reflect the costs of professional outside accounting fees, legal fees and audit fees. The
increase in professional fees for the year ended December 31, 2014 over the same period in 2013 are predominately related to professional
outside legal, accounting and audit fees resulting from a substantially higher level of activity in the Company’s continuing patent acquisition and
monetization operations and also a higher level of activity as a public company.
Other general and administrative expenses
For the years ended December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, other general and administrative expenses were essentially flat, rising
$1,137, or approximately 0%, to $545,475 from $544,338, respectively. General and administrative expenses reflect the other non-categorized
operating costs of the Company and include expenses related to being a public company, rent, insurance, technology and other expenses incurred
to support the operations of the Company. For the year ended December 31, 2014 versus 2013, the negligible increase in other general and
administrative expenses, in conjunction with costs increases for the other non-direct operating expenses less than the growth in revenues,
exemplifies the operating leverage the Company enjoys in its business.
Loss on impairment of goodwill
For the years ended December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company recorded a loss on the impairment of goodwill in the
amounts of $2,144,488 and $0, respectively.
Operating loss from continuing operations
The operating income (loss) from continuing operations increased by $2,531,274 to $(6,206,727) in 2014 from $(3,675,453) in 2013 as
a result of the increase in direct cost of revenues associated with a much higher level of enforcement activity. In addition, in management’s view,
the direct cost of revenues in 2013 was not indicative of long-term sustainable levels leading to a higher gross profit than is normally expected.
Other Income
Other income (expense) increased by $550,285 to $(588,627) in 2014 from $(38,342) in 2013. The increase in other expenses is
attributable to considerably higher interest expenses in 2014 in the amount of $543,283 in 2014 versus $1,075 in 2013 resulting from debt
incurred in the acquisition of six portfolios as well as the issuance of convertible debt for general working capital purposes. Finally, as the
Company has expanded its focus on the monetization of patents outside the United States, the Company experienced a loss associated with
changes in the exchange rate in the amount of $45,978 in 2014 versus $0 in 2013. The Company does not hedge its international activities and
does not intend to do so in the near future, which could leave to either gains or losses associated with foreign currency operations.
Income Tax Benefit
We recognized an income tax benefit in the amount of $4,913,232 for the year ended December 31, 2014 versus no income tax benefit
for the year ended December 31, 2013.
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Discontinued Operations
During June 2012, we decided to discontinue our exploration and potential development of uranium and vanadium minerals business.
Subsequently, in November 2012, we decided to discontinue our real estate business and we intend to sell and dispose our remaining real estate
holdings during fiscal 2013. We are now engaged in the acquisition, development and monetization of intellectual property through both the
prosecution and licensing of our own patent portfolio, the acquisition of additional intellectual property or partnering with others to defend and
enforce their patent rights. During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company had no income from discontinued operations versus income
from discontinued operations in the amount of $263,460 for the year ended December 31, 2013.
Revenues - Real Estate
Cost of Sales - Real Estate
Gross Profit
Operating and other non-operating expenses
Gain on sale of assets of discontinued operations
Income from discontinued operations
For the Year
Ended December
31, 2014
$
$
For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2013
1,270,916
(1,064,320)
206,596
(111,352)
168,216
- $
-
-
-
- $
263,460
Net Income and Net Income Available to Common Shareholders
We reported net income (loss) of $(1,882,123) and $(3,450,335) for the years ended December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013,
respectively. This represented an improvement of $1,568,212 in 2014 versus 2013.
Additionally, for the years ended December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, we recorded an expense of $1,271,492 and $0,
respectively, for a deemed dividend related to the beneficial conversion feature of the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock issued on May 1,
2014. Net income (loss) available to Common Stockholders for the years ended December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 was $(3,153,615)
and $(3,450,335), respectively.
Loss per common share, basic and diluted
The Company reported a decrease in the net loss per share of $0.10 per share to $(0.27) per share for the year ended December 31, 2014
from $(0.37) for the year ended December 31, 2013. The decrease in the net loss per share reflected both the beneficial effect of the decrease in
the net loss attributable to Marathon Patent Group, Inc. plus the beneficial effect of an increase in the weighted-average number of shares
outstanding to 11,660,879 from 9,208,386. The increase in the number of weighted-average shares outstanding reflects increases in shares
outstanding resulting from shares issued in connection with certain non-cash compensation arrangements plus the issuance of new shares in
connection with the Company’s private placement financing.
Net loss attributable to Common Shareholders
Income from discontinued operations
Denominator
Denomintor for basic and diluted loss per share
(weighted-average shares)
Earnings (Loss) per common share, basic and diluted:
Income (Loss) from continuing operations
Income from discontinued operations
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For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2014
For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2013
$ (3,153,615) $ (3,713,795)
263,460
- $
$
11,660,879
9,208,386
$
$
(0.27) $
- $
(0.40)
0.03
Table of Contents
Non-GAAP Reconciliation
The Company incurred total net non-cash expenses in the amount of $7,324,415 and $3,157,778 for the years ended December 31,
2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. The details of those expenses and non-GAAP reconciliation of these non-cash items are set forth
below:
Net loss attributable to Common Shareholders
Non-GAAP
Amortization of intangible assets & depreciation
Equity-based compensation
Beneficial conversion option
Impairment of goodwill
Deferred tax benefit
Non-GAAP profit (loss)
For The Yead
Ended
December 31,
2014
(3,153,615)
For The Yead
Ended
December 31,
2013
(3,450,335)
5,528,280
3,293,387
1,271,492
2,144,488
(4,913,232)
4,170,800
1,038,505
2,119,273
-
-
-
(292,557)
For the year ended December 31, 2014, net income per common share on a non-GAAP basis was $0.36 per common share versus a loss of
$(0.03) per common share for the year ended December 31, 2013. The significant improvement in the non-GAAP earnings per common share
can be attributed to considerably higher patent amortization expenses in 2014 versus 2013 resulting from the acquisitions of patent portfolios
entered into by the Company as well as increased equity based compensation and the add-back of the non-cash charge associated with the
beneficial conversion feature and goodwill impairment. The non-GAAP net income and earnings per share were reduced by the inclusion of the
deferred tax asset.
Non-GAAP net income (loss)
Denominator
Denomintor for basic and diluted loss per share
(weighted-average shares)
Non-GAAP earnings (Loss) per common share, basic and diluted:
Non-GAAP income (Loss) from continuing operations
Liquidity and Capital Resources
For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2014
4,170,800 $
For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2013
(292,557)
$
11,660,879
9,208,386
$
0.36 $
(0.03)
Liquidity is the ability of a company to generate funds to support its current and future operations, satisfy its obligations, and otherwise
operate on an ongoing basis. At December 31, 2014, the Company’s cash and cash equivalents balances totaled $5,082,569 compared to
$3,610,262 at December 31, 2013. The increase in the cash balances of $1,472,307 resulted primarily from cash received during 2014 from
revenues generated from patent enforcement activities and from the private placement of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock closed on May 1,
2014 and Convertible Notes and Warrants issued on October 16, 2014, offset by the costs associated with the acquisition of ten patent portfolios
during the course of 2014.
-36-
Table of Contents
Net working capital declined by $18,671,091 to a deficit of $(14,786,593) at December 31, 2014 from a surplus of $3,884,498 at
December 31, 2013. The decrease in net working capital resulted primarily from the addition of notes payable and debt assumed related to the
acquisition of six of the ten patent portfolios during 2014 and the current portion of an earn out related to the purchase also in 2014 of a different
patent portfolio in the amount of $2,092,000.
Cash provided by operating activities was $4,453,574 during the year ended December 31, 2014 versus cash used in operating activities
of $1,519,470 during the year ended December 31, 2013.
Cash used in investing activities was $7,869,795 for the year ended December 31, 2014 versus cash used in the amount of $3,002,033
for the year ended December 31, 2013. The higher level of cash used for investing activities during the year ended December 31, 2014 was
almost exclusively related to the purchases of patent portfolios and patents rights in transactions entered into on May 2, 2014, June 17, 2014,
August 29, 2014, September 19, 2014 and October 13, 2014 through which the Company acquired ten new patent portfolios. Purchase of non-
patent assets, specifically equipment and other non-patent intangibles represented less than 1% of total acquisitions of assets.
Cash provided by financing activities was $4,888,528 during the year ended December 31, 2014 versus cash provided by financing
activities in the amount of $5,777,596 during the year ended December 31, 2013. Cash provided by financing activities for the year ended
December 31, 2014 resulted from the private placement of securities issued on May 1, 2014 and October 16, 2014 and the exercise of warrants,
offset by the repayment of debts incurred in the acquisitions of various patent portfolios as more fully described above.
Management believes that the balance of cash and cash equivalents of $5,082,569 at December 31, 2014, combined with expected operating
cash flow and the $50 million financing arrangement entered into with Fortress Credit Corporation is sufficient to continue to fund the
Company’s current operations at least through March 2016. However, the Company’s operations are subject to various risks and there is no
assurance that changes in the operations of the Company will not require the Company to raise additional cash sooner than planned in order to
continue uninterrupted operations. In that event, the Company would seek to raise additional capital from the sale of the Company’s securities,
from borrowing or from other sources. Should the Company seek to raise capital from the issuances of its securities, such transactions would be
subject to the risks of the market for the Company’s securities at the time.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
None.
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
We are a smaller reporting company as defined by Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and are not required to provide
the information under this item.
-37-
Table of Contents
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
MARATHON PATENT GROUP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2014
Index to Consolidated Financial Statements
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRMS
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHNSIVE LOSS
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
F-2
F-4
F-5
F-6
F-7
F-8
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
F-9 to F-39
F-1
Table of Contents
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors
Marathon Patent Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of Marathon Patent Group, Inc. and subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company”) as
of December 31, 2014 and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive loss, change in stockholders' equity, and cash flows
for the year then ended. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to
express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards
require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement.
The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audit included
consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but
not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we
express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial
statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial
statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the
Company as of December 31, 2014 and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the year then ended, in conformity with U.S. generally
accepted accounting principles.
/s/ SingerLewak LLP
SingerLewak LLP
Los Angeles, California
March 26, 2015
F-2
Table of Contents
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors
Marathon Patent Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Marathon Patent Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries (the "Company") as of
December 31, 2013 and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive loss, changes in stockholders' equity, and cash flows
for the year then ended December 31, 2013. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards
require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement.
The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audit included
consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but
not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly we
express no such opinion. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial
statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating
the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Marathon
Patent Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries (Formerly American Strategic Minerals Corporation) as of December 31, 2013, and the results of its
operations and its cash flows for the year then ended December 31, 2013, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
/s/ KBL, LLP
New York, New York
March 26, 2015
F-3
Table of Contents
MARATHON PATENT GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash
Accounts receivable - net
Marketable securities - available for sale securities
Bonds posted with courts
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
Total current assets
Other assets:
Property and equipment, net
Intangible assets, net
Deferred tax assets
Goodwill
Total other assets
Total Assets
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
Clouding IP earn out - current portion
Notes payable
Total current liabilities
Long-term liabilities
Convertible Notes, net of discount of $146,935
Clouding IP earn out
Total long-term liabilities
Liabilities of discontinued operations
Total liabilities
Stockholders' Equity:
Preferred stock Series B, $.0001 par value, 50,000,000 shares authorized: 932,000 and 0 issued and
outstanding at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013
Common stock, ($.0001 par value; 200,000,000 shares authorized; 13,791,460 adjusted for the stock
dividend and 10,979,186 issued and outstanding at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013
Additional paid-in capital
Accumulated other comprehensive income
Accumulated deficit
December 31,
2014
December 31,
2013
$
$
5,082,569
216,997
-
1,946,196
438,391
7,684,153
3,610,262
270,000
6,250
-
752,931
4,639,443
53,828
43,363,832
4,952,309
3,432,308
51,802,277
13,640
6,157,659
-
2,144,488
8,315,787
$ 59,486,430
$ 12,955,230
$
$
3,293,746
2,092,000
17,085,000
22,470,746
754,945
-
-
754,945
5,403,065
7,360,000
12,763,065
-
35,233,811
-
-
-
30,664
785,609
93
-
1,379
36,977,169
1,098
22,673,287
(6,250)
(12,337,665) (10,488,018)
(388,357)
Total Marathon Patent Group, Inc. equity
Non-controlling interest in subsidiary
Total stockholders' equity
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
24,252,619
12,180,117
-
(10,496)
24,252,619
12,169,621
$ 59,486,430
$ 12,955,230
The accompanying notes are an integral part to these audited consolidated financial statements.
F-4
Table of Contents
MARATHON PATENT GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
Revenues
Expenses
Cost of revenues
Amortization of patents and website
Compensation and related taxes
Consulting fees
Professional fees
General and administrative
Loss on impairment of goodwill
Total operating expenses
Operating loss from continuing operations
Other income (expenses)
Other expense
Realized loss - available for sale
Interest income
Interest expense
Total other income (expenses)
Loss from continuing operations before benefit from income taxes
Income tax benefit
Loss from continuing operations
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax
Net Loss
FOR THE
YEAR
ENDED
December 31,
2014
FOR THE
YEAR
ENDED
December
31, 2013
$ 21,404,469
$
3,418,371
11,787,445
5,528,280
3,904,462
2,134,672
1,566,375
545,475
2,144,488
27,611,197
957,040
1,038,505
2,997,053
901,686
655,202
544,338
-
7,093,824
(6,206,727)
(3,675,453)
(52,228)
6,250
634
(543,283)
(588,627)
-
(38,819)
1,552
(1,075)
(38,342)
(6,795,354)
(3,713,795)
4,913,232
-
(1,882,123)
(3,713,795)
-
263,460
(1,882,123)
(3,450,335)
Deemed dividends related to beneficial conversion feature of Series A preferred stock
(1,271,492)
-
Net loss attributable to common shareholders
Loss per common share, basic and diluted:
Loss from continuing operations
Income from discontinued operations
(3,153,615)
(3,450,335)
$
$
(0.16) $
-
(0.16) $
(0.40)
0.03
(0.37)
WEIGHTED AVERAGE COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING - Basic and Diluted
11,660,879
9,208,386
The accompanying notes are an integral part to these audited consolidated financial statements.
F-5
MARATHON PATENT GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
For the
year ended
December 31,
2014
For the
year ended
December
31,
2013
Net loss attributable to Marathon Patent Group, Inc.
$ (3,153,615) $ (3,450,335)
Other comprehensive loss:
Unrealized loss on foreign currency translation
Realized loss (Unrealized loss) on investment securities, available for sale
Comprehensive loss attributable to Marathon Patent Group, Inc.
(388,357)
6,250
-
(6,250)
$ (3,535,722) $ (3,456,585)
The accompanying notes are an integral part to these audited consolidated financial statements.
F-6
MARATHON PATENT GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Preferred
Stock/Units
Common Stock
Add'l Paid
Shares
Par
Value
Shares
Par
Value
in
Capital
Accumulated
Deficit
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
Total
Stockholders'
Equity
(Deficit)
- $
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
7,007,130
$
704
$ 10,976,325
$
(7,037,134) $
-
$
3,939,543
431,672
42
1,110,834
(21)
-
-
-
-
-
-
570,000
1,122,412
117,796
-
-
-
2,317,308
230
5,777,481
(115)
1,223,076
122
2,998,439
(61)
-
-
-
-
-
-
1,110,855
570,000
1,122,412
117,796
5,777,596
2,998,500
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
(3,450,335)
(6,250)
-
(6,250)
(3,450,335)
- $
-
10,979,186
$ 1,098
$ 22,673,287
$ (10,488,018) $
(6,250) $ 12,180,117
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
2,203,222
185,000
19
2,078,781
107,814
11
249,213
-
-
-
-
-
-
41,576
164,020
-
-
32,662
6,250
38,912
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
2,203,222
2,078,800
249,224
41,576
164,020
(388,357)
(388,357)
466,000
47
1,495,881
149
(6)
(186)
1,000,502
100
23,077
2
-
-
-
-
6,238,164
149,998
1,023,579
(102)
1,023,579
102
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
4
6,238,264
150,000
-
BALANCE –
Dec 31, 2012
Stock issued
compensation
expense
Restricted stock
compensation
expense
Stock option
compensation
expense
Services paid in
warrants
Common stock
issued for cash
Common stock
issued in
acquisition
Marketable
Securities
available for sale
Net Loss
BALANCE –
December 31,
2013
Write-off of
marketable
securities /
discontinued
assets
Stock
compensation
expense
Common stock
issued in
acquisition
Exercise of stock
option and
warrants
Consulting
services paid in
warrants
Warrant issued in
conjunction with
convertible debt
Currency
translation loss
Adjustment
resulting from
stock dividend
and other
Series A
preferred stock
Series A
preferred stock
compensation
Common stock
issued upon
conversion of
series A preferred
stock
stock
Series B
preferred stock
Beneficial
conversion feature
Net Loss
BALANCE –
December 31,
2014
1,023,579
(102)
1,023,579
102
-
466,000
-
-
-
46
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
3,178,914
1,271,492
(1,271,492)
-
(1,882,123)
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
3,178,960
1,271,492
(1,271,492)
(1,882,123)
932,000 $
93
13,791,460
$ 1,379
$ 36,977,169
$ (12,337,665) $
(388,357) $ 24,252,619
The accompaning notes are an integral part to these audited consolidated financial statements.
F-7
MARATHON PATENT GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net loss
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Depreciation
Amortization of intangible assets
Non-cash equity compensation
Impairment of Goodwill
Deemed Series A dividend beneficial conversion
Deferred tax asset
Income tax benefit
Non-cash revenue
Non-cash other income
Realized loss - available for sale
Gain on sale of assets of discontinued operations
Other non-cash adjustments
Changes in operating assets and liabilities
Accounts receivable
Assets of discontinued operations - current portion
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
Bonds posted with courts
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
Cash flows from investing activities:
Acquisition of patents
Acquisition of CyberFone
Purchase of property, equipment, and other intangible assets
Proceeds received from sale of marketable securities
Sale of real estate property (discontinued operations)
Capitalized cost related to improvements of real estate property (discontinued operations)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
Cash flows from financing activities:
Payable in connection with the acquisition of TLI
Payment on note payable in connection with the acquisition of IP Liquidity
Proceeds from a note payable in connection with the acquisition of Cyberfone Systems, LLC
Payment on note payable in connection with the acquisition of Cyberfone Systems, LLC
Payment on note payable in connection with the acquisition of Dynamic Advances
Payment on note payable in connection with the acquisition of Sarif
Payment on note payable in connection with the acquisition of Medtech
Payment on note payable in connection with the acquisition of Clouding
Payment on earn-out connected to the acquisition of Clouding
Cash received upon issuance of convertible debt securities
Proceeds from sale of preferred and common stock, net of issuance costs
Cash received upon exercise of warrant
Net cash provided by financing activities
Net increase in cash
Cash at beginning of period
Cash at end of period
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
Cash paid for:
Interest expense and loan fees
Taxes paid
FOR
THE YEAR
ENDED
December 31,
2014
FOR THE
YEAR
ENDED
December
31, 2013
$ (3,153,615) $ (3,450,335)
6,233
5,522,047
3,293,388
2,144,488
1,271,492
(1,774,807)
(3,177,502)
-
(3,930)
-
-
73,866
3,360
1,038,505
2,178,894
-
-
-
-
(1,700,000)
6,250
38,819
(168,216)
(6,250)
110,053
-
(400,471)
(1,946,196)
2,488,528
(270,000)
82,145
29,571
-
697,787
4,453,574
(1,519,470)
(7,816,832)
-
(52,963)
-
-
-
(7,869,795)
50,000
(1,215,625)
-
-
(225,625)
(23,750)
(2,000,000)
(1,000,000)
(2,883,960)
5,550,000
6,388,266
249,222
4,888,528
(3,150,000)
(1,000,000)
(17,000)
129,397
1,052,320
(16,750)
(3,002,033)
-
-
500,000
(500,000)
-
-
-
-
-
-
5,777,596
-
5,777,596
1,472,307
1,256,093
3,610,262
2,354,169
$
5,082,569
$
3,610,262
$
$
543,283
39,078
$
$
1,075
-
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF NON-CASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Common stock issued in connection with the acquisition of Cyberfone Systems, LLC
Common stock issued for the acquisition of patents
Common stock issued in connection with the acquisition of Clouding Corp
Earn-out liability in connection with the acquisition of Clouding Corp
Common stock granted in connection with the acquisition of TLI Communications, LLC
Series B Preferred stock issued in connection with the acquisition of Dynamic Advances LLC
Series B Convertible Preferred Stock issued in connection with the acquisition of Dynamic Advances LLC
and IP Liquidity Ventures, LLC
Common stock issued in connection with the acquisition of Selene Communication Technologies
Value of warrants pertaining to equity issuance
Value of warrants pertaining to convertible debt issuance
Notes payable issued in connection with the acquisition of IP Liquidity Ventures, LLC, Dynamic Advances,
LLC,
Selene Communication Technologies, LLC, Clouding Corp, and Medtech Companies
Issuance of common stock issued for prepaid services
Series B Preferred Stock issued for services
Acquisition of patents in connection with a non-cash settlement
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
-
-
281,000
9,452,000
817,800
1,403,690
2,087,380
980,000
11,595
146,935
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
2,280,000
718,500
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
$ 14,000,000
$
$
$
$
(298,301) $
$
1,103,581
$
-
-
441,247
-
1,700,000
The accompanying notes are an integral part to these audited consolidated financial statements.
F-8
MARATHON PATENT GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2014
NOTE 1 - ORGANIZATION AND DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS
Organization
Our business is to acquire patents and patent rights and to monetize the value of those assets to generate revenue and profit for the
Company. We acquire patents and patent rights from their owners, who range from individual inventors to Fortune 500 companies. Part of our
acquisition strategy is to acquire or invest in patents and patent rights that cover a wide-range of subject matter, which allows us to achieve the
benefits of a growing diversified portfolio of assets. Generally, the patents and patent rights that we acquire are characterized by having large
identifiable companies who are or have been using technology that infringes our patents and patent rights. We generally monetize our portfolio
of patents and patent rights by entering into license discussions, and if that is unsuccessful, initiating enforcement activities against any
infringing parties with the objective of entering into a standard form of comprehensive settlement and license agreement that may include the
granting of non-exclusive retroactive and future rights to use the patented technology, a covenant not to sue, a release of the party from certain
claims, the dismissal of any pending litigation and other terms that are appropriate in the circumstances. Our strategy has been developed with
the expectation that it will result in a long-term, diversified revenue stream for the Company.
Marathon Patent Group, Inc. (the “Company”), formerly American Strategic Minerals Corporation, was incorporated under the laws of
the State of Nevada on February 23, 2010.
On December 7, 2011, the Company changed its name to “American Strategic Minerals Corporation” from “Verve Ventures, Inc.”, and
increase the Company’s authorized capital to 200,000,000 shares of Common Stock, par value $0.0001 per share, and 50,000,000 shares of
preferred stock, par value $0.0001 per share. During June 2012, the Company discontinued its exploration and potential development of uranium
and vanadium minerals business. In November 2012, the Company discontinued its real estate business.
On August 1, 2012, the shareholders holding a majority of the Company’s voting capital voted in favor of (i) changing the name of the
Company to “Fidelity Property Group, Inc.” and (ii) the adoption the 2012 Equity Incentive Plan and reserving 20,000,000 shares of Common
Stock for issuance thereunder (the “2012 Plan”). The board of directors of the Company (the “Board of Directors”) approved the name change
and the adoption of the 2012 Plan on August 1, 2012. The Company did not file an amendment to its Articles of Incorporation with the Secretary
of State of Nevada and subsequently abandoned the decision to adopt the “Fidelity Property Group, Inc.” name.
On October 1, 2012, the shareholders holding a majority of the Company’s voting capital had voted and authorized the Company to (i)
change the name of the Company to Marathon Patent Group, Inc. (the “Name Change”) and (ii) effectuate a reverse stock split of the Company’s
Common Stock by a ratio of 3-for-2 (the “Reverse Split”) within one year from the date of approval of the stockholders of the Company. The
Board of Directors approved the Name Change and the Reverse Split on October 1, 2012. The Board of Directors determined the name
“Marathon Patent Group, Inc.” better reflects the long-term strategy in exploring other opportunities and the identity of the Company going
forward. On February 15, 2013, the Company filed the Certificate of Amendment with the Secretary of State of the State of Nevada in order to
effectuate the Name Change. On May 31, 2013, shareholders of record holding a majority of the outstanding voting capital of the Company
approved a reverse stock split of the Company’s issued and outstanding Common Stock by a ratio of not less than one-for-five and not more than
one-for-fifteen at any time prior to April 30, 2014, with such ratio to be determined by the Company’s Board of Directors, in its sole discretion.
On June 24, 2013, the reverse stock split ratio of one (1) for thirteen (13) basis was approved by the Board of Directors. On July 18, 2013, the
Company filed a certificate of amendment to its Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation with the Secretary of State of the State of
Nevada in order to effectuate a reverse stock split of the Company’s issued and outstanding Common Stock, par value $0.0001 per share on a
one (1) for thirteen (13) basis. All share and per share values for all periods presented in the accompanying consolidated financial statements are
retroactively restated for the effect of the reverse stock split.
F-9
Table of Contents
On March 6, 2013, the Company entered into an Asset Purchase Agreement (the “Augme Agreement”) with Augme Technologies
(“Seller”) whereby Seller agreed to sell to the Company certain office equipment, data, documentation, and business information related to the
Seller’s business and assign agreements and prospective clients and business opportunities to the Company. In consideration for the assets and
assigned agreements, the Company paid $10,000 at closing and provides litigation assistance as defined in the Agreement. As additional
consideration, the Company also entered into a 2 year Service Agreement (the “Service Agreement”) with the Seller whereby the Seller shall
engage the Company to provide consulting services including patent litigation matters, sale, license involving the Seller’s intellectual property and
general consulting services to continue the Seller’s business operations. The Company recorded the $10,000 payment which was primarily
attributable to property and equipment. Additionally, the Company assumed an office lease agreement that expired in July 2013.
On April 16, 2013, the Company through its subsidiary, Relay IP, Inc. acquired a US patent for $350,000.
On April 22, 2013, CyberFone Acquisition Corp. (“Acquisition Corp.”), a Texas corporation and newly formed wholly owned
subsidiary of the Company entered into a merger agreement (the “CyberFone Agreement”) with CyberFone Systems LLC, a Texas limited
liability company (“CyberFone Systems”), TechDev Holdings LLC (“TechDev”) and The Spangenberg Family Foundation for the Benefit of
Children’s Healthcare and Education (“Spangenberg Foundation”). TechDev and Spangenberg Foundation owned 100% of the membership
interests of CyberFone Systems (collectively, the “CyberFone Sellers”). In the transaction, the Company acquired 10 US patents, 27 foreign
patents and 1 patent pending from CyberFone Systems valued at $1,135,512 (see note 3).
On May 6, 2013, in connection with the closing of a settlement and license agreement, the Company agreed to settle and release a certain
defendant for past and future use of the Company’s patents. The defendant agreed to assign and transfer 3 US patents and rights valued at
$1,000,000 in lieu of an additional cash payment, which amount has been included in the Company’s revenue during the year ended December
31, 2013.
In September 2013, the Company acquired 14 US patents for a total purchase price of $1,100,000.
On November 13, 2013, the Company acquired four patents for 150,000 shares of the Company’s Common Stock, which the Company
valued at $718,500 based on the fair market value of the stock issued.
On December 16, 2013, the Company acquired certain patents from Delphi Technologies, Inc. for $1,700,000 pursuant to a Patent
Purchase Agreement entered into on October 31, 2013 and Amended on December 16, 2013.
On December 22, 2013, in connection with a settlement and license agreement, the Company agreed to settle and release another
defendant for past and future use of the Company’s patents, whereby the defendant agreed to assign and transfer 2 US patents and rights to the
Company. The Company valued the two patents at an aggregate of $700,000 and included that amount in revenue during the year ended
December 31, 2013.
On April 22, 2014, the Company issued 300,000 shares, valued at $718,500, of Restricted Common Stock to TT IP LLC in
consideration of acquisition of patents on November 13, 2013.
On May 1, 2014, the Company issued 2,047,158 shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock and warrants to purchase an aggregate
of 511,790 shares of Common Stock in a private placement to accredited investors. All of the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock was
automatically converted pursuant to the terms of the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock Certificate of Designation during the year ended
December 31, 2014. The exercise price of the warrants is $3.75, after giving effect to the 2:1 stock dividend issued on December 22, 2014.
On May 2, 2014, the Company issued an aggregate of 782,000 shares of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock valued at $2,807,380 to
acquire IP Liquidity Ventures, LLC, Dynamic Advances, LLC and Sarif Biomedical, LLC.
On June 2, 2014, the Company issued 48,078 shares of unrestricted Common Stock to an investor in the May 2013 private placement,
pursuant to the exercise of a warrant received in the May 2013 private placement.
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On June 30, 2014, the Company issued 200,000 shares of Restricted Common Stock in the acquisition of Selene Communications
Technologies, LLC. In connection with this transaction, the Company valued the shares at the fair market value on the date of grant at $4.90 per
share or $980,000.
On July 18, 2014, the Company issues a total of 26,722 shares of Common Stock pursuant to the exercise of stock options held by a
former member of the Company’s Board of Directors and the Company’s former Chief Financial Officer.
On August 29, 2014, the Company entered into a patent purchase agreement to acquire a portfolio of patents from Clouding IP, LLC for
an aggregate purchase price of $2.4 million, of which $1.4 million was paid in cash and $1.0 million was paid in the form of a promissory note
issued by the Company that matures on October 31, 2014. The Company also issued 25,000 shares of its restricted common stock valued at
$281,000 in connection with the acquisition. Clouding IP, LLC is also entitled to certain possible future cash payments. Clouding IP LLC is
owned or controlled by Erich Spangenberg or family members or associates.
On September 16, 2014, the Company issued to two of its independent board members, in lieu of cash compensation, 6,178 shares
valued at $45,995 of Restricted Common Stock to each of its directors. The shares shall vest quarterly over twelve (12) months commencing
on the date of grant and $13,415 in expense was recognized in 2014 for each of the two grants.
On September 17, 2014, the Company entered into a consulting agreement (the “Consulting Agreement”) with GRQ Consultants, Inc.
(“GRQ”), pursuant to which GRQ shall provide certain consulting services including, but not limited to, advertising, marketing, business
development, strategic and business planning, channel partner development and other functions intended to advance the business of the
Company. As consideration, GRQ shall be entitled to 200,000 shares of the Company’s Series B Convertible Preferred Stock, 50% of which
vested upon execution of the Consulting Agreement, and 50% of which shall vest in six (6) equal monthly installments of commencing on
October 17, 2014. The first tranche of 100,000 shares of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock was issued to GRQ on October 6, 2014 and
150,000 shares in total, for a value of $1,103,581, was issued in 2014. In addition, the Consulting Agreement allows for GRQ to receive
additional shares of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock upon the achievement of certain performance benchmarks. All shares of Series B
Convertible Preferred Stock issuable to GRQ shall be pursuant to the 2014 Plan and shall be subject to shareholder approval of the 2014 Plan on
or prior to September 16, 2015. The Consulting Agreement contains an acknowledgement that the conversion of the preferred stock into shares
of the Company’s Common Stock is precluded by the equity blockers set forth in the certificate of designation and in Section 17 of the 2014 Plan
to ensure compliance with NASDAQ Listing Rule 5635(d). Every share of Series B Preferred Stock may be converted into two shares of
Common Stock, after giving effect to the 2:1 stock dividend issued on December 22, 1014.
On September 19, 2014, the Company authorized the issuance of 120,000 shares of Common Stock to the sellers of TLI
Communications LLC. The Company valued the Common Stock at the fair market value on the date of the Interests Sale Agreement at $6.815 per
share or $818,000.
On September 30, 2014, the Company issued 50,000 shares of Restricted Common Stock in the acquisition of the assets of Clouding
IP, LLC. In connection with this transaction, the Company valued the shares at the quoted market price on the date of grant at $5.62 per share or
$281,000.
On October 10, 2014, the Company entered into an interest sale agreement with MedTech Development, LLC (“MedTech”) to acquire
from MedTech 100% of the limited liability membership interests of OrthoPhoenix and TLIF as well as 100% of the shares of MedTech
GmbH. In connection with the transaction, the Company paid MedTech $1 million at closing and is obligated to $1 million on each of the
following nine (9) month anniversary dates of the closing. The acquired subsidiaries are also obligated to make certain additional payments to
MedTech from recoveries following the receipt by the acquired subsidiaries of 200% of the purchase payments, plus recovery of out of pocket
expenses in connection with patent claims. The participation payments may be paid, at the election of the Company, in common stock of
Marathon at the market price on the date of issuance.
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On October 16, 2014, the Company sold to certain accredited investors an aggregate of $5,550,000 of principal amount of convertible
notes due October 9, 2018 along with two-year warrants to purchase 258,998 shares of the Company’s Common Stock, par value $0.0001 per
share pursuant to a securities purchase agreement. The warrants were valued at $169,015 and were recorded as a discount to the fair value of the
convertible notes. The notes and warrants are initially convertible into shares of the Company’s Common Stock at a conversion price of $7.50 per
share and an exercise price of $8.25 per share, respectively. The conversion and exercise prices are subject to adjustment in the event of certain
events, including stock splits and dividends. The Notes bear interest at the rate of 11% per annum, payable quarterly in cash on each of the
three, six, nine and twelve month anniversary of the issuance date and on each conversion date. The Company reviewed the instruments in the
context of ASC 480 and determined that the convertible notes should be recorded as a liability and analyzed the conversion feature and
bifurcation pursuant to ASC 815 and ASC 470, respectively, to determine that the was no beneficial conversion feature and that the convertible
notes and warrants should not be bifurcated.
For the three months ended December 31, 2014, certain holders of warrants exercised their warrants in exchange for 29,230 shares of
the Company’s Common Stock.
NOTE 2 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“US GAAP”) and
present the consolidated financial statements of the Company and its wholly owned and majority owned subsidiaries as of December 31,
2014. In the preparation of consolidated financial statements of the Company, intercompany transactions and balances are eliminated.
Use of Estimates and Assumptions
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with US GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that
affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the
reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Significant estimates
made by management include, but are not limited to, estimating the useful lives of patent assets, the assumptions used to calculate fair value of
warrants and options granted, goodwill impairment, realization of long-lived assets, deferred income taxes, unrealized tax positions and business
combination accounting.
Cash
The Company considers all highly liquid debt instruments and other short-term investments with maturity of three months or less, when
purchased, to be cash equivalents. The Company maintains cash and cash equivalent balances at one financial institution that is insured by the
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. The Company’s accounts at this institution are insured, up to $250,000, by the Federal Deposit Insurance
Corporation ("FDIC"). For the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company’s bank balances exceeded the FDIC insurance limit. To
reduce its risk associated with the failure of such financial institution, the Company evaluates at least annually the rating of the financial institution
in which it holds deposits.
Accounts Receivable
The Company has a policy of reserving for accounts based on its best estimate of the amount of probable credit losses in its existing
accounts receivable. The Company periodically reviews its accounts receivable to determine whether an allowance is necessary based on an
analysis of past due accounts and other factors that may indicate that the realization of an account may be in doubt. Account balances deemed to
be uncollectible are charged to the bad debt expense after all means of collection have been exhausted and the potential for recovery is considered
remote. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company had recorded an allowance for bad debts in the amounts of $0 and $57,050,
respectively. Net accounts receivable at December 31, 2014 and 2013 were $216,997 and $270,000, respectively.
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Concentration of Revenue and Geographic Area
Revenue from the Company’s patent enforcement activities is considered United States revenue as any payments for licenses included
in that revenue are for United States operations irrespective of the location of the licensee's or licensee's parent home domicile.
Revenues from two customers and five licenses accounted for approximately 88% of the Company’s revenue for the year ended
December 31, 2014 and revenue from the largest five customers and five licenses accounted for approximately 62% of the Company’s revenues
for the year ended December 31, 2013. The Company derived these revenues from the one-time issuance of non-recurring, non-exclusive, non-
assignable licenses to two different entities and their affiliates for certain of the Company’s patents. While the Company has a growing portfolio
of patents, at this time, the Company expects that a significant portion of its future revenues will be based on one-time grants of similar non-
recurring, non-exclusive, non-assignable licenses to a relatively small number of entities and their affiliates. Further, with the expected small
number of firms with which the Company enters into license agreements, and the amount and timing of such license agreements, the Company
also expects that its revenues may be highly variable from one period to the next.
At the current time, we define customers as firms that take licenses to the Company’s patents, either prior to or during enforcement
litigation. These firms generally enter into non-recurring, non-exclusive, non-assignable license agreements with the Company, and these
customers do not generally engage on ongoing, recurring business activity with the Company. The Company has historically had a small number
of customers enter into such agreements, resulting in higher levels of revenue concentration.
Revenue Recognition
The Company recognizes revenue in accordance with ASC Topic 605, “Revenue Recognition”. Revenue is recognized when (i)
persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, (ii) all obligations have been substantially performed, (iii) amounts are fixed or determinable and
(iv) collectability of amounts is reasonably assured.
The Company considers the revenue generated from its settlement and licensing agreements as one unit of accounting under ASC 605-
25, “Multiple-Element Arrangements” as the delivered items do not have value to customers on a standalone basis, there are no undelivered
elements and there is no general right of return relative to the license. Under ASC 605-25, the appropriate recognition of revenue is determined
for the combined deliverables as a single unit of accounting and revenue is recognized upon delivery of the final elements, including the license
for past and future use and the release.
Also, due to the fact that the settlement element and license element for past and future use are the Company’s major central business,
the Company presents these two elements as one revenue category in its statement of operations. The Company does not expect to provide
licenses that do not provide some form of settlement or release. Revenue from patent enforcement activities accounted for 100% of the
Company’s revenues for the years ended December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013.
Prepaid Expenses
Prepaid expenses of $438,391 and $752,931 at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, consist primarily of costs paid for future
services that will occur within a year. Prepaid expenses include prepayments in cash and in equity instruments for investor relations public
relations services, business advisory, other consulting and prepaid insurance, all of which assets are being amortized over the terms of their
respective agreements.
Bonds Posted With Courts
Under certain circumstances related to litigations in Germany, the Company is either required to or may decide to enter a bond with the
courts. During the years ended December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company posted bonds in the amount of $1,945,196 and $0,
respectively.
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Related Party Transactions
Parties are considered related to the Company if the parties, directly or indirectly, through one or more intermediaries, control, are
controlled by, or are under common control with the Company. Related parties also include principal owners of the Company, its management,
members of the immediate families of principal owners of the Company and its management and other parties with which the Company may deal
if one party controls or can significantly influence the management or operating policies of the other to an extent that one of the transacting parties
might be prevented from fully pursuing its own separate interests. The Company discloses all related party transactions.
On November 14, 2012, upon the closing of the Sampo Share Exchange with LVL Patent Group LLC, Mr. Croxall, our Chief
Executive Officer, who was also the Chief Executive Officer of LVL Patent Group LLC, and John Stetson (both Mr. Croxall and Mr. Stetson
were also former members of Sampo), received 307,692 and 38,461 shares of the Company’s Common Stock, respectively, in connection with
the Sampo Share Exchange.
On May 13, 2013, we entered into a six-year advisory services agreement (the "Advisory Services Agreement") with IP Navigation
Group, LLC, of which Erich Spangenberg is founder and former Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Spangenberg is an affiliate of the Company. The
terms of the Advisory Services Agreement provides that, in consideration for its services as intellectual property licensing agent, the Company
will pay to IP Navigation Group, LLC between 10% and 20% of the gross proceeds of certain licensing campaigns in which IP Navigation
Group, LLC acts as intellectual property licensing agent.
On May 31, 2013, Barry Honig, a beneficial owner of more than 5% of our Common Stock at the time, purchased an aggregate of
$100,000 of shares of Common Stock and warrants in our private placement.
On August 2, 2013, GRQ Consultants Inc. 401K funded a subscription of $150,000 of shares of Common Stock and warrants in our
private placement, which was assigned to it by another investor. Barry Honig is the trustee of GRQ Consultants Inc. 401K and was a beneficial
owner of more than 5% of our Common Stock at the time of the transaction.
On November 11, 2013, we entered into a consulting agreement with Kairix, pursuant to which we granted options to acquire 300,000
shares of Common Stock to Kairix in exchange for services. The options shall vest 33%, 33% and 34% on each annual anniversary of the date of
the issuance. Craig Nard, a member of our board of directors at the time the Company entered into the agreement with Kairix, is a principal of
Kairix. On June 18, 2014, the Company cancelled an option to purchase an aggregate amount of 300,000 shares of Common Stock provided to
Kairix Analytics when the consulting agreement was terminated without any vesting having occurred.
On November 18, 2013, we entered into Amendment No. 1 to the Executive Employment Agreement with our Chief Executive Officer
and Chairman, Doug Croxall, pursuant to which Mr. Croxall’s base salary was raised to $480,000, subject to a 3% increase every year
commencing on November 14, 2014. We also granted Mr. Croxall a bonus of $350,000 and ten year stock options to purchase an aggregate of
100,000 shares of our Common Stock, with a strike price of $5.93 per share (representing the closing price on the date of grant), vesting in
twenty-four (24) equal installments on each monthly anniversary of the date of grant.
On November 18, 2013, we entered into a consulting agreement with Jeff Feinberg (“Feinberg Agreement”), pursuant to which we
agreed to grant Mr. Feinberg 100,000 shares of our restricted Common Stock; 50% of which shall vest on the one-year anniversary of the
Feinberg Agreement and the remaining 50% of which shall vest on the second year anniversary of the Feinberg Agreement. Mr. Feinberg is the
trustee of The Feinberg Family Trust and holds voting and dispositive power over shares held by The Feinberg Family Trust, which is a 10%
beneficial owner of our Common Stock. On September 9, 2014, the company terminated the Feinberg Agreement and no shares vested.
On May 1, 2014, the Company conducted a private placement of units to certain accredited investors for a purchase price of $6.50 per
unit. Each unit consisted of: (i) one share of the Company’s 8% Series A Preferred Stock, and (ii) a two year warrant to purchase shares of the
Company’s Common Stock in an amount equal to twenty five percent (25%) of the number of Series A Preferred Stock purchased. Stuart Smith,
who was a director of the Company at the time, purchased 5,000 units and John Stetson, who was an officer and director of the Company at the
time, purchased 30,769 units through entities controlled by him.
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On May 2, 2014, the Company completed the acquisition of certain ownership rights (the “Acquired Intellectual Property”) from
TechDev, Granicus and SFF pursuant to the terms of three purchase agreements between: (i) the Company, TechDev, SFF and DA Acquisition
LLC, a newly formed Texas limited liability company and wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company; (ii) the Company, Granicus, SFF and IP
Liquidity Ventures Acquisition LLC, a newly formed Delaware limited liability company and wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company; and
(iii) the Company, TechDev, SFF and Sarif Biomedical Acquisition LLC, a newly formed Delaware limited liability company and wholly-
owned subsidiary of the Company.
Pursuant to the DA Agreement, the Company acquired 100% of the limited liability company membership interests of Dynamic
Advances, LLC, a Texas limited liability company, in consideration for: (i) two cash payments of $2,375,000, one payment due at closing and
the other payment due on or before June 30, 2014, with such second payment being subject to increase to $2,850,000 if not made on or before
June 30, 2014; and (ii) 195,500 shares of the Company’s Series B Convertible Preferred Stock. Under the terms of the DA Agreement,
TechDev and SFF are entitled to possible future payments for a maximum consideration of $250,000,000 pursuant to the Pay Proceeds
Agreement described below.
Pursuant to the IP Liquidity Agreement, the Company acquired 100% of the limited liability company membership interests of IP
Liquidity Ventures, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, in consideration for: (i) two cash payments of $2,375,000, one payment due at
closing and the other payment due on or before June 30, 2014, with such second payment being subject to increase to $2,850,000 if not made
on or before June 30, 2014; and (ii) 195,500 shares of the Company’s Series B Convertible Preferred Stock. Under the terms of the IP
Liquidity Agreement, Granicus and SFF are entitled to possible future payments for a maximum consideration of $250,000,000 pursuant to the
Pay Proceeds Agreement described below.
Pursuant to the Sarif Agreement, the Company acquired 100% of the limited liability company membership interests of Sarif
Biomedical, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, in consideration for two cash payments of $250,000, one payment due at closing and
the other payment due on or before June 30, 2014, with such second payment being subject to increase to $300,000 if not made on or before
June 30, 2014. Under the terms of the Sarif Agreement, TechDev and SFF are entitled to possible future payments for a maximum
consideration of $250,000,000 pursuant to the Pay Proceeds Agreement described below.
Pursuant to the Pay Proceeds Agreement, the Company may pay the sellers a percentage of the net recoveries (gross revenues minus
certain defined expenses) that the Company makes with respect to the assets held by the entities that the Company acquired pursuant to the DA
Agreement, the IP Liquidity Agreement and the Sarif Agreement. Under the terms of the Pay Proceeds Agreement, if the Company recovers
$10,000,000 or less with regard to the IP Assets, then nothing is due to the sellers; if the Company recovers between $10,000,000 and
$40,000,000 with regard to the IP Assets, then the Company shall pay 40% of the cumulative gross proceeds of such recoveries to the sellers;
and if the Company recovers over $40,000,000 with regard to the IP Assets, the Company shall pay 50% of the cumulative gross proceeds of
such recoveries to the sellers. In no event will the total payments made by the Company under the Pay Proceeds Agreement exceed
$250,000,000.
TechDev, SFF and Granicus is owned or controlled by Erich Spangenberg or family members or associates.
On May 2, 2014, we entered into an opportunity agreement (the “Marathon Opportunity Agreement”) with Erich Spangenberg, whom
is an affiliate of the Company. The terms of the Marathon Opportunity Agreement provide that we have ten business days after receiving notice
from Mr. Spangenberg to provide up to 50% of the funding for certain opportunities relating to the licensing, intellectual property acquisitions
and/or intellectual property enforcement actions in which Mr. Spangenberg, IP Nav or any entity controlled by Mr. Spangenberg, other than: (i)
IP Nav or any of its affiliates, and (ii) Medtech Development, LLC or any of its affiliates.
On May 2, 2014, we acquired the rights to market Opus Analytics from IP Nav. Opus Analytics is a proprietary patent analytics tool
that we use extensively to review and analyze patent acquisition opportunities. Opus Analytics is also a SAAS (Software as a Service) tool that
we intend to offer to third parties to generate additional revenue streams from financial professional, investors, patent licensing and monetization
companies, and legal and investment professionals.
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On June 17, 2014, Selene Communication Technologies Acquisition LLC (“Acquisition LLC”), a Delaware limited liability company
and newly formed wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, entered into a merger agreement with Selene Communication Technologies, LLC
(“Selene”). Selene owns a patent portfolio consisting of three United States patents in the field of search and network intrusion that relate to tools
for intelligent searches applied to data management systems as well as global information networks such as the internet. IP Nav will continue to
support and manage the portfolio of patents and retain a contingent participation interest in all recoveries. IP Nav provides patent monetization
and support services under an existing agreement with Selene.
On August 29, 2014, the Company entered into a patent purchase agreement to acquire a portfolio of patents from Clouding IP, LLC for
an aggregate purchase price of $2.4 million, of which $1.4 million was paid in cash and $1.0 million was paid in the form of a promissory note
issued by the Company that matures on October 31, 2014. The Company also issued 25,000 shares of its restricted common stock in connection
with the acquisition. Clouding IP, LLC is also entitled to certain possible future cash payments. Clouding IP LLC is owned or controlled by Erich
Spangenberg or family members or associates.
On October 10, 2014, the Company entered into an interest sale agreement with MedTech Development, LLC (“MedTech”) to acquire
from MedTech 100% of the limited liability membership interests of OrthoPhoenix and TLIF as well as 100% of the shares of MedTech
GmbH. In connection with the transaction, the Company is obligated to pay to MedTech $1 million at closing and $1 million on each of the
following nine (9) month anniversary dates of the closing. The acquired subsidiaries are also obligated to make certain additional payments to
MedTech from recoveries following the receipt by the acquired subsidiaries of 200% of the purchase payments, plus recovery of out of pocket
expenses in connection with patent claims. The participation payments may be paid, at the election of the Company, in common stock of
Marathon at the market price on the date of issuance.
In connection with the transaction, the Company entered into a promissory note, common interest agreement and in the event of
issuance of common stock to MedTech, will enter into a lockup and registration rights agreement. Approximately forty-five percent (45%) of
MedTech is owned or controlled by Erich Spangenberg or family members or associates.
Comprehensive Income
Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2011-05 amends Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Codification Topic 220
on comprehensive income (1) to eliminate the current option to present the components of other comprehensive income (loss) in the statement of
changes in equity, and (2) to require presentation of net income (loss) and other comprehensive income (loss) (and their respective components)
either in a single continuous statement or in two separate but consecutive statements. These amendments do not alter any current recognition or
measurement requirements in respect of items of other comprehensive income. The amendments in this Update are effective from fiscal years
ending after December 15, 2012 and have been applied to our financial statements.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The Company adopted FASB ASC 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures” (“ASC 820”), for assets and liabilities measured
at fair value on a recurring basis. ASC 820 establishes a common definition for fair value to be applied to existing US GAAP that require the use
of fair value measurements, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosure about such fair value measurements. The
adoption of ASC 820 did not have an impact on the Company’s financial position or operating results, but did expand certain disclosures.
ASC 820 defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between
market participants at the measurement date. Additionally, ASC 820 requires the use of valuation techniques that maximize the use of observable
inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. These inputs are prioritized below:
Level 1: Observable inputs such as quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities
Level 2: Observable market-based inputs or unobservable inputs that are corroborated by market data
Level 3: Unobservable inputs for which there is little or no market data, which require the use of the reporting entity’s own
assumptions.
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The carrying amounts reported in the consolidated balance sheet for cash, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and accrued expenses,
approximate their estimated fair market value based on the short-term maturity of these instruments. The carrying value of notes payable and other
long-term liabilities approximate fair value as the related interest rates approximate rates currently available to the Company.
As of December 31, 2013, the Company had $2,144,488 in Level 3 goodwill. During 2014, the Company added $5,576,796 in
goodwill associated with the acquisition of numerous portfolios, and as set forth above, the Company impaired the goodwill associated with the
Cyberfone reporting unit in the amount of $2,144,448. This resulted in a fair value of the Company’s Level 3 goodwill as of December 31,
2014 of $3,432,308.
Under certain circumstances related to litigations in Germany, the Company is either required to or may decide to enter a bond with the
courts. During the years ended December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company posted bonds in the amount of $1,945,196 and $0,
respectively. The Company adjusted the value as of December 31, 2014 of the bonds to reflect changes to the exchange rate between the Euro
and the US Dollar.
Accounting for Acquisitions
In the normal course of its business, the Company makes acquisitions of patent assets and may also make acquisitions of
businesses. With respect to each such transaction, the Company evaluates facts of the transaction and follows the guidelines prescribed in
accordance with ASC 805 – Business Combinations to determine the proper accounting treatment for each such transaction and then records the
transaction in accordance with the conclusions reached in such analysis. The Company performs such analysis with respect to each material
acquisition within the consolidated group of entities.
Income Taxes
The Company accounts for income taxes pursuant to the provision of ASC 740-10, “Accounting for Income Taxes” which requires,
among other things, an asset and liability approach to calculating deferred income taxes. The asset and liability approach requires the recognition
of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the carrying amounts and the tax
bases of assets and liabilities. A valuation allowance is provided to offset any net deferred tax assets for which management believes it is more
likely than not that the net deferred asset will not be realized.
The Company follows the provision of the ASC 740-10 related to Accounting for Uncertain Income Tax Position. When tax returns are
filed, it is highly certain that some positions taken would be situated upon examination by the taxing authorities, while others are subject to
uncertainty about the merits of the position taken or the amount of the position that would be ultimately sustained. In accordance with the
guidance of ASC 740-10, the benefit of a tax position is recognized in the financial statements in the period during which, based on all available
evidence, management believes it is most likely that not that the position will be sustained upon examination, including the resolution of appeals
or litigation processes, if any. Tax positions taken are not offset or aggregated with other positions.
Tax positions that meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold are measured as the largest amount of tax benefit that is more than
50 percent likely of being realized upon settlement with the applicable taxing authority. The portion of the benefits associated with tax positions
taken that exceeds the amount measured as described above should be reflected as a liability for uncertain tax benefits in the accompanying
balance sheet along with any associated interest and penalties that would be payable to the taxing authorities upon examination. The Company
believes its tax positions are all highly certain of being upheld upon examination. As such, the Company has not recorded a liability for uncertain
tax benefits.
The Company has adopted ASC 740-10-25 Definition of Settlement, which provides guidance on how an entity should determine
whether a tax position is effectively settled for the purpose of recognizing previously unrecognized tax benefits and provides that a tax position
can be effectively settled upon the completion and examination by a taxing authority without being legally extinguished. For tax position
considered effectively settled, an entity would recognize the full amount of tax benefit, even if the tax position is not considered more likely that
not to be sustained based solely on the basis of its technical merits and the statute of limitations remains open. The federal and state income tax
returns of the Company are subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service and state taxing authorities, generally for three years after they
were filed. The Company is in the process of filing the previous year’s tax returns. After review of the prior year financial statements and the
results of operations through December 31, 2014, the Company has recorded a deferred tax asset in the amount of $4,952,309, from which the
Company expects to realize benefits in the future, and an income tax payable of $0.
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Basic and Diluted Net Loss per Share
Net loss per common share is calculated in accordance with ASC Topic 260: Earnings Per Share (“ASC 260”). Basic loss per share is
computed by dividing net loss by the weighted average number of shares of Common Stock outstanding during the period. The computation of
diluted net loss per share does not include dilutive Common Stock equivalents in the weighted average shares outstanding as they would be anti-
dilutive. As of December 31, 2014, the Company has warrants outstanding to purchase 1,926,308 shares of Common Stock, options outstanding
to purchase 3,017,690 shares of Common Stock, Convertible Notes outstanding convertible into 740,000 shares of Common Stock and 932,000
shares of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock convertible into 932,000 shares of Common Stock, all of which were excluded from the
computation of diluted shares outstanding as they would have had an anti-dilutive impact on the Company’s net loss per share computation.
The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted loss per share:
Net loss attributable to Common Shareholders
Income from discontinued operations
Denominator
Denomintor for basic and diluted loss per share
(weighted-average shares)
Earnings (Loss) per common share, basic and diluted:
Income (Loss) from continuing operations
Income from discontinued operations
Intangible Assets
For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2014
For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2013
$ (3,153,615) $ (3,713,795)
263,460
- $
$
11,660,879
9,208,386
$
$
(0.27) $
- $
(0.40)
0.03
Intangible assets include the development of the Company’s website and patents purchased and recorded based on the cost to acquire
them. These assets are amortized over their remaining estimated useful lives. Useful lives of intangible assets are periodically evaluated for
reasonableness and the assets are tested for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may no
longer be recoverable.
Goodwill
Goodwill is tested for impairment at the reporting unit level at least annually, and between annual tests if an event occurs or
circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying value. When conducting its
annual goodwill impairment assessment, the Company initially performs a qualitative evaluation of whether it is more likely than not that
goodwill is impaired. If it is determined by a qualitative evaluation that it is more likely than not that goodwill is impaired, the Company then
applies a two-step impairment test. The two-step impairment test first compares the fair value of the Company’s reporting unit to its carrying or
book value. If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying value, goodwill is not impaired and the Company is not required to perform
further testing. If the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the Company determines the implied fair value of the reporting
unit’s goodwill and if the carrying value of the reporting unit’s goodwill exceeds its implied fair value, then an impairment loss equal to the
difference is recorded in the consolidated statement of operations. The Company conducts its annual goodwill impairment test during the period
ending September 30 and periodically as circumstances arise. At September 30, 2014, a qualitative evaluation of the goodwill in accordance with
ASC 350 indicated that the fair value of CyberFone was less than its carrying amount, including goodwill. That conclusion was based in the large
number of defendants that have already been released from the case and various financial metrics. The Company then conduced an analysis of
the revenue forecast of the remaining defendants and discounted for time and risk. This quantitative test indicated that the fair value of
CyberFone was less than its carrying value and that there was an implied fair value for goodwill of zero. Consequently the second step of the
impairment resulted in the determination of an impairment loss in the amount of $2,144,488, which was charged to the consolidated statements of
operations for the year ended December 31, 2014.
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Other Intangible Assets
In accordance with ASC 350-30-65, “Intangibles - Goodwill and Others”, the Company assesses the impairment of identifiable
intangibles whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. Factors the Company considers
to be important which could trigger an impairment review include the following:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Significant underperformance relative to expected historical or projected future operating results;
Significant changes in the manner of use of the acquired assets or the strategy for the overall business;
Significant negative industry or economic trends; and
Significant reduction or exhaustion of the potential licenses of the patents which gave rise to the goodwill.
When the Company determines that the carrying value of intangibles may not be recoverable based upon the existence of one or more
of the above indicators of impairment and the carrying value of the asset cannot be recovered from projected undiscounted cash flows, the
Company records an impairment charge. The Company measures any impairment based on a projected discounted cash flow method using a
discount rate determined by management to be commensurate with the risk inherent in the current business model. At December 31, 2014, the
Company determined that there was no impairment of its intangibles.
Impairment of Long-lived Assets
The Company accounts for the impairment or disposal of long-lived assets according to the ASC 360 “Property, Plant and
Equipment”. The Company continually monitors events and changes in circumstances that could indicate that the carrying amounts of long-lived
assets, including mineral rights, may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the
carrying amount of an asset to the estimated future net undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. When necessary, impaired
assets are written down to their estimated fair value based on the best information available. Estimated fair value is generally based on either
appraised value or measured by discounting estimated future cash flows. Considerable management judgment is necessary to estimate discounted
future cash flows. Accordingly, actual results could vary significantly from such estimates. The Company recognizes an impairment loss when
the sum of expected undiscounted future cash flows is less than the carrying amount of the asset. The Company recorded impairment charges on
its long-lived assets of $0 during the years ended December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013.
Stock-based Compensation
Stock-based compensation is accounted for based on the requirements of the Share-Based Payment Topic of ASC 718 which requires
recognition in the consolidated financial statements of the cost of employee and director services received in exchange for an award of equity
instruments over the period the employee or director is required to perform the services in exchange for the award (presumptively, the vesting
period). The ASC also requires measurement of the cost of employee and director services received in exchange for an award based on the grant-
date fair value of the award.
Pursuant to ASC Topic 505-50, for share-based payments to consultants and other third-parties, compensation expense is determined at
the “measurement date.” The expense is recognized over the vesting period of the award. Until the measurement date is reached, the total amount
of compensation expense remains uncertain. The Company initially records compensation expense based on the fair value of the award at the
reporting date. As stock-based compensation expense is recognized based on awards expected to vest, forfeitures are also estimated at the time of
grant and revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. For the year ended December 31, 2014,
expected forfeitures are immaterial. The Company will re-assess the impact of forfeitures if actual forfeitures increase in future quarters.
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Reclassification
The accompanying consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2014 reflects a reclassification of $1,271,492 to additional paid-in capital
and accumulated deficits to correct two offsetting typographic errors with respect to additional paid-in capital and accumulated deficits on the
Consolidated Balance Sheet. The reclassification had no impact on previously issued net income (loss) or Total Shareholders’ Equity.
Certain prior year reported amounts have been reclassified to conform with the 2014 presentation.
Foreign Currency Transactions
The Company’s functional currency and its reporting currency is the United States dollar. Transactions denominated in any currency other than
the functional currency are converted into United States dollars using the exchange rate in effect at the date of the transaction or the average rate
for the period in the case of revenue and expense transactions. Monetary assets and liabilities are re-valued into the reporting currency at each
balance sheet date using the exchange rate in effect at the balance sheet date, with any resulting exchange gains or losses being credited or
charged to accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). Non-monetary assets and liabilities are recorded in the reporting currency using the
historical exchange rate.
The Company does not engage in hedging activities to offset the risk of exchange rate fluctuations on financial transactions denominated in a
foreign currency. The transactions are translated into U.S. dollars on the Company’s financial statements. Any unrealized gain or loss due to
spot rate fluctuations is included in Other Comprehensive Income (“OCI”).
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In May 2014, the Financial Accountings Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09, Revenue from
Contracts with Customers, or ASU 2014-09, which requires an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for
the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. The standard will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance in U.S. GAAP
when it becomes effective and shall take effective on January 1, 2017. The standard permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect
transition method and the early application of the standard is not permitted. The Company is presently evaluating the effect that ASU 2014-09
will have on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures and has not yet selected a transition method.
In August 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-15, Disclosure of Uncertainties About an Entity's Ability to
Continue as a Going Concern. This standard update provides guidance around management's responsibility to evaluate whether there is
substantial doubt about an entity's ability to continue as a going concern and to provide related footnote disclosures. The new guidance is effective
for all annual and interim periods ending after December 15, 2016. The Company does not expect that the new guidance will have an impact on
the Company's consolidated financial statements.
There were other updates recently issued, most of which represented technical corrections to the accounting literature or application to
specific industries and are not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
NOTE 3 – ACQUISITIONS
CyberFone Systems, LLC
On April 22, 2013, Acquisition Corp., a Texas corporation and newly formed wholly owned subsidiary of the Company entered into a
merger agreement with CyberFone Systems, TechDev and Spangenberg Foundation. TechDev and Spangenberg Foundation owned 100% of
the membership interests of CyberFone Systems.
CyberFone Systems owns a patent portfolio that includes claims that provide specific transactional data processing, telecommunications,
network and database inventions, including financial transactions. The portfolio consists of ten United States patents and 27 foreign patents and
one patent pending. The patent rights that cover digital communications and data transaction processing are foundational to certain applications in
the wireless, telecommunications, financial and other industries. IP Nav will continue to support and manage the portfolio of patents and retain a
contingent participation interest in all recoveries. IP Nav provides patent monetization and support services under an existing agreement with
CyberFone Systems.
Pursuant to the terms of the CyberFone Merger Agreement, CyberFone Systems merged with and into Acquisition Corp with
CyberFone Systems surviving the merger as the wholly owned subsidiary of the Company (the “Merger”). The Company (i) issued 923,076
shares of Common Stock to the CyberFone Sellers (the “Merger Shares”), (ii) paid the CyberFone Sellers $500,000 cash and (iii) issued a
$500,000 promissory note to TechDev (the “Note”). The Company valued these common shares at the fair market value on the date of grant at
$2.47 per share or $2,280,000. The Note was non-interest bearing and was due on June 22, 2013, subject to acceleration in the event of
default. The Company may prepay the Note at any time without premium or penalty. On June 21, 2013, we paid $500,000 to TechDev in
satisfaction of the note. The transaction resulted in a business combination and caused CyberFone Systems to become a wholly-owned subsidiary
of the Company.
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In addition to the payments described above, within 30 days following the end of each calendar quarter (commencing with the first full
calendar quarter following the calendar quarter in which CyberFone Systems recovers $4 million from licensing or enforcement activities related
to the patents), CyberFone Systems will be required to pay out a certain percentage of such recoveries.
The Company accounted for the acquisition utilizing the purchase method of accounting in accordance with ASC 805 “Business
Combinations.” The Company is the acquirer for accounting purposes and CyberFone Systems is the acquired company. Accordingly, the
Company applied push–down accounting for the transaction and adjusted to fair value all of the assets and liabilities directly on the financial
statements of the subsidiary.
The net purchase price paid by the Company was allocated to assets acquired and liabilities assumed on the records of the Company as
follows:
Intangible assets
Goodwill
Net purchase price
$
$
1,135,512
2,144,488
3,280,000
Per the disclosure set forth above, the Company determined at September 30, 2014 that the goodwill was impaired and an impairment
loss in the amount of $2,144,488 was charged to the consolidated statements of operations.
Dynamic Advances, IP Liquidity and Sarif Biomedical
On May 2, 2014, the Company completed the acquisition of certain ownership rights (the “Acquired Intellectual Property”) from
TechDev, Granicus IP, LLC (“Granicus”) and SFF pursuant to the terms of three purchase agreements between: (i) the Company, TechDev, SFF
and DA Acquisition LLC, a newly formed Texas limited liability company and wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company; (ii) the Company,
Granicus, SFF and IP Liquidity Ventures Acquisition LLC, a newly formed Delaware limited liability company and wholly-owned subsidiary of
the Company; and (iii) the Company, TechDev, SFF and Sarif Biomedical Acquisition LLC, a newly formed Delaware limited liability company
and wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company (the “DA Agreement,” the “IP Liquidity Agreement” and the “Sarif Agreement,” respectively and
the collective transactions, the “Acquisitions”).
Dynamic Advances
Pursuant to the DA Agreement, the Company acquired 100% of the limited liability company membership interests of Dynamic
Advances, LLC, a Texas limited liability company, in consideration for: (i) two cash payments of $2,375,000, one payment due at closing and the
other payment due on or before September 30, 2014, with such second payment being subject to increase to $2,850,000 if not made on or before
June 30, 2014; and (ii) 391,000 shares of the Company’s Series B Convertible Preferred Stock. Under the terms of the DA Agreement,
TechDev and SFF are entitled to possible future payments for a maximum consideration of $250,000,000 pursuant to the Pay Proceeds
Agreement described below. Dynamic Advances, LLC holds exclusive license to monetize certain patents owned by a third party.
On May 2, 2014, the Company issued TechDev and SFF a promissory note in order to evidence the second cash payment due under the
terms of the DA Agreement in the amount of $2,375,000 due on or before September 30, 2014, with such amount due under the terms of the
promissory note being subject to increase to $2,850,000 if the Company’s payment pursuant to the terms of the DA Agreement are not made on
or before June 30, 2014. The promissory note matured on September 30, 2014; effective September 30, 2014, TechDev and SFF extended the
maturity to March 31, 2015 in return for a payment of $249,375, payable within thirty days. The payment for this extension of the maturity date
was made on October 10, 2014. The promissory note does not otherwise include any interest payable by the Company. Since the Company did
not make the payment on the promissory note prior to June 30, 2014, the Company included in the consideration paid for Dynamic Advances the
promissory note balance of $2,850,000. Further, the Company had the Series B Convertible Preferred Stock valued by a third party firm that
determined, based on the rights and privileges of the Series B Convertible Preferred Stock, that it was on par with the value of the Company’s
Common Stock. The total amount of consideration paid by the Company for Dynamic Advances, including capitalized costs associated with the
purchase, was $6,653,078.
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After evaluating the facts and circumstances of the purchase, the Company determined that this was an asset purchase. In coming to its
conclusion, the Company reviewed the status of the assets, the historical activity and the absence of any employees, licenses, revenues, and any
other assets other than the IP Assets. Further, as there are no assumed licensees or historical revenues, the Company is not certain that it will be
able to obtain access to customers pursuant to AC 805-10-55-7.
IP Liquidity
Pursuant to the IP Liquidity Agreement, the Company acquired 100% of the limited liability company membership interests of IP
Liquidity Ventures, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, in consideration for: (i) two cash payments of $2,375,000, one payment due at
closing and the other payment due on or before September 30, 2014, with such second payment being subject to increase to $2,850,000 if not
made on or before June 30, 2014; and (ii) 391,000 shares of the Company’s Series B Convertible Preferred Stock. Under the terms of the IP
Liquidity Agreement, Granicus and SFF are entitled to possible future payments for a maximum consideration of $250,000,000 pursuant to the
Pay Proceeds Agreement described below. IP Liquidity Ventures, LLC holds contract rights to the proceeds from the monetization of certain
patents owned by a number of third parties.
On May 2, 2014, the Company issued Granicus and SFF a promissory note in order to evidence the second cash payment due under the
terms of the IP Liquidity Agreement in the amount of $2,375,000 due on or before September 30, 2014, with such amount due under the terms of
the promissory note being subject to increase to $2,850,000 if the Company’s payment pursuant to the terms of the IP Liquidity Agreement are
not made on or before June 30, 2014. The promissory note matured on September 30, 2014; effective September 30, 2014, Granicus and SFF
extended the maturity to March 31, 2015 in return for a payment of $249,375, payable within thirty days. The payment for this extension of the
maturity date was made on October 10, 2014.The promissory note does not otherwise include any interest payable by the Company. Since the
Company did not make the payment on the promissory note prior to June 30, 2014, the Company included in the consideration paid for IP
Liquidity the promissory note balance of $2,850,000. Further, the Company had the Series B Convertible Preferred Stock valued by a third party
firm that determined, based on the rights and privileges of the Series B Convertible Preferred Stock that it was on par with the value of the
Company’s Common Stock. The total amount of consideration paid by the Company for IP Liquidity, including capitalized costs associated with
the purchase, was $6,653,078.
After evaluating the facts and circumstances of the purchase, the Company determined that this was an asset purchase. In coming to its
conclusion, the Company reviewed the status of the assets, the historical activity and the absence of any employees, licenses, revenues, and any
other assets other than the IP Assets. Further, as there are no assumed licensees or historical revenues, the Company is not certain that it will be
able to obtain access to customers pursuant to AC 805-10-55-7.
Sarif Biomedical
Pursuant to the Sarif Agreement, the Company acquired 100% of the limited liability company membership interests of Sarif
Biomedical, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, in consideration for two cash payments of $250,000, one payment due at closing and the
other payment due on or before September 30, 2014, with such second payment being subject to increase to $300,000 if not made on or before
June 30, 2014. Under the terms of the Sarif Agreement, TechDev is entitled to possible future payments for a maximum consideration of
$250,000,000 pursuant to the Pay Proceeds Agreement described below. Sarif Biomedical, LLC holds ownership rights to certain patents.
On May 2, 2014, the Company issued TechDev a promissory note in order to evidence the second cash payment due under the terms of
the Sarif Agreement in the amount of $250,000 due on or before September 30, 2014, with such amount due under the terms of the promissory
note being subject to increase to $300,000 if the Company’s payment pursuant to the terms of the Sarif Agreement are not made on or before
September 30, 2014. The promissory note matured on September 30, 2014; effective September 30, 2014, TechDev extended the maturity to
March 31, 2015 in return for a payment of $26,250, payable within thirty days. The payment for this extension of the maturity date was made on
October 10, 2014.The promissory note does not otherwise include any interest payable by the Company. Since the Company did not make the
payment on the promissory note prior to June 30, 2014, the Company included in the consideration paid for Dynamic Advances the higher
principal amount of the promissory note. The total amount of consideration paid by the Company for Sarif Biomedical, including capitalized costs
associated with the purchase, was $552,024.
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After evaluating the facts and circumstances of the purchase, the Company determined that this was an asset purchase. In coming to its
conclusion, the Company reviewed the status of the assets, the historical activity and the absence of any employees, licenses, revenues, and any
other assets other than the IP Assets. Further, as there are no assumed licensees or historical revenues, the Company is not certain that it will be
able to obtain access to customers pursuant to AC 805-10-55-7.
Dynamic Advances, IP Liquidity and Sarif Biomedical
Pursuant to the Pay Proceeds Agreement, the Company may pay the sellers a percentage of the net recoveries (gross revenues minus
certain defined expenses) that the Company makes with respect to the assets held by the entities that the Company acquired pursuant to the DA
Agreement, the IP Liquidity Agreement and the Sarif Agreement (the “IP Assets”). Under the terms of the Pay Proceeds Agreement, if the
Company recovers $10,000,000 or less with regard to the IP Assets, then nothing is due to the sellers; if the Company recovers between
$10,000,000 and $40,000,000 with regard to the IP Assets, then the Company shall pay 40% of the net proceeds of such recoveries to the sellers;
and if the Company recovers over $40,000,000 with regard to the IP Assets, the Company shall pay 50% of the net proceeds of such recoveries
to the sellers. In no event will the total payments made by the Company under the Pay Proceeds Agreement exceed $250,000,000.
Pursuant to a Registration Rights Agreement with the sellers (the “Acquisition Registration Rights Agreement”), the Company agreed to
file a “resale” registration statement with the SEC covering at least 10% of the registrable shares of the Company’s Series B Convertible
Preferred Stock issued to the sellers under the terms of the DA Agreement and the IP Liquidity Agreement, at any time on or after November 2,
2014 upon receipt of a written demand from the sellers which describes the amount and type of securities to be included in the registration and the
intended method of distribution thereof. The Company shall not be required to file more than three such registration statements not more than 60
days after the receipt of each such written demand from the sellers.
TechDev and Mr. Erich Spangenberg (the founder of IP Nav) and his spouse Audrey Spangenberg have jointly filed a Schedule 13G
and are deemed to be affiliates of the Company.
Selene Communication Technologies
On June 17, 2014, Selene Communication Technologies Acquisition LLC (“Acquisition LLC”), a Delaware limited liability company
and newly formed wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, entered into a merger agreement with Selene Communication Technologies, LLC
(“Selene”).
Selene owns a patent portfolio consisting of three United States patents in the field of search and network intrusion that relate to tools
for intelligent searches applied to data management systems as well as global information networks such as the internet. IP Nav will continue to
support and manage the portfolio of patents and retain a contingent participation interest in all recoveries. IP Nav provides patent monetization
and support services under an existing agreement with Selene.
Pursuant to the terms of the Selene Interests Sale Agreement, Selene merged with and into Acquisition LLC with Selene surviving the
merger as the wholly owned subsidiary of the Company. The Company (i) issued 200,000 shares of Common Stock to the Selene Sellers and
(ii) paid the Selene Sellers $50,000 cash. The Company valued these common shares at the fair market value on the date of grant at $4.90 per
share or $980,000. The transaction resulted in a business combination and caused Selene to become a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company.
The Company accounted for the acquisition as a business combination in accordance with ASC 805 “Business Combinations” in which
the Company is the acquirer for accounting purposes and Selene is the acquired company. The Company engaged a third party valuation firm to
determine the fair value of the assets purchases, and the net purchase price paid by the Company was subsequently allocated to assets acquired
and liabilities assumed on the records of the Company as follows:
Intangible assets
Net working capital
Goodwill
Net purchase price
$
$
910,000
37,000
83,000
1,030,000
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Clouding Corp.
On August 29, 2014, the Company entered into a patent purchase agreement (the “Clouding Agreement”) between Clouding Corp., a
Delaware corporation and a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company (“Clouding”) and Clouding IP, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company
(“Clouding IP”), pursuant to which Clouding acquired a portfolio of patents from Clouding IP. Clouding owns patents related to network and
data management technology.
The Company paid Clouding IP (i) $1.4 million in cash, (ii) $1.0 million in the form of a promissory note issued by the Company that
matures on October 31, 2014, (iii) 50,000 shares of its restricted Common Stock valued at $281,000 and (iv) fifty percent (50%) of the net
recoveries (gross revenues minus certain defined expenses) in excess of $4.0 million in net revenues that the Company makes with respect to the
patents purchased from Clouding IP. The Company valued the Common Stock at the fair market value on the date of the Interests Sale
Agreement at $5.62 per share or $281,000 and the promissory note was paid in full prior to October 31, 2014. The revenue share under item (iv)
above was booked as an earn out liability on the balance sheet in accordance with the appraisal of the consideration and intangible value. The
Company booked a payable to the sellers pursuant to the earn out liability in the amount of $2,148,000 at September 30, 2014, based on license
agreements entered into during the quarter. No further amount is owed until the Company generates additional revenue, if any, from the
Clouding patents.
The Company accounted for the acquisition as a business combination in accordance with ASC 805 “Business Combinations”. The
Company engaged a third party valuation firm to determine the fair value of the assets purchases, and the net purchase price paid by the Company
was subsequently allocated to assets acquired and liabilities assumed on the records of the Company as follows:
Intangible assets
Goodwill
Net purchase price
Total consideration paid of the following:
Cash
Promissory Note
Common Stock
Earn-Out Liability
Net purchase price
$ 14,500,000
1,296,000
$ 15,796,000
$
1,400,000
1,000,000
281,000
13,115,000
$ 15,796,000
Upon further evaluation, the total value of the earn-out liability was reduced, measured as of the acquisition date, to reflect certain
underling changes in the litigation schedule. Historical financial statements of Clouding and the pro forma condensed combined consolidated
financial statements can be found on the Form 8-K/A filed with the SEC on November 12, 2014. A summary is set forth below. Such statements
should be read in conjunction with the historical financial statements of the Company.
Summary of Unaudited Pro-forma Information
The unaudited pro-forma information below for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 gives effect to the acquisitions as if
the acquisitions had occurred on January 1, 2011. The pro-forma financial information is not necessarily indicative of the results of operations if
the acquisitions had been effective as of this date.
Pro forma revenues
Pro forma income (loss) from operations
Pro forma net income (loss)
Pro forma net income (loss) per share
Pro forma net income (loss) attributable
to common shareholders
Pro forma net income (loss) attributable
to common shareholders
Weighted average number of shares
outstanding – basic and diluted
TLI Communications LLC
December 31,
2013
$
)
)
)
)
)
2014
$
21,501,969
(2,477,063
(2,532,174
(0.22
(3,803,666
(0.33
11,660,879
15,418,371
(4,382,417
(4,153,112
(0.45
(4,153,112
(0.45
9,208,836
)
)
)
)
)
On September 19, 2014, TLI Acquisition Corp (“TLIA”), a Virginia corporation and newly formed wholly owned subsidiary of the
Company, entered into an interest sale agreement to purchase 100% of the membership interests of TLI Communications LLC (“TLIC”), a
Delaware limited liability company. TLIC owns a patent in the telecommunications field.
Pursuant to the terms of the TLIC Interests Sale Agreement, TLIC merged with and into TLIA with TLIC surviving the merger as the
wholly owned subsidiary of the Company. The Company (i) agreed to issue 120,000 shares of Common Stock to the sellers of TLIC (“TLIC
Sellers”), (ii) paid the TLIC Sellers $350,000 cash and (iii) agreed to pay the TLIC Sellers a fifty percent (50%) of the net recoveries (gross
revenues minus certain defined expenses and the cash portion of the acquisition consideration) that the Company makes with respect to the patent
purchased pursuant to the acquisition of TLIC. The Company valued the Common Stock at the fair market value on the date of the Interests Sale
Agreement at $6.815 per share or $818,000. The cash portion of the consideration was outstanding at September 30, 2014 and was subsequently
Agreement at $6.815 per share or $818,000. The cash portion of the consideration was outstanding at September 30, 2014 and was subsequently
paid in October. The transaction resulted in a business combination and caused TLIC to become a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company.
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The Company accounted for the acquisition as a business combination in accordance with ASC 805 “Business Combinations”. The
Company is the acquirer for accounting purposes and TLIC is the acquired company. The Company engaged a third party valuation firm to
determine the fair value of the assets purchases, and the net purchase price paid by the Company was subsequently allocated to assets acquired
and liabilities assumed on the records of the Company as follows:
Intangible assets
Goodwill
Net purchase price
Medtech Entities
$
$
940,000
228,000
1,168,000
On October 13, 2014, Medtech Group Acquisition Corp (“Medtech Corp.”), a Texas corporation and newly formed wholly owned
subsidiary of the Company, entered into an interest sale agreement to purchase 100% of the equity or membership interests of OrthoPhoenix,
LLC (“OrthoPhoenix”), a Delaware limited liability company, TLIF, LLC (“TLIF”) and MedTech Development Deutschland GmbH (“MedTech
GmbH” and along with OrthoPhoenix and TLIF, the “Medtech Entities”) from MedTech Development, LLC (“MedTech Development”). The
Medtech Entities own patents in the medical technology field.
Pursuant to the terms of the Interest Sale Agreement between MedTech Development, Medtech Corp. and the Medtech Entities, the
Company (i) paid MedTech Development $1,000,000 cash and (ii) issue a Promissory Note to MedTech Development in the amount of
$9,000,000 and (iii) assumed existing debt payable to Medtronics, Inc. The assumed debt payable to Medtronics was renegotiated, as a result of
which, the outstanding amount was $6.25 million prior to any repayment by the Company. The debt is due in installments through July 20, 2015;
in the event that the Company pays the total amount due by June 30, 2015, the Company will receive a reduction in the remaining principal owed
by the Company in the amount of $750,000. The transaction resulted in a business combination and caused the Medtech Entities to become
wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Company.
The Company accounted for the acquisition as a business combination in accordance with ASC 805 “Business Combinations”. The
Company is the acquirer for accounting purposes and TLIC is the acquired company. The Company engaged a third party valuation firm to
determine the fair value of the assets purchases, and the net purchase price paid by the Company was subsequently allocated to assets acquired
and liabilities assumed on the records of the Company as follows:
Intangible assets
Goodwill
Net purchase price
$ 12,800,000
2,700,000
$ 15,500,000
Historical financial statements of the Medtech Entities and the pro forma condensed combined consolidated financial statements can
be found on the Form 8-K/A filed with the SEC on December 24, 2014. A summary is set forth below. Such statements should be read in
conjunction with the historical financial statements of the Company.
Summary of Unaudited Pro-forma Information
The unaudited pro-forma information below for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 gives effect to the acquisitions as if
the acquisitions had occurred on January 1, 2011. The pro-forma financial information is not necessarily indicative of the results of operations if
the acquisitions had been effective as of this date.
Pro forma revenues
Pro forma income (loss) from operations
Pro forma net income (loss)
Pro forma net income (loss) per share
Pro forma net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders
Pro forma net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders
Weighted average number of shares outstanding – basic and diluted
NOTE 4 - DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
December 31,
2014
$ 21,697,937
$
(4,037,857)
(4,780,198)
(0.41)
(6,051,690)
(0.52)
11,660,879
2013
3,755,726
(5,965,065)
(6,387,532)
(0.69)
(6,387,532)
(0.69)
9,208,836
In November 2012, the Company decided to discontinue its real estate business and intends to sell and dispose its remaining real estate
holdings during fiscal 2013. The Company is now engaged solely in the acquisition of patents and patent rights and the monetization of those
rights through both the prosecution and licensing of its own patent portfolios and the acquisition of additional patents or partnering with others in
the enforcement of their patent rights.
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Table of Contents
The remaining assets and liabilities of discontinued operations are presented in the balance sheet under the caption “Assets and
Liabilities of discontinued operation" and relates to the discontinued operations of both the uranium and vanadium minerals business and real
estate business. The carrying amounts of the major classes of these assets and liabilities are summarized as follows:
Assets:
Deposits in real estate under contract
Real estate held for sale
Assets of discontinued operations
Liabilities
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
Liabilities of discontnued operations
For the Year
Ended December
31, 2014
For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2013
$
$
$
$
$
- $
- $
- $
- $
- $
-
-
-
30,664
30,664
The following table indicates selected financial data of the Company’s discontinued operations of its uranium and vanadium minerals
business and real estate business.
Revenues - Real Estate
Cost of Sales - Real Estate
Gross Profit
Operating and other non-operating expenses
Gain on sale of assets of discontinued operations
Income from discontinued operations
NOTE 5 – INTANGIBLE ASSETS
For the Year
Ended December
31, 2014
$
$
For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2013
1,270,916
(1,064,320)
206,596
(111,352)
168,216
- $
-
-
-
- $
263,460
Intangible assets include patents purchased and patents acquired in lieu of cash in licensing transactions. Patents purchased are
recorded based at their acquisition cost and patents acquired in lieu of cash are recorded at their fair market value. Intangible assets consisted of
the following:
Patents
Less: accumulated amortization
December 31,
2014
December 31,
2013
$ 49,914,360 $ 7,204,937
Weighted average
amortization period
(years)
8.19
(6,550,528 )
(1,047,278 )
$ 43,363,832 $ 6,157,659
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Table of Contents
Intangible assets are comprised of patents with estimated useful lives between approximately 1 to 13 years, though the weighted
average is on the shorter side of this range. Once placed in service, the Company amortizes the costs of intangible assets over their estimated
useful lives on a straight-line basis. Costs incurred to acquire patents, including legal costs, are also capitalized as long-lived assets and amortized
on a straight-line basis with the associated patent. Amortization of patents is included as an operating expense as reflected in the accompanying
consolidated statements of operations. The Company assesses fair market value for any impairment to the carrying values. As of December 31,
2014 and 2013 management concluded that there was no impairment to the acquired assets.
Amortization and depreciation expense for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 was $5,528,280 and $1,038,505,
respectively. Amortization expense for patents comprised $5,527,762 and $1,038,505 for the years ended December 31, 2014 and December 31,
2013. Future amortization of current intangible assets, net is as follows:
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020 and thereafter
Total
$ 10,222,592
9,167,722
6,679,231
4,963,817
3,993,837
8,336,633
$ 43,363,832
Since November 2012, the Company has continued to add to its intangible assets, through either the purchase of intangible asset directly or
purchasing entities holding intangible assets. During the years ended December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company made the
following intangible asset acquisitions:
- In April 2013, the Company through its subsidiary, Relay IP, Inc. acquired a US patent for $350,000;
- In April 2013, the Company acquired 10 US patents, 27 foreign patents and 1 patent pending from CyberFone Systems valued at
$1,135,512;
- In June 2013, in connection with the closing of a licensing agreement with Siemens Technology, we acquired a patent portfolio from
that company valued at $1,000,000;
- In September 2013, the Company acquired 14 US patents for a total purchase price of $1,100,000;
- In November 2013, the Company acquired four patents for 150,000 shares of the Company’s Common Stock, which the Company
valued at $718,500 based on the fair market value of the stock issued;
- In December 2013, the Company acquired certain patents from Delphi Technologies, Inc. for $1,700,000 pursuant to a Patent
Purchase Agreement entered into on October 31, 2013 and Amended on December 16, 2013;
- In December 2013, in connection with a licensing agreement with Zhone, the Company acquired a portfolio of patents from Zhone;
- In December 2013, in connection with a settlement and license agreement, we agreed to settle and release another defendant for past
and future use of our patents, whereby the defendant agreed to assign and transfer 2 U.S. patents and rights to the Company;
- In May 2014, we acquired ownership rights of Dynamic Advances, LLC, a Texas limited liability company, IP Liquidity Ventures,
LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, and Sarif Biomedical, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, all of which hold patent
portfolios or contract rights to the revenue generated from the patent portfolios;
- In June 2014, we acquired Selene Communication Technologies, LLC, which holds multiple patents in the search and network
intrusion field;
- In August 2014, we acquired patents from Clouding IP LLC, with such patents related to network and data management technology;
- In September 2014, we acquired TLI Communications, which owns a single patent in the telecommunication field;
- In October 2014, we acquired three patent portfolios from MedTech Development, LLC, which owns medical technology patents.
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Table of Contents
NOTE 6 - STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
On December 7, 2011, the Company increased its authorized capital to 200,000,000 shares of Common Stock from 75,000,000 shares,
changed the par value to $0.0001 per share from $.001 per share, and authorized new 50,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.0001
per share.
On June 24, 2013, the reverse stock split ratio of one (1) for thirteen (13) basis was approved by the Board of Directors. On July 18,
2013, the Company filed a certificate of amendment to its Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation with the Secretary of State of the State
of Nevada in order to effectuate a reverse stock split of the Company’s issued and outstanding Common Stock, par value $0.0001 per share on a
one (1) for thirteen (13) basis.
On November 19, 2014, the Board of Directors of the Company declared a stock dividend pursuant to which holders of the Company’s
Common Stock as of the close of business of the record date of December 15, 2014 shall receive one additional share of Common Stock at the
close of business on December 22, 2014 for each share of Common Stock held by such holders. Throughout this Annual Report, all share and
per share values for all periods presented in the accompanying consolidated financial statements are retroactively restated for the effect of the
reverse stock split and stock dividend.
Preferred Stock
On May 1, 2014, the Company issued 2,047,158 shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock and warrants to purchase an aggregate
of 511,790 shares of Common Stock in a private placement to accredited investors. All of the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock was
automatically converted pursuant to the terms of the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock Certificate of Designation during the year ended
December 31, 2014. The exercise price of the warrants is $3.75, after giving effect to the 2:1 stock dividend issued on December 22, 2014. The
transaction did not involve any underwriters, underwriting discounts or commissions, or any public offering. The issuance of these securities was
deemed to be exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act by virtue of the provisions of Section 4(a)(2) and Regulation D
(Rule 506) thereunder, and the corresponding provisions of state securities laws.
On May 2, 2014, the Company issued an aggregate of 782,000 shares of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock valued at $2,807,380 to
acquire IP Liquidity Ventures, LLC, Dynamic Advances, LLC and Sarif Biomedical, LLC. The transaction did not involve any underwriters,
underwriting discounts or commissions, or any public offering. The issuance of these securities was deemed to be exempt from the registration
requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, by virtue of Section 4(a)(2) thereof, as a transaction by an issuer not involving a public
offering.
On September 17, 2014, the Company entered into a consulting agreement (the “Consulting Agreement”) with GRQ Consultants, Inc.
(“GRQ”), pursuant to which GRQ shall provide certain consulting services including, but not limited to, advertising, marketing, business
development, strategic and business planning, channel partner development and other functions intended to advance the business of the
Company. As consideration, GRQ shall be entitled to 200,000 shares of the Company’s Series B Convertible Preferred Stock, 50% of which
vested upon execution of the Consulting Agreement, and 50% of which shall vest in six (6) equal monthly installments of commencing on
October 17, 2014. The first tranche of 100,000 shares of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock was issued to GRQ on October 6, 2014 and
150,000 shares in total, for a value of $1,103,581, was issued in 2014. In addition, the Consulting Agreement allows for GRQ to receive
additional shares of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock upon the achievement of certain performance benchmarks. All shares of Series B
Convertible Preferred Stock issuable to GRQ shall be pursuant to the 2014 Plan (as defined below) and shall be subject to shareholder approval
of the 2014 Plan on or prior to September 16, 2015. The Consulting Agreement contains an acknowledgement that the conversion of the
preferred stock into shares of the Company’s Common Stock is precluded by the equity blockers set forth in the certificate of designation and in
Section 17 of the 2014 Plan to ensure compliance with NASDAQ Listing Rule 5635(d).
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Table of Contents
Common Stock
In April 2013, the Company sold an aggregate of 4,808 post-split units with gross proceeds to the Company of $25,000 to a certain
accredited investor pursuant to a subscription agreement. Each unit was sold for a purchase price of $5.20 per unit and consists of: (i) two shares
of the Company’s Common Stock and (ii) a five-year warrant to purchase an additional share of Common Stock at an exercise price of $3.90 per
share, subject to adjustment upon the occurrence of certain events such as stock splits and dividends. The warrants may be exercised on a
cashless basis.
On April 17, 2013, the Company executed a consulting agreement with a consultant pursuant to a 12-month consulting agreement for
business advisory services. Pursuant to the terms of the agreement, the consultant shall receive a retainer of $5,000 per month. Additionally, the
Company shall issue to the consultant 61,538 shares of Common Stock of which, 15,384 shares vest immediately and the remaining 46,154
shares vested over a 12-month period.
In connection with the acquisition of CyberFone Systems, the Company (i) issued 923,076 shares of Common Stock to the CyberFone
Sellers. The Company valued these common shares at the fair market value on the date of grant at $2.47 per share or $2,280,000.
On May 22, 2013, the Company executed a one-year consulting agreement with a consultant for business advisory and capital
restructuring services. The Company granted 46,154 post-split shares of Common Stock in connection with this consulting agreement and was
valued at fair market value on the date of grant at approximately $2.925 post-split per share. The Company recorded the total consideration of
$135,000 as prepaid expense and amortized $78,750 during 2013 and the remaining balance was amortized over the remaining term of the
consulting agreement.
On May 31, 2013, the Company sold an aggregate of 1,999,996 units (the “Units”) representing gross proceeds to the Company of
$5,200,000 to certain accredited investors (the “Investors”) pursuant to a securities purchase agreement (the “Securities Purchase
Agreement”). Each Unit was subscribed for a purchase price of $2.60 per Unit and consists of: (i) one share (the “Shares”) of the Company’s
Common Stock and (ii) a three (3) year warrant to purchase half a share of the Common Stock at an exercise price of $3.25 per share, subject to
adjustment upon the occurrence of certain events such as stock splits and stock dividends and similar events. The Company paid placement agent
fees of $170,000 to two broker-dealers in connection with the sale of the units, of which $30,000 was previously paid by the Company as a
retainer.
The above warrants may be exercised on a cashless basis at any time that the registration statement to be filed pursuant to the
Registration Rights Agreement is not effective after the Effectiveness Date (as defined below). The above warrants contains limitations on the
holder’s ability to exercise such warrant in the event such exercise causes the holder to beneficially own in excess of 9.99% of the Company’s
issued and outstanding Common Stock.
Pursuant to a Registration Rights Agreement with the Investors, the Company has agreed to file a “resale” registration statement with the
Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) covering the Shares and the Common Stock underlying the Warrants within 45 days of the final
closing date of the sale of Units (the “Filing Date”) and to maintain the effectiveness of such registration statement. The Company has agreed to
use its best efforts to have the initial registration statement declared effective within 120 days of the Filing Date (or within 135 days of the Filing
Date in the event that the registration statement is subject to full review by the SEC) (the “Effectiveness Date”). If (i) a registration statement is
(A) not filed with the SEC on or before the Filing Date or (B) not declared effective by the SEC on or before the Effectiveness Date, (ii) other
than during an allowable grace period, sales cannot be made pursuant to the registration statement or the prospectus contained therein is not
available for use for any reason, or (iii) the Company fails to file with the SEC any required reports under Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, then, the Company shall pay to the Investors an amount in cash equal to one percent (1%) of such Investor’s
purchase price every thirty (30) days. Notwithstanding the foregoing, however, the Company shall not be obligated to pay any such liquidated
damages if the Company is unable to fulfill its registration obligations as a result of rules, regulations, positions or releases issued or actions
taken by the SEC pursuant to its authority with respect to “Rule 415”, provided the Company registers at such time the maximum number of
shares of Common Stock permissible upon consultation with the staff of the SEC.
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Table of Contents
In June 2013, the Company issued 23,076 shares for services rendered and valued these common shares at the fair market value on
the date of grant at approximately $2.515 per share or $58,000. In third quarter of 2013, the Company issued an aggregate of 11,538 shares of
Common Stock in connection with this consulting agreement. The Company valued the shares at the fair market value on the date of grant at
approximately $3.00 per share or $34,480.
On June 11, 2013, the Company granted an aggregate of 192,308 shares of Common Stock to the Company’s CFO and to a director of
the Company, which were valued at fair market value on the date of grant at approximately $2.635 per share for a total of $506,250. The shares
vested immediately on issuance. During the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company recorded stock-based compensation expense of the
total $506,250 related to the vested restricted stock grants.
On June 28, 2013, the Company executed one-year consulting agreements with two consultants for investor communications and public
relation services. The Company granted an aggregate of 134,616 shares of Common Stock in connection with these consulting agreements,
which shares were valued at fair market value on the date of grant at approximately $2.275 post-split per share for aggregate value of $306,251.
In connection with the issuance of these common shares, the Company recorded prepaid stock-based consulting of $306,256 and amortized
$153,128 during the year ended December 31, 2013, with the balance amortized over the remaining consulting agreement term.
On July 25, 2013, the Company granted 8,760 shares of Common Stock for legal services rendered. In connection with this transaction,
the Company valued the shares at the fair market value on the date of grant at $3.425 per share or $30,000.
On July 29, 2013, the Company converted legal fees of $29,620 into 11,392 units of securities. Each unit was subscribed for a purchase
price of $2.60 per unit and consists of: (i) one share of the Company’s Common Stock and (ii) a three (3) year warrant to purchase half a share of
the Common Stock at an exercise price of $3.25 per share, subject to adjustment upon the occurrence of certain events such as stock splits and
stock dividends and similar events.
In August 2013, the Company sold an aggregate of 307,692 units representing gross proceeds to the Company of $800,000 to certain
accredited investors pursuant to a securities purchase agreement. Each unit was subscribed for a purchase price of $2.60 per unit and consists of:
(i) one share of the Company’s Common Stock and (ii) a three (3) year warrant to purchase half a share of the Common Stock at an exercise
price of $3.25 per share, subject to adjustment upon the occurrence of certain events such as stock splits and stock dividends and similar events.
Additionally, the Company paid placement agent fees of $35,029 and legal fees of $42,375 in connection with the sale of units.
On September 19, 2014, the Company authorized the issuance of 60,000 shares of Common Stock to the sellers of TLI
Communications LLC. The Company valued the Common Stock at the fair market value on the date of the Interests Sale Agreement at $13.63 per
share or $818,000. The transaction did not involve any underwriters, underwriting discounts or commissions, or any public offering.
On November 13, 2013, the Company acquired 4 US patents in consideration for 300,000 restricted shares of the Company’s Common
Stock. The restricted shares shall be subject to forfeiture rights for the benefit of the Company in the event no enforcement action is effected by
the lapse of the enforcement period as defined in the patent purchase agreement. In connection with this transaction, the Company valued the
shares at the fair market value on the date of grant at $2.395 per share or $718,500. The shares were issued on April 22, 2014.
On November 12, 2013, the Company received, in cash, the amount of $25,000 in full payment of a subscription receivable for the
purchase of 9,616 shares of the Company’s Common Stock and subsequently issued the shares to the investor.
On June 2, 2014, the Company issued 48,078 shares of unrestricted Common Stock to an investor in the May 2013 PIPE, pursuant to
the exercise of a warrant received in the May 2013 PIPE investment.
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Table of Contents
On June 30, 2014, the Company issued 200,000 shares of Restricted Common Stock pursuant to the acquisition of Selene
Communications Technologies, LLC (see Note 3). In connection with this transaction, the Company valued the shares at the fair market value
on the date of grant at $4.90 per share or $980,000.
On July 18, 2014, the Company issues a total of 26,722 shares of Common Stock pursuant to the exercise of stock options held by a
former member of the Company’s Board of Directors and the Company’s former Chief Financial Officer.
On September 16, 2014, the Company issued to two of its independent board members, in lieu of cash compensation, 6,178 shares
valued at $45,995 of Restricted Common Stock to each of its directors. The shares shall vest quarterly over twelve (12) months commencing
on the date of grant.
On September 30, 2014, the Company issued 50,000 shares of Restricted Common Stock pursuant to the acquisition of the assets of
Clouding IP, LLC (see Note 3). In connection with this transaction, the Company valued the shares at the quoted market price on the date of
grant at $5.62 per share or $281,000.
For the three months ended September 30, 2014, certain holders of warrants exercised their warrants in a cashless, net exercise basis in
exchange for 84,652 shares of the Company’s Common Stock.
For the three months ended December 31, 2014, certain holders of warrants exercised their warrants in exchange for 29,230 shares of
the Company’s Common Stock.
Common Stock Warrants
During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company issued warrants to purchase 770,788 shares of Common Stock in connection
with financings, warrants for 214,846 shares of Common Stock were exercised and warrants for 46,154 shares of Common Stock were forfeited
in accordance with the terms of the underlying agreements. During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company recorded stock based
compensation expense of $41,575 in connection with the vested warrants associated with one warrant-based compensatory grant. At December
31, 2014, there was a total of $3,465 of unrecognized compensation expense related to future recognition of warrant-based compensation
arrangements.
As of December 31, 2014, the Company had warrants outstanding to purchase 1,926,308 shares of Common Stock with a weighted
average remaining life of 1.55 years. A summary of the status of the Company's outstanding stock warrants and changes during the period then
ended is as follows:
Balance at December 31, 2013
Granted
Cancelled
Forfeited
Exercised
Balance at December 31, 2014
Warrants exercisable at December 31, 2014
Weighted average fair value of warrants granted during the period
F-31
Weighted
Average
Exercise Price
Weighted
Average
Remaining
Life
Number of
Warrants
1,416,520 $
770,788 $
46,154
-
214,846 $
1,926,308
1,926,308
$
3.33
5.26
-
-
3.27
4.10
1.28
2.74
-
-
-
-
1.55
Table of Contents
Common Stock Options
On November 14, 2012, the Company entered into an employment agreement with Doug Croxall (the “Croxall Employment
Agreement”), whereby Mr. Croxall agreed to serve as Company’s Chief Executive Officer for a period of two years. Mr. Croxall received a ten-
year option award to purchase an aggregate of 307,692 shares of the Company’s Common Stock with an exercise price of $3.25 per share,
subject to adjustment, which shall vest in 24 equal monthly installments on each monthly anniversary of the date of the Croxall Employment
Agreement. The options were valued on the grant date at approximately $3.12per option or a total of $968,600 using a Black-Scholes option
pricing model with the following assumptions: stock price of $3.25 per share (based on the recent selling price of the Company’s Common Stock
at private placements), volatility of 192%, expected term of 5 years, and a risk free interest rate of 0.61%.
On January 28, 2013, the Company entered into an employment agreement with John Stetson, the Company’s Chief Financial Officer
and Secretary (the “Stetson Employment Agreement”) whereby Mr. Stetson agreed to serve as the Company's Chief Financial Officer for a
period of one year, subject to renewal. Mr. Stetson received a ten year option award to purchase an aggregate of 76,924 shares of the Company’s
Common Stock with an exercise price of $3.25 per share, subject to adjustment, which shall vest in three (3) equal annual installments on the
beginning on the first annual anniversary of the date of the Stetson Employment Agreement, provided Mr. Stetson is still employed by the
Company.
On March 1, 2013, Mr. Nathaniel Bradley was appointed as the Company’s Chief Technology Officer and President of IP Services.
Pursuant to the Employment Agreement between the Company and Mr. Bradley dated March 1, 2013 (“Bradley Employment Agreement”), Mr.
Bradley was awarded five-year stock options to purchase an aggregate of 153,846 shares of the Company’s Common Stock, with a strike price
based on the closing price of the Company’s Common Stock on March 1, 2013 as reported by the OTC Bulletin Board or an exercise price of
$5.525 per share, vesting in twenty-four (24) equal installments on each monthly anniversary of March 1, 2013, provided Mr. Bradley is still
employed by the Company on each such date. On June 19, 2013, the Board of Directors accepted resignation of Mr. Nathaniel Bradley from his
position of Chief Technology Officer and President of IP Services with the Company. In connection with his resignation, Mr. Bradley entered
into a Separation and Release Agreement with the Company, pursuant to which, Mr. Bradley received a vested option to purchase 19,230 shares
of Common Stock and an option to purchase 134,616 shares of Common Stock were cancelled.
On March 1, 2013, Mr. James Crawford was appointed as the Company’s Chief Operating Officer. Pursuant to the Employment
Agreement between the Company and Mr. Crawford dated March 1, 2013 (“Crawford Employment Agreement”), Mr. Crawford shall serve as
the Company’s Chief Operating Officer for two (2) years. Mr. Crawford was awarded five-year stock options to purchase an aggregate of
76,924 shares of the Company’s Common Stock, with a strike price based on the closing price of the Company’s Common Stock on March 1,
2013 as reported by the OTC Bulletin Board or an exercise price of $5.525per share, vesting in twenty-four (24) equal installments on each
monthly anniversary of March 1, 2013, provided Mr. Crawford is still employed by the Company on each such date. On June 19, 2013, the
Company granted Mr. Crawford an option to purchase 76,924 shares of Common Stock. The stock options granted have an exercise price equal
to the fair market value per share on the option grant date, which was $2.47 per share. The options issued to Mr. Crawford are conditioned upon
the cancellation of the stock options granted to him on March 1, 2013 under his employment agreement with the Company and will vest in
twenty-four (24) equal installments on each monthly anniversary of the date of grant.
Pursuant to the Independent Director Agreement between the Company and each of Mr. Nard and Mr. Rosellini dated March 8, 2013,
each director was granted a five-year stock option to purchase an aggregate of 15,384 shares of the Company’s Common Stock, with a strike
price based on the closing price of the Company’s Common Stock on March 8, 2013 as reported by the OTC Bulletin Board or an exercise
price of $3.25 per share. The options shall vest as follows: 33% the first anniversary hereof; 33% on the second anniversary and 34% on the
third anniversary, and shall be subject to the Company’s stock plan as in effect from time to time, including any clawback and termination
provisions therein. The option agreements shall provide for cashless exercise features. Such agreement shall be terminated upon resignation or
removal of Mr. Nard and Mr. Rosellini as members of Board of Directors. Mr. Nard resigned from the Company’s Board of Directors in April
2014 and on July 18, 2014, the Company issued a total of 7,608 shares of Common Stock to Mr. Nard pursuant to the exercise of vested stock
options.
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Table of Contents
On June 11, 2013, the Company granted five-year options to purchase an aggregate of 353,846 shares of Common Stock exercisable at
$2.625 per share to the Chief Executive Officer and two directors of the Company. The stock options shall vest pro rata monthly over the
following 24-month period.
On June 11, 2013, the Company granted a five-year option to purchase 30,770 shares of Common Stock exercisable at $2.625 per share
to a consultant for legal services. The stock options shall vest pro rata monthly over the following 24-month period.
On June 19, 2013, the Company granted two five-year options to purchase an aggregate of 46,154 shares of Common Stock exercisable
at $2.47 per share to two employees of the Company. The options shall vest as follows: 33% the first anniversary hereof; 33% on the second
anniversary and 34% on the third anniversary.
On July 25, 2013, the Company granted four five-year options to purchase an aggregate of 134,614 shares of Common Stock to four
consultants who are employees of IP Nav. Such options shall vest 33% on the first year anniversary, 33% on the second year anniversary and
34% on the third year anniversary. The exercise price was based on the $3.425 closing price of the Company’s Common Stock on the date of
grant. These options were forfeited in accordance with the termination of consultant relationships.
On August 19, 2013, the Company granted two five-year options to purchase an aggregate of 607,692 shares of Common Stock to two
consultants who are employees of IP Nav. Such options shall vest 33% on the first year anniversary, 33% on the second year anniversary and
34% on the third year anniversary. The exercise price was based on the $2.925 closing price of the Company’s Common Stock on the date of
grant. These options were forfeited in accordance with the termination of consultant relationships.
On November 11, 2013, we entered into a three-year consulting agreement with Kairix Analytics, Ltd. (“Kairix”) (the “Kairix
Agreement”), pursuant to which we agreed to grant to Kairix an option to purchase 600,000 shares of the Company’s Common Stock at an
exercise price of $2.85 per share, reflecting the closing price of the Company’s Common Stock on the date of grant. The option has a term of
five (5) years and vests 33% on each of the first and second anniversaries and 34% on the third anniversary of the Kairix Agreement. The
Company has valued the option at $984,447 using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following assumptions: an expected life of
two and one-half years; volatility of 100% and a risk-free interest rate of 0.65%. In addition, Kairix will be entitled to receive either 2% or 5% of
the net revenue derived from the enforcement of patents by either the Company or its subsidiaries and resulting from work performed by Kairix
on behalf of the Company, with the percentage applied to be based on the contribution made to the generation of the revenue by Kairix, as further
described in the Kairix Agreement. Mr. Craig Nard, one of the principals of Kairix, was a member of our Board of Directors at the time the
Company entered into the agreement with Kairix. On June 18, 2014, the Company cancelled an option to purchase an aggregate amount of
600,000 shares of Common Stock provided to Kairix Analytics when the consulting agreement was terminated without any vesting having
occurred.
On November 18, 2013, we entered into Amendment No. 1 to the Executive Employment Agreement with our Chief Executive Officer
and Chairman, Doug Croxall. As part of Amendment No. 1, we granted Mr. Croxall a ten-year stock options to purchase an aggregate of
200,000 shares of our Common Stock, with an exercise price of $2.965 per share (reflecting the closing price of our Common Stock on the date
of grant) and vesting in twenty-four (24) equal installments on each monthly anniversary date of the grant. The Company has valued the option
grant at $442,692 using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following assumptions: an expected life of five years; volatility of
100%; and a risk-free rate of 1.33%.
On November 18, 2013, we entered into a two-year Executive Employment Agreement with Richard Raisig (the “Raisig Agreement”),
pursuant to which Mr. Raisig shall serve as our Chief Financial Officer, effective December 3, 2013. As part of the Raisig Agreement, we
agreed to issue Mr. Raisig a ten-year stock option to purchase an aggregate of 230,000 shares of Common Stock, with an exercise price of
$2.95 per share, vesting in twenty-four (24) equal installments on each monthly anniversary of the date of the Raisig Agreement, provided Mr.
Raisig is still employed by us on each such date. We have valued the options at $511,036 using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with
the following assumptions: market price on the date of grant of $2.95; an expected life of five years; volatility of 101%; and a risk-free rate of
1.40%. Mr. Raisig’s employment with the Company was terminated in April 2014 and on July 18, 2014, the Company issued a total of 19,114
shares of Common Stock to Mr. Raisig pursuant to the exercise of vested stock options.
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On April 15, 2014, the Company issued a new board member, Edward Kovalik, a five (5) year option to purchase an aggregate of
20,000 shares of the Company’s Common Stock with an exercise price of $3.295 per share, subject to adjustment, which shall vest in twelve
(12) monthly installments commencing on the date of grant. The option was valued based on the Black-Scholes model, using the strike and
market prices of $3.295 per share, life of three years, volatility of 51% based on the closing price of the 50 trading sessions immediately
preceding the grant and a discount rate as published by the Federal Reserve of 0.84%.
On May 14, 2014, the Company issued existing employees, ten (10) year options to purchase an aggregate of 80,000 shares of the
Company’s Common Stock with an exercise price of $4.165 per share, subject to adjustment, which shall vest in three (3) annual installments,
with 33% vesting on the first anniversary of the date of grant, 33% on the second anniversary of the date of grant and 34% on the third
anniversary of the date of grant. The options were valued based on the Black-Scholes model, using the strike and market prices of $4.165 per
share, life of 6.5 years, volatility of 63% based on the closing price of the 50 trading sessions immediately preceding the grant and a discount rate
as published by the Federal Reserve of 1.97%.
On May 14, 2014, the Company issued to consultants, five (5) year options to purchase an aggregate of 160,000 shares of the
Company’s Common Stock with an exercise price of $4.165 per share, subject to adjustment, which shall vest in three (3) annual installments,
with 33% vesting on the first anniversary of the date of grant, 33% on the second anniversary of the date of grant and 34% on the third
anniversary of the date of grant. The options were valued based on the Black-Scholes model, using the strike and market prices of $4.165 per
share, life of 3.5 years, volatility of 50% based on the closing price of the 50 trading sessions immediately preceding the grant and a discount rate
as published by the Federal Reserve of 1.00%.
On May 15, 2014, the Company entered into an executive employment agreement with Francis Knuettel II (“Knuettel Agreement”)
pursuant to which Mr. Knuettel would serve as the Company’s Chief Financial Officer. As part of the consideration, the Company agreed to
grant Mr. Knuettel a ten (10) year stock option to purchase an aggregate of 290,000 shares of Common Stock, with a strike price of $4.165 per
share, vesting in thirty-six (36) equal installments on each monthly anniversary of the date of the Knuettel Agreement. The option was valued
based on the Black-Scholes model, using the strike and market prices of $4.165 per share, life of 6.5 years, volatility of 63% based on the closing
price of the 50 trading sessions immediately preceding the grant and a discount rate as published by the Federal Reserve of 1.97%.
On June 15, 2014, the Company issued to a consultant a five (5) year stock option to purchase an aggregate of 40,000 shares of the
Company’s Common Stock with an exercise price of $5.05 per share, subject to adjustment, which shall vest in twenty-four (24) each monthly
installments on each monthly anniversary date of the grant. The options were valued based on the Black-Scholes model, using the strike and
market prices of $5.05 per share, life of 3.25 years, volatility of 50% based on the closing price of the 50 trading sessions immediately preceding
the grant and a discount rate as published by the Federal Reserve of 1.05%.
On August 29, 2014, the Company entered into an executive employment agreement with Daniel Gelbtuch (“Gelbtuch Agreement”)
pursuant to which Mr. Gelbtuch would serve as the Company’s Chief Marketing Officer. As part of the consideration, the Company agreed to
grant Mr. Gelbtuch ten (10) year stock options to purchase an aggregate of 290,000 shares of Common Stock, with a strike price of $5.62 per
share, vesting in thirty-six (36) equal installments on each monthly anniversary of the date of the Gelbtuch Agreement. Mr. Gelbtuch’s
employment with the Company was terminated as of January 20, 2015 and the vested shares at that time remain available for Mr. Gelbtuch to
exercise. The option was valued based on the Black-Scholes model, using the strike and market prices of $5.62 per share, life of 6.5 years,
volatility of 62% based on the average volatility of comparable companies over the prior 10-year period and a discount rate as published by the
Federal Reserve of 1.95%.
On September 16, 2014, the Company issued its independent board members five (5) year options to purchase an aggregate of 60,000
shares of the Company’s Common Stock with an exercise price of $7.445 per share, subject to adjustment, which shall vest monthly over twelve
(12) months commencing on the date of grant. The options were valued based on the Black-Scholes model, using the strike and market prices of
$7.445 per share, life of three years, volatility of 49% based on the average volatility of comparable companies over the prior 5-year period and a
discount rate as published by the Federal Reserve of 1.04%.
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On October 31, 2014, the Company entered into an executive employment agreement with Enrique Sanchez (“Sanchez Agreement”)
pursuant to which Mr. Sanchez would serve as the Company’s Senior Vice President of Licensing. As part of the consideration, the Company
agreed to grant Mr. Sanchez ten (10) year stock options to purchase an aggregate of 160,000 shares of Common Stock, with a strike price of
$6.40 per share, vesting in thirty-six (36) equal installments on each monthly anniversary of the date of the Sanchez Agreement. The options
were valued based on the Black-Scholes model, using the strike and market prices of $6.40 per share, an expected term of 5.75 years, volatility of
53% based on the average volatility of comparable companies over the comparable prior period and a discount rate as published by the Federal
Reserve of 1.78%.
On October 31, 2014, the Company entered into an executive employment agreement with Umesh Jani (“Jani Agreement”) pursuant to
which Mr. Jani would serve as the Company’s Chief Technology Officer and SVP of Licensing. As part of the consideration, the Company
agreed to grant Mr. Jani ten (10) year stock options to purchase an aggregate of 100,000 shares of Common Stock, with a strike price of $6.40
per share, vesting in thirty-six (36) equal installments on each monthly anniversary of the date of the Jani Agreement. The options were valued
based on the Black-Scholes model, using the strike and market prices of $6.40 per share, an expected term of 5.75 years, volatility of 53% based
on the average volatility of comparable companies over the comparable prior period and a discount rate as published by the Federal Reserve of
1.78%.
On October 31, 2014, the Company issued existing employees, ten (10) year options to purchase an aggregate of 680,000 shares of the
Company’s Common Stock with an exercise price of $6.40 per share, subject to adjustment, which shall vest in twenty-four (24) equal
installments on each monthly anniversary. The options were valued based on the Black-Scholes model, using the strike and market prices of
$6.40 per share, an expected term of 5.75 years, volatility of 53% based on the average volatility of comparable companies over the comparable
prior period and a discount rate as published by the Federal Reserve of 1.78%.
On October 31, 2014, the Company issued to a consultant, a five (5) year options to purchase an aggregate of 30,000 shares of the
Company’s Common Stock with an exercise price of $6.40 per share, subject to adjustment, which shall vest in twenty-four (24) equal
installments on each monthly anniversary of the grant. The options were valued based on the Black-Scholes model, using the strike and market
prices of $6.40 per share, an expected term of 3.25years, volatility of 49% based on the average volatility of comparable companies over the
comparable prior period and a discount rate as published by the Federal Reserve of 1.03%.
At December 31, 2014, there was a total of $8,328,409 of unrecognized compensation expense related to non-vested option-based
compensation arrangements entered into during the year.
A summary of the stock options as of December 31, 2014 and changes during the period are presented below:
Balance at December 31, 2013
Granted
Cancelled
Forfeited
Exercised
Balance at December 31, 2014
Options Exercisable at December 31, 2014
Options expected to vest
Weighted average fair value of options granted during the period
F-35
Weighted
Average
Exercise Price
Weighted
Average
Remaining
Life
Number of
Options
2,676,152 $
1,910,000 $
1,299,999 $
241,741 $
26,722 $
3,017,690 $
991,341
2,026,349
$
2.92
5.63
2.96
2.86
2.84
4.64
2.87
5.21
-
-
-
-
7.77
Table of Contents
Stock options outstanding at December 31, 2014 as disclosed in the above table have $11,421,321 in intrinsic value at the end of the
period.
NOTE 7 – COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Office Lease
In October 2013, the Company entered into a net-lease for its current office space in Los Angeles, California. The lease commenced on
May 1, 2014 and runs for seven years through April 30, 2021, with monthly lease payment escalating each year of the lease. In addition, to
paying a deposit of $7,564 and the monthly base lease cost, the Company is required to pay its pro rata share of operating expenses, and real
estate taxes. Under the terms of the lease, the Company will not be required to pay rent for the first five months but must remain in compliance
with the terms of the lease to continue to maintain that benefit. In addition, the Company has a one-time option to terminate the lease in the 42nd
month of the lease. Minimum future lease payments under this lease at December 31, 2014, net of the rent abatement, for the next five years are
as follows:
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
Thereafter
Total
$
$
55,516
68,244
71,288
74,540
77,872
108,840
456,300
The leases for the properties maintained in Alexandria, VA and Longview, TX are month-to-month and can be cancelled with thirty
days notice.
NOTE 8 - INCOME TAXES
The Company accounts for income taxes under ASC Topic 740: Income Taxes, which requires the recognition of deferred tax assets
and liabilities for both the expected impact of differences between the financial statements and the tax basis of assets and liabilities, and for the
expected future tax benefit to be derived from tax losses and tax credit carry-forwards. ASC Topic 740 additionally requires the establishment of
a valuation allowance to reflect the likelihood of realization of deferred tax assets.
The following table presents the current and deferred provision (benefit) for income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2014:
Current:
Federal
State
Foreign
Deferred:
Federal
State
Foreign
2014
2013
$
$
$
$
- $
-
-
-
$
(3,942,754) $
(824,804)
(184,751)
(4,952,309)
(4,952,309) $
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
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Table of Contents
The table below summarizes the differences between the Company’s effective tax rate and the statutory federal rate for the years ended
December 31, 2014 and 2013.
Tax benefit computed at "expected" statutory rate
State income taxes, net of benefit
Permanent differences
Deemed Dividend
Stock based compensation and consulting
Other permanent differences
Timing differences
Amortization of patents and other
Change in valuation allowance
Net income tax benefit
December 31,
2014
December 31,
2013
$ (2,742,728) $ (1,173,114)
(79,110)
(48,135)
432,307
581,216
2,535
-
(3,177,504)
$
4,952,309
$
-
381,620
(50,892)
304,435
617,061
-
The table below summarizes the differences between the Companies’ effective tax rate and the statutory federal rate as follows for the
years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013:
Computed "expected" tax expense (benefit)
State income taxes
Permanent differences
Timing differences
Change in valuation allowance
Effective tax rate
The Company has a deferred tax asset, which is summarized as follows at:
Deferred tax assets:
Total deferred tax assets
Less: valuation allowance
Net deferred tax asset
December 31,
2014
December
31, 2013
(34.00)%
(0.60)%
12.60%
-%
(39.39)%
(34.00)%
(5.0)%
14.0%
13.0%
12.0%
(61.39)%
0.0%
December 31,
2014
4,952,309
-
4,952,309
$
$
$
December 31,
2013
1,095,797
(1.095,797)
-
$
The Company does not have any taxable income in carryback years in which NOLs can be carried back to. At December 31, 2014, the
Company did not have any taxable temporary differences that will reverse and generate taxable income and was still in a cumulative loss
position. Based on all the available information, including tax planning strategies and future forecast, the Company believes that it is more likely
than not that the net deferred tax assets will be realized; therefore, valuation allowance is not needed.
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As of December 31, 2014, the Company had net operating loss (“NOL”) carry-forwards for federal and state purposes of approximately $5.7
million and $5.4 million, respectively, which will begin to expire in 2032. The utilization of NOL and credit carry-forwards may be limited under
the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code (“IRC”) Section 382 and similar state provisions. IRC Section 382 generally imposes an annual
limitation on the amount of NOL carry-forwards that may be used to offset taxable income where a corporation has undergone significant
changes in stock ownership. The Company has not analyzed whether an ownership change has taken place that could limit the utilization of
NOL. An analysis may be required at the time the Company begins utilizing any of its net operating losses to determine if there is an IRC
Section 382 limitation.
As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company does not increase or decrease liability for unrecognized tax benefit. As of December
31, 2014 and 2013 the Company did not increase or decrease penalties or interest in connection with liability for unrecognized tax benefit. The
Company does not expect its unrecognized tax benefits to change significantly over the next 12 months.
The Company files U.S. and state income tax returns with varying statutes of limitations. The 2011 through 2014 tax years generally
remain subject to examination by federal and state tax authorities.
The Company has not recognized a deferred tax liability on foreign earnings that it has declared as indefinitely reinvested. This amount
may become taxable upon repatriation of assets from the subsidiaries or a sale or liquidation of the subsidiaries. The amount of earnings
designated as indefinitely reinvested offshore is based upon our expectations of the future cash needs of the Company's foreign entities.
NOTE 9 – SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
On January 20, 2015, Daniel Gelbtuch and the Company, mutually agreed that Mr. Gelbtuch would cease to serve, effective
immediately, as the Company's Chief Marketing Officer. The Company and Mr. Gelbtuch are working on details regarding an ongoing
consulting position for Mr. Gelbtuch.
On January 29, 2015, the Company and certain of its subsidiaries (each a “Subsidiary” and collectively with the Issuer, the “Company”)
entered into a series of Agreements including a Securities Purchase Agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) and a Subscription Agreement with
DBD Credit Funding, LLC (“DBD”), an affiliate of Fortress Credit Corp., under which the Issuer sold to the purchasers: (i) $15,000,000
original principal amount of Senior Secured Notes (the “Notes”), (ii) a right to receive a portion of certain proceeds from monetization net
revenues received by the Company (after receipt by the Company of $15,000,000 of monetization net revenues and repayment of the Notes), (the
“Revenue Stream”), (iii) a five-year warrant (the “Warrant”) to purchase 100,000 shares of the Issuer’s Common Stock exercisable at $7.44 per
share, subject to adjustment (the “Warrant Shares”); and (iv) 134,409 shares of the Issuer’s Common Stock (the “Shares”). Under the Purchase
Agreement, the Company has the right to require the purchasers to purchase an additional $5,000,000 of Notes (which will increase
proportionately the Revenue Stream), subject to the achievement of certain milestones, and further contemplates that Fortress Credit Corp. may,
but is not obligated to, fund up to an additional $30,000,000, on equivalent economic terms. The Company may use the proceeds to finance the
monetization of its existing assets, provide further expansion capital for new acquisitions, to repay existing debt (including without limitation, the
Company's 11% convertible notes issued October 9, 2013 (the “October Notes”) and for general working capital and corporate purposes.
On February 6, 2015, Mr. John Stetson tendered his resignation from his positions as Secretary, Executive Vice President and a
member of the Board of Directors from Marathon Patent Group, Inc. (the “Company”), effective February 6, 2015. The resignation is not in
connection with any known disagreement with the Company on any matter relating to the Company’s operations, policies or practices.
On March 3, 2015, Mr. Stuart Smith tendered his resignation as a member of the Board of Directors the Company, effective
immediately. The resignation is not in connection with any known disagreement with the Company on any matter relating to the Company’s
operations, policies or practices.
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On March 6, 2015, the Board appointed Mr. Richard S. Chernicoff to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Mr. Smith. The
Board has determined that Mr. Chernicoff qualifies as an independent director under the rules of the NASDAQ Stock Market LLC. Mr.
Chernicoff will serve as a member of the Compensation Committee and as Chair of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee.
On March 13, 2015, the company entered into a settlement and release agreement with Jeff Feinberg related to the termination of the
Feinberg Agreement on September 9, 2014.
On March 18, 2015, the Board appointed Mr. Dirk Tyler to fill the vacancy on the Board. The Board has determined that Mr. Tyler
qualifies as an independent director under the rules of the NASDAQ Stock Market LLC. Mr. Tyler will serve as the Chair of the Compensation
Committee and as a member of the Audit Committee and the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee.
F-39
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL
DISCLOSURE
None.
ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Management’s Conclusions Regarding Effectiveness of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
We conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our “disclosure controls and procedures” (“Disclosure Controls”), as defined by
Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), as of December 31, 2014, the end of
the period covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The Disclosure Controls evaluation was done under the supervision and with the
participation of management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer. There are inherent limitations to the effectiveness
of any system of disclosure controls and procedures. Accordingly, even effective disclosure controls and procedures can only provide reasonable
assurance of achieving their control objectives. Based upon this evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded
that, due to our limited internal audit function, our Disclosure Controls were not effective as of December 31, 2014, such that the information
required to be disclosed by us in reports filed under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is (i) recorded, processed, summarized and reported
within the time periods specified in the SEC's rules and forms and (ii) accumulated and communicated to the President and Treasurer, as
appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding disclosure.
Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rules
13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act. Our management is also required to assess and report on the effectiveness of our
internal control over financial reporting in accordance with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (“Section 404”). Management
assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014. In making this assessment, we used the
criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal Control - Integrated
Framework in the 2013 COSO framework. During our assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of
December 31, 2014, management identified material weaknesses related to (i) our internal audit functions and (ii) a lack of segregation of duties
within accounting functions. Therefore, our internal controls over financial reporting were not effective as of December 31, 2014.
Management has determined that our internal audit function is significantly deficient due to insufficient qualified resources to perform
internal audit functions.
Due to our size and nature, segregation of all conflicting duties may not always be possible and may not be economically feasible.
However, to the extent possible, we will implement procedures to assure that the initiation of transactions, the custody of assets and the recording
of transactions will be performed by separate individuals.
We believe that the foregoing steps will remediate the material weakness identified above, and we will continue to monitor the
effectiveness of these steps and make any changes that our management deems appropriate. Due to the nature of this material weakness in our
internal control over financial reporting, there is more than a remote likelihood that misstatements which could be material to our annual or interim
financial statements could occur that would not be prevented or detected.
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A material weakness (within the meaning of PCAOB Auditing Standard No. 5) is a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in
internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of our annual or interim financial
statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. A significant deficiency is a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal
control over financial reporting that is less severe than a material weakness, yet important enough to merit attention by those responsible for
oversight of the company’s financial reporting.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Projections of any
evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that
the degree of compliance with the policies and procedures may deteriorate.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting.
During the year ended December 31, 2014, there was no change in our internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined
in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over
financial reporting.
ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
None.
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PART III
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
The following table presents information with respect to our officers, directors and significant employees as of the date of this Report:
Name and Address
Doug Croxall
Francis Knuettel II
James Crawford
Richard S. Chernicoff
Edward Kovalik
William Rosellini
Dirk Tyler
Age
46
48
40
49
40
35
57
Date First Elected or Appointed
November 14, 2012
May 15, 2014
March 1, 2013
March 6, 2015
April 15, 2014
March 8, 2013
March 18, 2015
Position(s)
Chief Executive Officer and Chairman
Chief Financial Officer
Chief Operating Officer
Director
Director
Director
Director
Background of officers and directors
The following is a brief account of the education and business experience during at least the past five years of our officers and directors,
indicating each person’s principal occupation during that period, and the name and principal business of the organization in which such
occupation and employment were carried out.
Doug Croxall - Chief Executive Officer and Chairman
Mr. Croxall, 46, has served as the Chief Executive Officer and Founder of LVL Patent Group LLC, a privately owned patent licensing
company since 2009. From 2003 to 2008, Mr. Croxall served as the Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of FirePond, a software company
that licensed configuration pricing and quotation software to Fortune 1000 companies. Mr. Croxall earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political
Science from Purdue University in 1991 and a Master of Business Administration from Pepperdine University in 1995. Mr. Croxall was chosen
as a director of the Company based on his knowledge of and relationships in the patent acquisition and monetization business.
Francis Knuettel II - Chief Financial Officer
Mr. Knuettel, 48, was Managing Director and CFO for Greyhound IP LLC, an investor in patent litigation expenses for patents
enforced by small firms and individual inventors prior to joining the Company. Since 2007, Mr. Knuettel has been the Managing Member of
Camden Capital LLC, which is focused on the monetization of patents Mr. Knuettel acquired in 2007. From 2007 through 2013, Mr. Knuettel
served as the Chief Financial Officer of IP Commerce, Inc. From 2005 through 2007, Mr. Knuettel served as the CFO of InfoSearch Media,
Inc., a publicly traded company. From 2000 through 2004, Mr. Knuettel was at Internet Machines Corporation, a fables semiconductor
company located in Los Angeles, where he served on the Board of Directors and held several positions, including Chief Executive Officer and
Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Knuettel was a member of the Board of Directors and Chairman of the Audit Committee for Firepond, Inc., a
publicly traded producer of CPQ software systems. Mr. Knuettel received his BA with honors in Economics from Tufts University and holds
an MBA in Finance and Entrepreneurial Management from The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.
James Crawford - Chief Operating Officer
Mr. Crawford, 40, was a founding member of Kino Interactive, LLC, and of AudioEye, Inc. Mr. Crawford’s experience as an
entrepreneur spans the entire life cycle of companies from start-up capital to compliance officer and director of reporting public companies. Prior
to his involvement as Chief Operating Officer of Marathon, Mr. Crawford served as a director and officer of Augme Technologies, Inc.
beginning March 2006, and assisted the company in maneuvering through the initial challenges of acquisitions executed by the company through
2011 that established the company as a leading mobile marketing company in the United States. Mr. Crawford is experienced in public company
finance and compliance functions. He has extensive experience in the area of intellectual property creation, management and licensing. Mr.
Crawford also served on the board of directors Modavox® and Augme Technologies, and as founder and managing member of Kino Digital,
Kino Communications, and Kino Interactive.
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Richard S. Chernicoff – Director
Richard Chernicoff, 49, has served as a director of Unwired Planet, Inc. since March 2014. Prior to joining the board of directors of
Unwired Planet, Inc., Mr. Chernicoff was President of Tessera Intellectual Property Corp. from July 2011 to January 2013. Mr. Chernicoff was
President of Unity Semiconductor Corp. from December 2009 to July 2011. Prior to that, Mr. Chernicoff was with San Disk from 2003 to 2009
where as Senior Vice President, Business Development, Mr. Chernicoff was responsible for mergers and acquisitions and intellectual property
matters. Previously, Mr. Chernicoff was a mergers and acquisitions partner in the Los Angeles office of Brobeck, Phleger & Harrison LLP from
2001 to 2003, and Mr. Chernicoff was a corporate lawyer in the Los Angeles office of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP from 1995
to 2000. Prior to that, Mr. Chernicoff was a member of the staff of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission in Washington DC
from 1993 to 1995. Mr. Chernicoff began his career as a certified public accountant with Ernst & Young. Mr. Chernicoff has a B.S. in Business
Administration from California State University Northridge and received a J.D. from St. John’s University School of Law. The Board believes
Mr. Chernicoff’s qualifications to sit on the Board include his significant experience with mergers and acquisitions, intellectual property
(acquisition, licensing and litigation) and leadership of business organizations.
Edward Kovalik – Director
Edward Kovalik, 40, is the Chief Executive Officer and Managing Partner of KLR Group, which he co-founded in the spring of 2012.
KLR Group is an investment bank specializing in the Energy sector. Ed manages the firm and focuses on structuring customized financing
solutions for the firm’s clients. He has over 16 years of experience in the financial services industry. Prior to founding KLR, Ed was Head of
Capital Markets at Rodman & Renshaw, and headed Rodman’s Energy Investment Banking team. Prior to Rodman, from 1999 to 2002, Ed was
a Vice President at Ladenburg Thalmann & Co, where he focused on private placement transactions for public companies. Ed serves as a director
on the board of River Bend Oil and Gas.
William Rosellini - Director
William Rosellini, 34, is Founder and Chairman of Microtransponder Inc. and Rosellini Scientific, LLC. Dr. Rosellini previously served
as the founding CEO of Microtransponder from 2006 to 2012 and Lexington Technology Group in 2012. During his tenures as CEO he has
raised nearly $30M in venture funding and $10M in NIH grants. Dr. Rosellini has been named a MTBC Tech Titan and a GSEA Entrepreneur of
the Year and has testified to Congress on the importance of non-dilutive funding for inventors and researchers. Dr. Rosellini holds a BA in
economics from the University of Dallas, a JD from Hofstra Law, an MBA and MS of Accounting from the University of Texas, a MS of
Computational Biology from Rutgers, a MS of Regulatory Science from USC and a MS of Neuroscience from University of Texas. Previously,
Dr. Rosellini was a right-handed pitcher who played in Arizona Diamondbacks system. The Board has determined that Dr. Rosellini’s medical
technology expertise and industry knowledge and experience will make him a valuable member of the Board.
Dirk Tyler - Director
Dirk Tyler, Age 57, has a background in private equity, venture capital and mergers & acquisitions. He has been serving as a
Managing Director of Vulano Group, a leading technology and intellectual property development company since 2007. Prior to Vulano Group,
he founded M2P Capital, LLC, a Denver based private equity firm, where he has served as partner since 2002. Prior to forming M2P Capital,
he was a partner in Taleria Ventures, a venture firm engaged in early stage investing and start-up management. In 1988, he founded BACE
Industries; a company that executed buy and build strategies in the manufacturing, distribution, business services, and technology industries. In
addition, he serves as a director and adviser to numerous private companies and is a director of The American Institute for Avalanche Research
and Education, Colorado Outward Bound School and The American Mountain Guides Association. He graduated from the Colorado College in
1980 with a BA degree. The Board believes Mr. Tyler’s qualifications to sit on the Board include his significant experience with mergers and
acquisitions, intellectual property (acquisition, licensing and litigation) and leadership of business organizations.
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Code of Business Conduct and Ethics
We have adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics that applies to our principal executive officers and principal financial officer,
principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions and also to other employees. Our Code of Business Conduct
and Ethics can be found on the Company’s website at www.marathonpg.com.
Family Relationships
There are no family relationships between any of our directors, executive officers or directors.
Involvement in Certain Legal Proceedings
During the past ten years, none of our officers, directors, promoters or control persons have been involved in any legal proceedings as
described in Item 401(f) of Regulation S-K.
Term of Office
The Company instituted a staggered Board at the annual stockholders meeting held on September 16, 2014, whereat individual Members
of the Board of Directors were elected into specific classes defining the termination of their terms. As such, Mr. Kovalik serves until the 2015
annual meeting of stockholders, Mr. Rosellini serves until the 2016 annual meeting of stockholders and Mr. Croxall serves until the 2017 annual
meeting of stockholders. Mr. Chernicoff, who replaced Mr. Smith on the Board, serves until the 2016 annual meeting of stockholders. Mr.
Tyler, who replaced Mr. Stetson on the Board, serves until the 2015 annual meeting of stockholders.
Director Independence
Mr. Richard S. Chericoff, Mr. Dirk Tyler, Mr. Edward Kovalik and Dr. William Rosellini are "independent" directors based on the
definition of independence in the listing standards of the NASDAQ Stock Market LLC (“NASDAQ”).
Committees of the Board of Directors
The Audit Committee members are Mr. Edward Kovalik, Mr. William Rosellini and Mr. Dirk Tyler. The Audit Committee has authority
to review our financial records, deal with our independent auditors, recommend to the Board policies with respect to financial reporting, and
investigate all aspects of the our business. All members of the Audit Committee currently satisfy the independence requirements and other
established criteria of NASDAQ.
The Compensation Committee oversees our executive compensation and recommends various incentives for key employees to
encourage and reward increased corporate financial performance, productivity and innovation. Its members are Mr. Edward Kovalik, Mr. Mr.
Richard Chernicoff, Mr. William Rosellini and Mr. Dirk Tyler. All members of the Compensation Committee currently satisfy the independence
requirements and other established criteria of NASDAQ.
The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee identifies and nominates candidates for membership on the Board, oversees
Board committees advises the Board on corporate governance matters and ay related matters required by the federal securities laws. Its members
are Mr. Edward Kovalik, Mr. Mr. Richard Chernicoff, Mr. William Rosellini and Mr. Dirk Tyler. All members of the Compensation Committee
currently satisfy the independence requirements and other established criteria of NASDAQ.
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Table of Contents
Charters for all three committees are available on our website at www.marathonpg.com.
Board Leadership Structure and Role in Risk Oversight
Although we have not adopted a formal policy on whether the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer positions should be separate or
combined, we have traditionally determined that it is in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders to partially combine these
roles. Due to the small size of the Company, we believe it is currently most effective to have the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer positions
partially combined.
Our Board of Directors is primarily responsible for overseeing our risk management processes. The Board of Directors receives and
reviews periodic reports from management, auditors, legal counsel, and others, as considered appropriate regarding the Company’s assessment of
risks. The Board of Directors focuses on the most significant risks facing the Company and our general risk management strategy, and also
ensures that risks undertaken by us are consistent with the Board of Directors’ risk parameters. While the Board of Directors oversees the
Company, our management is responsible for day-to-day risk management processes. We believe this division of responsibilities is the most
effective approach for addressing the risks facing the Company and that our board leadership structure supports this approach.
Compliance with Section 16(a) of the Securities Act of 1934
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, requires our executive officers and directors and persons who own
more than 10% of a registered class of our equity securities to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission initial statements of beneficial
ownership, reports of changes in ownership and annual reports concerning their ownership of the our common stock and other equity securities,
on Form 3, 4 and 5 respectively. Executive officers, directors and greater than 10% shareholders are required by the Securities and Exchange
Commission regulations to furnish our company with copies of all Section 16(a) reports they file.
Based solely on our review of the copies of such reports received by us, and on written representations by our officers and directors
regarding their compliance with the applicable reporting requirements under Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act, we believe that, with respect to
the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013, our officers and directors, and all of the persons known to us to own more than 10% of our common
stock, filed all required reports on a timely basis, except as follows:
●
●
Erich Spangenberg is late in filing a Form 4 to report 1 transaction,
James Crawford is late in filing a Form 3 and a Form 4 to report 1 transaction.
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The following summary compensation table sets forth information concerning compensation for services rendered in all capacities
during 2014 and 2013 awarded to, earned by or paid to our executive officers. The value attributable to any Option Awards and Stock Awards
reflects the grant date fair values of stock awards calculated in accordance with FASB Accounting Standards Codification Topic 718. As
described further in Note 6 – Stockholders’ Equity - Common Stock Options to our consolidated year-end financial statements, the assumptions
made in the valuation of these option awards and stock awards is set forth.
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Table of Contents
Name and
Principal
Position
Doug
Croxall
CEO and
Chairman
Francis
Knuettel II
CFO (1)
James
Crawford
COO
John
Stetson (2)
EVP,
Secretary
and Former
CFO
Umesh Jani
(3)
CTO, SVP
Licensing
Enrique
Sanchez (4)
SVP,
Licensing
Nathaniel
Bradley (5)
Former
CTO
Richard
Raisig (6)
Former
CFO
Daniel
Gelbtuch
(7)
Former
CMO
Year
Salary
($)
Bonus
Awards
($)
Stock
Awards
($)
Option
Awards
($)
Non-Equity
Plan
Compensation
($)
Nonqualified
Deferred
Earnings
($)
All Other
Compensation
($)
Total
($)
2014
480,000
180,000
-
958,298
-
-
-
1,618,298
2013 363,333 350,000
-
902,692 -
- - 1,616,025
2014
2013
154,376
-
93,750
-
-
-
1,051,847
-
-
-
-
-
- -
1,299,973
-
2014
185,002
2013 221,408
61,975
-
-
-
331,313
-
366,677 -
-
578,290
-
- - 588,085
2014
100,000
37,500
-
463,177
-
-
-
600,677
2013 79,583
-
405,000 284,750 -
- - 769,333
2014
37,500
-
-
453,445
-
-
-
490,945
2013
-
-
-
-
-
- -
-
2014
35,833
28,500
-
572,649
-
-
-
636,982
2013
-
-
-
-
-
- -
-
2014
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
2013 148,125 -
-
517,200 -
- - 665,325
2014
89,747
-
-
-
-
-
-
89,747
2013 19,791
-
-
511,036 -
- - 530,827
2014
63,599
-
-
976,599
-
-
-
1,040,198
2013
-
-
-
-
-
- -
-
(1) Francis Knuettel II was appointed as Chief Financial Officer on May 15, 2014.
(2) John Stetson was appointed as President, Chief Operating Officer and a director on June 26, 2012. On November 14, 2012, John
Stetson resigned as the Company’s President and Chief Operating Officer and was re-appointed as the Chief Financial Officer and Secretary
on January 28, 2013. Mr. Stetson ceased to serve as Chief Financial Officer, effective December 3, 2013 when we appointed Mr. Richard
Raisig as our Chief Financial Officer, effective December 3, 2013. Mr. Stetson served as interim Chief Financial Officer from April 25,
2014 through May 15, 2014 and remained an Executive Vice President and Secretary through his resignation on February 6, 2014.
(3) Umesh Jani was appointed as the Chief Technology Officer and SVP of Licensing of the Company on October 31, 2014.
(4) Enrique Sanchez was appointed as the Senior Vice President of Licensing of the Company on October 31, 2014.
(5) Nathaniel Bradley served as the Company’s Chief Technology Officer and President of IP Services from March 1, 2013 to June 19,
2013.
(6) Richard Raisig was appointed as Chief Financial Officer on December 3, 2013 and resigned on April 25, 2014.
(7) Daniel Gelbtuch was appointed as the Chief Marketing Officer on September 9, 2014 and he ceased to serve effective January 20, 2015.
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Table of Contents
Employment Agreements
On November 14, 2012, we entered into an employment agreement with Doug Croxall (the “Croxall Employment Agreement”),
whereby Mr. Croxall agreed to serve as our Chief Executive Officer for a period of two years, subject to renewal, in consideration for an annual
salary of $350,000 and an Indemnification Agreement. Additionally, under the terms of the Croxall Employment Agreement, Mr. Croxall shall be
eligible for an annual bonus if we meet certain criteria, as established by the Board of Directors, subject to standard “claw-back rights” in the
event of any restatement of any prior period earnings or other results as from which any annual bonus shall have been determined. As further
consideration for his services, Mr. Croxall received a ten-year option award to purchase an aggregate of 307,692 shares of our common stock
with an exercise price of $3.25 per share, which shall vest in twenty-four (24) equal monthly installments on each monthly anniversary of the
date of the Croxall Employment Agreement. On November 18, 2013, we entered into Amendment No. 1 to the Croxall Employment Agreement
(“Amendment”). Pursuant to the Amendment, the term of the Croxall Agreement shall be extended to November 14, 2017 and (ii) Mr. Croxall’s
annual base salary shall be increased to $480,000, subject to a 3% increase every year, commencing on November 14, 2014.
On January 28, 2013, we entered into an employment agreement with John Stetson, our Chief Financial Officer and Secretary (the
“Stetson Employment Agreement”) whereby Mr. Stetson agreed to serve as our Chief Financial Officer for a period of one year, subject to
renewal, in consideration for an annual salary of $75,000. Additionally, Mr. Stetson shall be eligible for an annual bonus if we meet certain
criteria, as established by the Board of Directors, subject to standard “claw-back rights” in the event of any restatement of any prior period
earnings or other results as from which any annual bonus shall have been determined. As further consideration for his services, Mr. Stetson
received a ten-year option award to purchase an aggregate of 76,923 shares of our common stock with an exercise price of $3.25 per share,
which shall vest in three (3) equal annual installments on the beginning on the first annual anniversary of the date of the Stetson Employment
Agreement, provided Mr. Stetson is still employed by us. In the event of Mr. Stetson’s termination prior to the expiration of his employment term
under his employment agreement, unless he is terminated for Cause (as defined in the Stetson Employment Agreement), or in the event Mr.
Stetson resigns without Good Reason (as defined in the Stetson Employment Agreement), we shall pay to him a lump sum in an amount equal to
the sum of his (i) base salary for the prior 12 months plus (ii) his annual bonus amount during the prior 12 months.
On March 1, 2013, Mr. James Crawford was appointed as our Chief Operating Officer. Pursuant to the Employment Agreement with
Mr. Crawford dated March 1, 2013 (“Crawford Employment Agreement”). Mr. Crawford shall serve as our Chief Operating Officer for two (2)
years. The Crawford Employment Agreement shall be automatically renewed for successive one (1) year periods thereafter. Mr. Crawford shall
be entitled to a base salary at an annual rate of $185,000, with such upward adjustments as shall be determined by the Board in its sole discretion.
Mr. Crawford shall also be entitled to an annual bonus if we meet or exceed criteria adopted by the Compensation Committee of the Board for
earning bonuses. Mr. Crawford shall be awarded five-year stock options to purchase an aggregate of 76,923 shares of our common stock, with a
strike price based on the closing price of our common stock on March 1, 2013, vesting in twenty-four (24) equal installments on each monthly
anniversary of March 1, 2013, provided Mr. Crawford is still employed by us on each such date.
On March 1, 2013, Mr. Nathaniel Bradley was appointed as our Chief Technology Officer and President of IP Services. Pursuant to the
Employment Agreement between the Company and Mr. Bradley dated March 1, 2013 (“Bradley Employment Agreement”), Mr. Bradley shall
serve as the Company’s Chief Technology Officer and President of IP Services for two (2) years. The Bradley Employment Agreement shall be
automatically renewed for successive one (1) year periods thereafter. Mr. Bradley shall be entitled to a base salary at an annual rate of $195,000,
with such upward adjustments as shall be determined by the Board in its sole discretion. Mr. Bradley shall also be entitled to an annual bonus if
the Company meets or exceeds criteria adopted by the Compensation Committee of the Board for earning bonuses. Mr. Bradley shall be awarded
five-year stock options to purchase an aggregate of 153,846 shares of the Company’s common stock, with a strike price based on the closing
price of the Company’s common stock on March 1, 2013, vesting in twenty-four (24) equal installments on each monthly anniversary of March
1, 2013, provided Mr. Bradley is still employed by the Company on each such date. On June 19, 2013, our Board accepted the resignation of Mr.
Bradley from his position of Chief Technology Officer and President of IP Services. In connection with his resignation, Mr. Bradley entered into
a Separation and Release Agreement with the Company (“Separation and Release Agreement”), pursuant to which, Mr. Bradley is entitled to a
severance payment of $16,250 and 250,000 options previously granted to him under his employment agreement, which - vested but were
subsequently forfeited. Pursuant to the Separation and Release Agreement, Mr. Bradley also agreed to provide periodic consultation to the
Company as requested at an agreed upon hourly rate of $75.00.
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Table of Contents
On November 18, 2013, we entered into a two-year Executive Employment Agreement with Richard Raisig (“Raisig Employment
Agreement”), pursuant to which Mr. Raisig shall serve as our Chief Financial Officer, effective December 3, 2013. Pursuant to the terms of the
Raisig Agreement, Mr. Raisig shall receive a base salary at an annual rate of $250,000.00 and an annual bonus up to 100% of Mr. Raisig’s base
salary as determined by the Compensation Committee of the Board. As further consideration for Mr. Raisig’s services, we agreed to issue Mr.
Raisig ten-year stock options to purchase an aggregate of 230,000 shares of common stock, with a strike price of $2.85 per share, vesting in
twenty-four (24) equal installments on each monthly anniversary of the date of the Raisig Agreement, provided Mr. Raisig is still employed by us
on each such date. On April 25, 2014, our Board accepted Mr. Raisig’s resignation from his position of Chief Financial Officer.
On May 15, 2014, we entered into a three-year Executive Employment Agreement with Francis Knuettel II (“Knuettel Employment
Agreement”), pursuant to which Mr. Knuettel will serve as the Chief Financial Officer of the Company, effective May 15, 2014. Pursuant to the
terms of the Agreement, Mr. Knuettel shall receive a base salary at an annual rate of $250,000.00 and an annual bonus up to 75% of Mr.
Knuettel’s base salary as determined by the Compensation Committee of the Board. As further consideration for Mr. Knuettel’s services, the
Company agreed to issue Mr. Knuettel ten-year stock options to purchase an aggregate of 290,000 shares of Common Stock, with a strike price
of $4.165 per share, vesting in thirty-six (36) equal installments on each monthly anniversary of the date of the Agreement, provided Mr.
Knuettel is still employed by the Company on each such date.
On September 9, 2014, we entered into a three-year executive employment agreement (“Gelbtuch Employment Agreement”) with Daniel
Gelbtuch pursuant to which Mr. Gelbtuch shall serve as the Company's Chief Marketing Officer. Pursuant to the terms of the Employment
Agreement, Mr. Gelbtuch shall receive a base salary at an annual rate of $230,000.00 and an additional $2,000.00 monthly remote operating
expense. Mr. Gelbtuch shall be entitled to incentive compensation up to 80% of Mr. Gelbtuch’s base salary as determined by the Compensation
Committee of the Company. As further consideration for Mr. Gelbtuch’s services, the Company agreed to issue Mr. Gelbtuch ten year stock
options outside of the Company’s 2012 Equity Incentive Plan to purchase an aggregate of 290,000 shares of common stock, with an exercise
price of $5.62 per share, which was the closing price on the day the Board of Directors approved such grant. The options shall vest in thirty-six
(36) equal installments on each monthly anniversary of the date of the Employment Agreement, provided Mr. Gelbtuch is still employed by the
Company on each such date. On January 20, 2015, Mr. Gelbtuch and the Company mutually agreed that Mr. Gelbtuch would cease to serve,
effective immediately, as the Company's Chief Marketing Officer. The Company and Mr. Gelbtuch are working on details regarding an ongoing
consulting position for Mr. Gelbtuch.
On October 31, 2014, we entered into a two-year executive employment agreement (“Jani Employment Agreement”) with Umesh Jani
pursuant to which Mr. Jani shall serve as the Company's Chief Technology Officer and SVP Licensing. Pursuant to the terms of the Jani
Employment Agreement, Mr. Jani shall receive a base salary at an annual rate of $225,000.00 and an annual incentive compensation of up to
100% of the base salary, as determined by the Compensation Committee. As further consideration for Mr. Jani’s services, the Company agreed
to issue him ten-year stock options under the Company’s 2014 Equity Incentive Plan, subject to shareholder approval, to purchase an aggregate
of 100,000 shares of common stock, with an exercise price of $6.40 per share. The options shall vest in thirty-six (36) equal installments on each
monthly anniversary of the date of the Jani Employment Agreement, provided Mr. Jani is still employed by the Company on each such date.
On November 3, 2014, we entered into a two-year executive employment agreement (“Sanchez Employment Agreement”) with Rick
Sanchez, effective October 31, 2014, pursuant to which Mr. Sanchez shall serve as the Company's Senior Vice President of Licensing. Pursuant
to the terms of the Sanchez Employment Agreement, Mr. Sanchez shall receive a base salary at an annual rate of $215,000.00 and an annual
incentive compensation of up to 100% of the base salary, as determined by the Compensation Committee. As further consideration for Mr.
Sanchez’s services, the Company agreed to issue him ten-year stock options under the Company’s 2014 Equity Incentive Plan, subject to
shareholder approval, to purchase an aggregate of 160,000 shares of common stock, with an exercise price of $6.40 per share. The options shall
vest in thirty-six (36) equal installments on each monthly anniversary of the date of the Sanchez Employment Agreement, provided Mr. Sanchez
is still employed by the Company on each such date.
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Table of Contents
Directors’ Compensation
The following summary compensation table sets forth information concerning compensation for services rendered in all capacities
during 2014 and 2013 awarded to, earned by or paid to our directors. The value attributable to any Warrant Awards reflects the grant date fair
values of stock awards calculated in accordance with FASB Accounting Standards Codification Topic 718. As described further in Note 6 –
Stockholders’ Equity (Deficit) – Common Stock Warrants to our consolidated year-end financial statements, a discussion of the assumptions
made in the valuation of these warrant awards.
Fees
Earned or
paid in
cash
($)
Name
Stuart Smith (1)
2014
2013
Edward
Kovalik
William
Rosellini
2014
2013
-
-
-
-
2014
2013
14,875
-
Craig Nard (2)
2014
2013
-
-
Stock
awards
($)
45,995
101,250
45,995
-
-
-
-
-
Option
awards
($)
50,026
-
73,076
-
50,026
-
-
-
Non-equity
incentive plan
compensation
Non-qualified
deferred
compensation
earnings
All other
compensation Total
($)
($)
($)
($)
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
96,021
101,250
119,071
-
-
62,683
64,901
62,683
-
62,863
-
62,863
(1) Stuart Smith resigned from his position as Director on March 3, 2015.
(2) Craig Nard resigned from his position as Director on April 15, 2014.
Grants of Plan Based Awards and Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End
On August 1, 2012, our board of directors and stockholders adopted the 2012 Equity Incentive Plan, pursuant to which 1,538,462
shares of our common stock are reserved for issuance as awards to employees, directors, consultants, advisors and other service providers, after
giving effect to the Reverse Split.
On September 16, 2014, our board of directors adopted the 2014 Equity Incentive Plan ("2014 Plan"). The 2014 Plan authorizes the
Company to grant stock options, restricted stock, preferred stock, other stock based awards, and performance awards to purchase up to
3,000,000 shares of stock and the 2014 Plan is subject to shareholder approval on or prior to September 16, 2015. Awards may be granted to the
Company’s directors, officers, consultants, advisors and employees. Unless earlier terminated by the Board, the 2014 Plan will terminate, and no
further awards may be granted, after September 16, 2024.
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Table of Contents
Option Awards
Stock awards
Equity
incentive plan
awards:
Number of
securities
underlying
unexercised
unearned
options
(#)
Number
of shares
of units of
stock that
have not
vested
Market
value of
shares of
units of
stock that
have not
vested
Option
exercise
price
Option
expiration
date
Equity
incentive
plan
awards"
Number
of
unearned
shares,
units or
other
rights that
have not
vested
Equity
incentive
plan
awards:
Market or
payout
value of
unearned
shares,
units or
other
rights that
have not
vested
unexercisable
($)
(#)
($)
(#)
($)
Number of
securities
underlyng
unexercised
options
(#)
exercisable
307,692
230,769
108,333
25,000
25,385
12,084
Number of
securities
underlying
unexercised
options
(#)
unexercisable
-
76,923
91,667
275,000
51,538
132,916
Doug Croxall
Doug Croxall
Doug Croxall
Doug Croxall
John Stetson
John Stetson
James
Crawford
James
Crawford
James
Crawford
Francis
Knuettel II
Francis
Knuettel II
Umesh Jani
Umesh Jani
Umesh Jani
Enrique
Sanchez
Enrique
Sanchez
Daniel
Gelbtuch
- $
- $
- $
- $
- $
- $
3.25
2.64
2.97
6.40
3.25
6.40
11/14/22
06/11/18
11/18/23
10/31/24
01/28/23
10/31/24
57,692
19,231
- $
2.47
06/19/18
-
30,000
- $
4.17
05/14/24
6,666
73,334
- $
6.40
10/31/24
56,389
233,611
- $
4.17
05/05/24
8,333
8,333
-
10,000
91,667
91,667
40,000
30,000
- $
- $
- $
- $
6.40
6.40
4.17
5.05
10/31/24
10/31/24
05/14/19
06/15/19
-
40,000
- $
4.17
05/14/19
13,333
146,667
- $
6.40
10/31/24
32,222
257,778
- $
5.62
08/29/24
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
None of our executive officers serves as a member of the Board of Directors or compensation committee of any other entity that has one
or more of its executive officers serving as a member of our Board of Directors.
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER
MATTERS
The following table sets forth certain information regarding beneficial ownership of our common stock as of March 18, 2015: (i) by
each of our directors, (ii) by each of the Named Executive Officers, (iii) by all of our executive officers and directors as a group, and (iv) by each
person or entity known by us to beneficially own more than five percent (5%) of any class of our outstanding shares. As of March 18, 2014,
there were 13,918,177 shares of our common stock outstanding.
-48-
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
Table of Contents
Name and Address of
Beneficial Owner
Officers and Directors
Doug Croxall (Chairman and
CEO)
Francis Knuettel II (Chief
Financial Officer)
James Crawford (Chief
Operating Officer)
Umesh Jani (Chief Technology
Officer and SVP, Licensing)
Enrique Sanchez (Senior Vice
President, Licensing)
Amount and Nature of Beneficial Ownership (1)
Common
Stock
Options
Warrants
Total
Percentage of
Common
Stock (%)
615,384 (2) 827,564
(3)
-
1,442,943
9.8%
-
121,570
(4)
-
121,566
-
100,413
(5)
-
100,408
-
48,200
(6)
-
48,194
-
39,867
(7)
-
39,867
Richard Chernicoff (Director)
-
3,333
(8)
-
3,325
Edward Kovalik (Director)
-
33,333
(9)
-
33,333
William Rosellini (Director)
-
45,602
(10)
-
45,602
Dirk Tyler (Director)
-
3,333
(11)
-
3,322
All Directors and Executive
Officers (six persons)
615,384
1,223,215
-
1,838,599
12.1%
Persons owning more than 5% of voting securities
Spangenberg Holder (12)
2,408,924
-
48,078
2,457,002
17.7%
* Less than 1%
(1) Amounts set forth in the table and footnotes gives effect to the stock dividend that we effectuated on December 22, 2014. In determining
beneficial ownership of our common stock as of a given date, the number of shares shown includes shares of common stock which may be
acquired on exercise of warrants or options or conversion of convertible securities within 60 days of March 18, 2015. In determining the percent
of common stock owned by a person or entity on March 18, 2015, (a) the numerator is the number of shares of the class beneficially owned by
such person or entity, including shares which may be acquired within 60 days on exercise of warrants or options and conversion of convertible
securities, and (b) the denominator is the sum of (i) the total shares of common stock outstanding on March 18, 2015, and (ii) the total number of
shares that the beneficial owner may acquire upon conversion of the preferred and on exercise of the warrants and options, subject to limitations
on conversion and exercise as more fully described in note 10 below. Unless otherwise stated, each beneficial owner has sole power to vote and
dispose of its shares.
(2) Held by Croxall Family Revocable Trust, over which Mr. Croxall holds voting and dispositive power.
(3) Represents options to purchase 307,692 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $3.25 per share, options to purchase 294,872 shares
of common stock at an exercise price of $2.625 per share, options to purchase 150,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $2.965 per
share and options to purchase 75,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $6.40 per share and excludes options to purchase 12,821
shares of common stock at an exercise price of $2.625 per share, options to purchase 50,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of
$2.965 per share and options to purchase 225,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $6.40 per share that are not exercisable within
60 days of March 18, 2015.
(4) Represents options to purchase 96,570 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $4.165 per share and options to purchase 25,000
shares at an exercise price of $6.40 per share and excludes options to purchase 193,430 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $4.165
per share and options to purchase 75,000 shares at an exercise price of $6.40 per share that do not vest and are not exercisable within 60 days of
March 18, 2015.
(5) Represents options to purchase 70,513 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $2.47 per share, options to purchase 9,900 shares of
common stock at an exercise price of $4.165 per share and options to purchase 20,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $6.40 per
share and excludes options to purchase 6,410 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $2.47 per share, options to purchase 20,100 shares
of common stock at an exercise price of $4.165 per share and options to purchase 60,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $6.40
per share that are not exercisable within 60 days of March 18, 2015.
(6) Represents options to purchase 16,667 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $6.40 per share, options to purchase 13,200 shares of
common stock at an exercise price of $4.165 per share and options to purchase 18,333 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $5.05 per
share and excludes options to purchase 83,333 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $6.40 per share, options to purchase 26,800 shares
of common stock at an exercise price of $4.165 per share and options to purchase 21,667 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $5.05
per share that are not exercisable within 60 days of March 18, 2015.
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(7) Represents options to purchase 26,667 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $6.40 per share and options to purchase 13,200 shares
at an exercise price of $4.165 per share and excludes options to purchase 133,333 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $6.40 per share
and options to purchase 26,800 shares at an exercise price of $4.165 per share that do not vest and are not exercisable within 60 days of March
18, 2015.
(8) Represents a warrant to purchase 3,333 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $7.37 per share and excludes options to purchase
16,667 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $7.37 per share that do not vest and are not exercisable within 60 days of March 18,
2015.
(9) Represents options to purchase 20,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $3.295 per share and options to purchase 13,333
shares of common stock at an exercise price of $7.445 per share and excludes options to purchase 6,667 shares of common stock at an exercise
price of $7.445 per share that do not vest and are not exercisable within 60 days of March 28, 2015.
(10) Represents options to purchase 10,154 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $3.25 per share, options to purchase 22,115 shares of
common stock at an exercise price of $2.625 per share and options to purchase 13,333 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $7.445 per
share and excludes options to purchase 5,231 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $3.25 per share, options to purchase 962 shares of
common stock at an exercise price of $2.625 per share and options to purchase 6,667 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $7.445 per
share that are not exercisable within 60 days of March 18, 2015.
(11) Represents a warrant to purchase 3,333 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $6.61 per share and excludes options to purchase
16,667 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $6.61 per share that do not vest and are not exercisable within 60 days of March 18,
2015.
(12) Represents 782,000 shares of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock, convertible into 782,000 shares of Common Stock, 1,626,924 shares
of Common Stock and warrants to purchase 48,078 shares of Common Stock at an exercise price of $3.25, all held individually or by entities
over which Audrey or Erich Spangenberg hold voting and dispositive powers.
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
Other than disclosed herein, there were no transactions during the year ended December 31, 2014 or any currently proposed
transactions, in which the Company was or is to be a participant and the amount involved exceeds $120,000, and in which any related person had
or will have a direct or indirect material interest.
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May 2014 Private Placement
As described herein, on May 1, 2014, the Company conducted a private placement of units to certain accredited investors for a purchase
price of $3.25 per unit. Each unit consisted of: (i) one share of the Company’s 8% Series A Preferred Stock, and (ii) a two year warrant to
purchase shares of the Company’s Common Stock in an amount equal to twenty five percent (25%) of the number of Series A Preferred Stock
purchased. Stuart Smith, who was a director of the Company at the time, purchased 10,000 units and John Stetson, who was an officer and
director of the Company at the time, purchased 61,538 units through entities controlled by him.
IP Nav Acquisitions
On May 2, 2014, the Company completed the acquisition of certain ownership rights (the “Acquired Intellectual Property”) from
TechDev, Granicus and SFF pursuant to the terms of three purchase agreements between: (i) the Company, TechDev, SFF and DA Acquisition
LLC, a newly formed Texas limited liability company and wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company; (ii) the Company, Granicus, SFF and IP
Liquidity Ventures Acquisition LLC, a newly formed Delaware limited liability company and wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company; and
(iii) the Company, TechDev, SFF and Sarif Biomedical Acquisition LLC, a newly formed Delaware limited liability company and wholly-
owned subsidiary of the Company.
Pursuant to the DA Agreement, the Company acquired 100% of the limited liability company membership interests of Dynamic
Advances, LLC, a Texas limited liability company, in consideration for: (i) two cash payments of $2,375,000, one payment due at closing and
the other payment due on or before June 30, 2014, with such second payment being subject to increase to $2,850,000 if not made on or before
June 30, 2014; and (ii) 195,500 shares of the Company’s Series B Convertible Preferred Stock. Under the terms of the DA Agreement,
TechDev and SFF are entitled to possible future payments for a maximum consideration of $250,000,000 pursuant to the Pay Proceeds
Agreement described below.
Pursuant to the IP Liquidity Agreement, the Company acquired 100% of the limited liability company membership interests of IP
Liquidity Ventures, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, in consideration for: (i) two cash payments of $2,375,000, one payment due at
closing and the other payment due on or before June 30, 2014, with such second payment being subject to increase to $2,850,000 if not made
on or before June 30, 2014; and (ii) 195,500 shares of the Company’s Series B Convertible Preferred Stock. Under the terms of the IP
Liquidity Agreement, Granicus and SFF are entitled to possible future payments for a maximum consideration of $250,000,000 pursuant to the
Pay Proceeds Agreement described below.
Pursuant to the Sarif Agreement, the Company acquired 100% of the limited liability company membership interests of Sarif
Biomedical, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, in consideration for two cash payments of $250,000, one payment due at closing and
the other payment due on or before June 30, 2014, with such second payment being subject to increase to $300,000 if not made on or before
June 30, 2014. Under the terms of the Sarif Agreement, TechDev and SFF are entitled to possible future payments for a maximum
consideration of $250,000,000 pursuant to the Pay Proceeds Agreement described below.
Pursuant to the Pay Proceeds Agreement, the Company may pay the sellers a percentage of the net recoveries (gross revenues minus
certain defined expenses) that the Company makes with respect to the assets held by the entities that the Company acquired pursuant to the DA
Agreement, the IP Liquidity Agreement and the Sarif Agreement. Under the terms of the Pay Proceeds Agreement, if the Company recovers
$10,000,000 or less with regard to the IP Assets, then nothing is due to the sellers; if the Company recovers between $10,000,000 and
$40,000,000 with regard to the IP Assets, then the Company shall pay 40% of the cumulative gross proceeds of such recoveries to the sellers;
and if the Company recovers over $40,000,000 with regard to the IP Assets, the Company shall pay 50% of the cumulative gross proceeds of
such recoveries to the sellers. In no event will the total payments made by the Company under the Pay Proceeds Agreement exceed
$250,000,000.
TechDev, SFF and Granicus is owned or controlled by Erich Spangenberg or family members or associates.
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Opus Analytics
During May 2014, we acquired the rights to market Opus Analytics from IP Nav. Opus Analytics is a proprietary patent analytics tool
that we use extensively to review and analyze patent acquisition opportunities. Opus Analytics is also a SAAS (Software as a Service) tool that
we intend to offer to third parties to generate additional revenue streams from financial professional, investors, patent licensing and monetization
companies, and legal and investment professionals.
Opportunity Agreement
On May 2, 2014, we entered into an opportunity agreement (the “Marathon Opportunity Agreement”) with Erich Spangenberg, whom
is an affiliate of the Company. The terms of the Marathon Opportunity Agreement provide that we have ten business days after receiving notice
from Mr. Spangenberg to provide up to 50% of the funding for certain opportunities relating to the licensing, intellectual property acquisitions
and/or intellectual property enforcement actions in which Mr. Spangenberg, IP Nav or any entity controlled by Mr. Spangenberg, other than: (i)
IP Nav or any of its affiliates, and (ii) Medtech Development, LLC or any of its affiliates.
Selene Acquisition
On June 17, 2014, Selene Communication Technologies Acquisition LLC (“Acquisition LLC”), a Delaware limited liability company
and newly formed wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, entered into a merger agreement with Selene Communication Technologies, LLC
(“Selene”).
Selene owns a patent portfolio consisting of three United States patents in the field of search and network intrusion that relate to tools
for intelligent searches applied to data management systems as well as global information networks such as the internet. IP Nav will continue to
support and manage the portfolio of patents and retain a contingent participation interest in all recoveries. IP Nav provides patent monetization
and support services under an existing agreement with Selene.
Clouding Corp. Acquisition
On August 29, 2014, the Company entered into a patent purchase agreement to acquire a portfolio of patents from Clouding IP, LLC for
an aggregate purchase price of $2.4 million, of which $1.4 million was paid in cash and $1.0 million was paid in the form of a promissory note
issued by the Company that matures on October 31, 2014. The Company also issued 25,000 shares of its restricted common stock valued at
$281,000 in connection with the acquisition. Clouding IP, LLC is also entitled to certain possible future cash payments. Clouding IP LLC is
owned or controlled by Erich Spangenberg or family members or associates.
MedTech Acquisitions
On October 10, 2014, the Company entered into an interest sale agreement with MedTech Development, LLC (“MedTech”) to acquire
from MedTech 100% of the limited liability membership interests of OrthoPhoenix and TLIF as well as 100% of the shares of MedTech
GmbH. In connection with the transaction, the Company is obligated to pay to MedTech $1 million at closing and $1 million on each of the
following nine (9) month anniversary dates of the closing. The acquired subsidiaries are also obligated to make certain additional payments to
MedTech from recoveries following the receipt by the acquired subsidiaries of 200% of the purchase payments, plus recovery of out of pocket
expenses in connection with patent claims. The participation payments may be paid, at the election of the Company, in common stock of
Marathon at the market price on the date of issuance.
In connection with the transaction, the Company entered into a promissory note, common interest agreement and in the event of
issuance of common stock to MedTech, will enter into a lockup and registration rights agreement. Approximately forty-five (45%) of MedTech
is owned or controlled by Erich Spangenberg or family members or associates.
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ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
During the years ended December 31, 2014, and 2013, we engaged SingerLewak LLP and KBL, LLP, respectively, as our independent
auditor. For the years ended December 31, 2014, and 2013, we incurred fees as discussed below:
Audit fees
Audit – related fees
Tax fees
All other fees
Fiscal Year Ended
December 31,
2014
December 31,
2013
$
214,891 $
-
13,382
-
75,000
-
-
-
Audit fees consist of fees related to professional services rendered in connection with the audit of our annual financial statements. All
other fees relate to professional services rendered in connection with the review of the quarterly financial statements.
Our policy is to pre-approve all audit and permissible non-audit services performed by the independent accountants. These services may
include audit services, audit-related services, tax services and other services. Under our audit committee’s policy, pre-approval is generally
provided for particular services or categories of services, including planned services, project based services and routine consultations. In addition,
the audit committee may also pre-approve particular services on a case-by-case basis. Our audit committee approved all services that our
independent accountants provided to us in the past two fiscal years.
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ITEM 15. EXHIBITS
PART IV
Exhibit
No.
3.1
3.2
3.3
3.4
3.5
3.6
4.1
10.1
10.2
10.3
10.4
10.5
10.6
10.7
10.8
10.9
10.1
10.11
10.12
10.13
Description
Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of the Company (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Current Report
on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on December 9, 2011)
Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed
with the SEC on December 9, 2011)
Certificate of Amendment to Articles of Incorporation (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-
K filed with the SEC on February 20, 2013)
Certificate of Amendment to Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the
Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on February 20, 2013)
Certificate of Designations of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock of Marathon Patent Group, Inc. (Incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on May 7, 2014)
Certificate of Designations of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock of Marathon Patent Group, Inc. (Incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 3.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on May 7, 2014)
Form of Warrant Amendment Letter dated April 20, 2014 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Current Report on 8-K
filed with the SEC on April 24, 2014)
Employment Agreement between the Company and Doug Croxall (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s
Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on November 20, 2012)
Form of Indemnification Agreement between the Company and Doug Croxall (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the
Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on November 20, 2012)
Form of Subscription Agreement (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed
with the SEC on December 28, 2012)
Form of Warrant (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on
December 28, 2012)
Form of Registration Rights Agreement (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-
K, filed with the SEC on December 28, 2012)
Employment Agreement between the Company and James Crawford dated March 1, 2013 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit
10.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on March 6, 2013)
Independent Director Agreement between the Company and William Rosellini dated March 8, 2013 (Incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on March 11, 2013)
Merger Agreement dated as of April 22, 2013 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on
Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on April 26, 2013)
Form of Promissory Note (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with
the SEC on April 26, 2013)
Form of Registration Rights Agreement (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-
K, filed with the SEC on April 26, 2013)
License Agreement (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC
on April 26, 2013)
Merger Agreement dated as of May 1, 2013 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form
8-K, filed with the SEC on May 3, 2013)
Form of Securities Purchase Agreement (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-
K, filed with the SEC on June 3, 2013)
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10.14
10.15
10.16
10.17
10.18
10.19
10.2
10.21
10.22
10.23
10.24
10.25
10.26
10.27
10.28
10.29
10.3
10.31
10.32
10.33
10.34
10.35
Form of Warrant (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC
on June 3, 2013)
Form of Registration Rights Agreement (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-
K, filed with the SEC on June 3, 2013)
Separation and Release Agreement between the Company and Nathaniel Bradley dated June 19, 2013 (Incorporated by reference
to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on June 24, 2013)
Lease Agreement by and between Westwood Gateway II LLC and the Company dated October 14, 2013 (Incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.54 to the Company’s Annual Report on 10-K, filed with the SEC on March 31, 2014)
Amendment No. 1 to the Executive Employment Agreement between the Company and Doug Croxall dated November 18, 2013
(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on November 22,
2013)
Executive Employment Agreement between the Company and Richard Raisig dated November 18, 2013 (Incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on November 22, 2013)
Consulting Agreement between the Company and Jeff Feinberg dated November 18, 2013 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit
10.3 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on November 22, 2013)
Consulting Agreement between the Company and Jeff Feinberg dated November 18, 2013 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit
10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on November 22, 2013)
Independent Director Agreement between the Company and Edward Kovalik dated April 14, 2014 (Incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on March 18, 2014)
Patent Purchase Agreement by and between Delphi Technologies, Inc. and Loopback Technologies, Inc. dated October 31, 2013
(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.55 to the Company’s Annual Report on 10-K, filed with the SEC on March 31, 2014)+
Form of Securities Purchase Agreement (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-
K, filed with the SEC on May 7, 2014)
Form of PIPE Warrant (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the
SEC on May 7, 2014)
Form of PIPE Registration Rights Agreement dated May 1, 2014 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s
Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on May 7, 2014)
Purchase Agreement between the Company, TechDev, SFF and DA Acquisition LLC dated May 2, 2014 (Incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on May 7, 2014)
Purchase Agreement the Company, Granicus, SFF and IP Liquidity Ventures Acquisition LLC dated May 2, 2014 (Incorporated
by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on May 7, 2014)
Purchase Agreement the Company, TechDev, SFF and Sarif Biomedical Acquisition LLC dated May 2, 2014 (Incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on May 7, 2014)
Pay Proceeds Agreement dated May 2, 2014 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to the Company’s Current Report on
Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on May 7, 2014)
Acquisition Registration Rights Agreement dated May 2, 2014 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to the Company’s
Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on May 7, 2014)
Promissory Note between the Company, TechDev and SFF dated May 2, 2014 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 to the
Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on May 7, 2014)
Promissory Note between the Company, Granicus and SFF dated May 2, 2014 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.10 to the
Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on May 7, 2014)
Promissory Note between the Company, TechDev and SFF dated May 2, 2014 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.11 to the
Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on May 7, 2014)
Executive Employment Agreement by and between Marathon Patent Group, Inc. and Francis Knuettel II dated May 15, 2014
(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on May 16, 2014)
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10.36
10.37
10.38
10.39
10.4
10.41
10.42
10.43
10.44
10.45
10.46
10.47
10.48
10.49
10.5
10.51
10.52
10.53
10.54
10.55
10.56
10.57
10.58
Patent rights agreement between the Company and RPX Corporation (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the
Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed with the SEC on May 15, 2014)
Patent license agreement between Relay IP, Inc. and RPX Corporation (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the
Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed with the SEC on May 15, 2014)
Patent license agreement between Sampo IP, LLC and RPX Corporation (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the
Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed with the SEC on May 15, 2014)
Patent Purchase Agreement between TeleCommunication Systems, Inc. and CRFD Research, Inc. dated September 26, 2013
(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.60 to the Company’s Annual Report on 10-K/A, filed with the SEC on May 30, 2014)
Patent Purchase Agreement between Intergraph Corporation and Vantage Point Technology, Inc. dated September 25, 2013
(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.61 to the Company’s Annual Report on 10-K/A, filed with the SEC on May 30, 2014)
Advisory Services Agreement between the Company and IP Navigation Group, LLC dated May 13, 2013 (Incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.62 to the Company’s Annual Report on 10-K/A, filed with the SEC on May 30, 2014)
Amendment to the Patent Purchase Agreement by and between Delphi Technologies, Inc. and Loopback Technologies, Inc. dated
December 16, 2013 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.59 to the Company’s Annual Report on 10-K/A, filed with the SEC
on June 12, 2014) +
Patent rights agreement between the Company and RPX Corporation. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the
Company’s Annual Report on 10-K/A, filed with the SEC on July 1, 2014)
Executive Employment Agreement by and between Marathon Patent Group, Inc. and Daniel Gelbtuch dated September 9, 2014
(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on 8-K, filed with the SEC on September 15, 2014)
Consulting Agreement by and between Marathon Patent Group, Inc. and GRQ Consultants, Inc. dated September 17, 2014
(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on 8-K, filed with the SEC on September 19, 2014)
Marathon Patent Group, Inc. 2014 Equity Incentive Plan, dated September 16, 2014 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to
the Company’s Current Report on 8-K, filed with the SEC on September 19, 2014)
Marathon Patent Group, Inc. 2014 Non-Employee Director Compensation Plan, as amended, dated September 16, 2014
(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Current Report on 8-K, filed with the SEC on September 19, 2014)
Executive Employment Agreement by and between Marathon Patent Group, Inc. and Umesh Jani dated October 31, 2014
(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on 8-K, filed with the SEC on November 6, 2014)
Executive Employment Agreement by and between Marathon Patent Group, Inc. and Rick Sanchez dated October 31, 2014
(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on 10-Q, filed with the SEC on November 12,
2014)
Patent Purchase Agreement by and between Marathon Patent Group, Inc., Clouding Corp. and Clouding IP, LLC dated August
29, 2014 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Company’s Current Report on 8-K, filed with the SEC on November
6, 2014)
Revenue Sharing and Securities Purchase Agreement by and among Marathon Patent Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries and DBD
Credit Funding LLC dated January 29, 2015 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on 8-
K, filed with the SEC on February 3, 2015) +
Note due July 29, 2018 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Current Report on 8-K, filed with the SEC
on February 3, 2015)
Warrant to Purchase Common Stock dated January 29, 2015 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s
Current Report on 8-K, filed with the SEC on February 3, 2015)
Subscription Agreement between Marathon Patent Group, Inc. and DBD Credit Funding LLC dated January 29, 2015
(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Company’s Current Report on 8-K, filed with the SEC on February 3, 2015)
Security Agreement by and among Marathon Patent Group, Inc. and certain of its subsidiaries and DBD Credit Funding LLC
dated January 29, 2015 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Company’s Current Report on 8-K, filed with the SEC
on February 3, 2015)
Patent Security Agreement by Marathon Patent Group, Inc. and certain of its subsidiaries in favor of DBD Credit Funding LLC
dated January 29, 2015 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the Company’s Current Report on 8-K, filed with the SEC
on February 3, 2015)
Lockup Agreement by and between DBD Credit Funding LLC and Marathon Patent Group, Inc. dated January 29, 2015
(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to the Company’s Current Report on 8-K, filed with the SEC on February 3, 2015)
Lockup Agreement by and between TechDev Holdings, LLC, Audrey Spangenberg, Erich Spangenberg, Granicus IP, LLC and
Marathon Patent Group, Inc. dated January 29, 2015 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to the Company’s Current Report
on 8-K, filed with the SEC on February 3, 2015)
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10.58
10.59
10.60
14.1
21.1
23.1
23.2
31.1
31.2
32.1
32.2
Lockup Agreement by and between TechDev Holdings, LLC, Audrey Spangenberg, Erich Spangenberg, Granicus IP, LLC and
Marathon Patent Group, Inc. dated January 29, 2015 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to the Company’s Current Report
on 8-K, filed with the SEC on February 3, 2015)
Patent License Agreement by and among Marathon Patent Group, Inc. and certain of its subsidiaries and DBD Credit Funding
LLC dated January 29, 2015 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 to the Company’s Current Report on 8-K, filed with the
SEC on February 3, 2015)
Guaranty Agreement by certain subsidiaries of Marathon Patent Group, Inc. in favor of DBD Credit Funding LLC dated January
29, 2015 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.10 to the Company’s Current Report on 8-K, filed with the SEC on February
3, 2015)
Code of Business Conduct and Ethics (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 14.1 to the Company’s Annual Report on 10-K, filed
with the SEC on March 31, 2014)
List of Subsidiaries *
Consent of SingerLewak LLP*
Consent of KBL, LLP*
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 *
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 *
Section 1350 Certification of the Chief Executive Officer *
Section 1350 Certification of the Chief Financial Officer *
* Filed herewith.
+ Portions of these exhibits have been omitted pursuant to a confidential treatment request. This exhibit omits the information subject to this
confidentiality request. Omitted portions have been filed separately with the SEC.
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Table of Contents
SIGNATURES
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 thereunto duly authorized.
Date: March 26, 2015
MARATHON PATENT GROUP, INC.
By: /s/ Doug Croxall
Name: Doug Croxall
Title: Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
By: /s/ Francis Knuettel II
Name: Francis Knuettel II
Title: Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on
behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
Signature
/s/ Doug Croxall
Doug Croxall
/s/ Francis Knuettel II
Francis Knuettel II
/s/ Richard Chernicoff
Richard Chernicoff
/s/ Edward Kovalik
Edward Kovalik
/s/ William Rosellini
William Rosellini
/s/ Richard Tyler
Richard Tyler
Title
Date
Chief Executive Officer and Chairman (Principal Executive Officer)
March 26, 2015
Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
March 26, 2015
Director
Director
Director
Director
March 26, 2015
March 26, 2015
March 26, 2015
March 26, 2015
LIST OF SUBSIDIARIES
Exhibit 21.1
Entity Name
Sampo IP, LLC
Relay IP, INC.
Cyberfone Systems LLC
Cyberfone Acquisition Corp.
Vantage Point Technology, Inc.
CRFD Research, Inc.
E2E Processing, Inc.
Loopback Technologies, Inc.
Loopback Technologies II, Inc.
Signal IP, Inc.
Hybrid Sequence IP, Inc.
PMC Acquisition LLC
Soems Acquisition Corp
IP Liquidity Ventures Acquisition LLC
IP Liquidity Ventures, LLC
Sarif Biomedical Acquisition LLC
Sarif Biomedical LLC
Selene Communication Technologies Acquisition LLC
Selene Communication Technologies, LLC
DA Acquisition LLC
Dynamic Advances, LLC
Clouding Corp.
TLI Acquisition Corp.
TLI Communications LLC
Medtech Group Acquisition Corp.
OrthoPhoenix, LLC
TLIF, LLC
MedTech GmbH
Secure Energy LLC
Bismarck IP Inc.
Traverse Technologies Corp.
Power Management Enterprises
State of Incorporation/formation
Virginia
Delaware
Texas
Texas
Texas
Delaware
Texas
Delaware
California
California
Delaware
Texas
Delaware
Delaware
Delaware
Delaware
Delaware
Delaware
Delaware
Texas
Texas
Delaware
Virginia
Virgina
Texas
Delaware
Texas
German
North Dakota
Delaware
Texas
Texas
Ownership
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
We consent to the incorporation by reference in Registration Statement (No. 333-198569, No. 333-196994, and No. 333-200394) on Form S-3
of Marathon Patent Group, Inc. and subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company”) of our report dated March 26, 2015, relating to our audit of the
consolidated financial statements, which appears in this Annual Report on Form 10-K of the Company for the year ended December 31, 2014.
Exhibit 23.1
SingerLewak LLP
/S/ SingerLewak LLP
Los Angeles, California
March 26, 2015
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement of Marathon Patent Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries on Form S-3, as
amended (File No. 333-198569, File No. 333-196994, and File No. 333-200394) of our report dated March 25, 2015, with respect to our audits
of the consolidated financial statements of Marathon Patent Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries for the year ended December 31, 2013, which report
is included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Marathon Patent Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries for the year ended December 31, 2014 filed on
or about March 25, 2015.
Exhibit 23.2
KBL, LLP
/S/ KBL, LLP
New York, NY
March 26, 2015
March 26, 2015
CERTIFICATION OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICER AND
PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL AND ACCOUNTING OFFICER
PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE
SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
I, Doug Croxall, certify that:
1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Marathon Patent Group, Inc.;
Exhibit 31.1
2. Based on my knowledge, this annual report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material
fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to
the period covered by this annual report;
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this annual report, fairly present
in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in
this annual report;
4. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures
(as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal controls over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules
13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
a)
b)
c)
d)
designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and
procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating
to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within
those entities, particularly for the period in which this annual report is being prepared;
designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over
financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance
regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for
external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented
in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and
procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation;
disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting
that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is
reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting;
5. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation, to the registrant’s auditors
and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent function):
a) all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal controls which are
reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
b) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the
registrant’s internal controls over financial reporting.
Dated: March 26, 2015
By:
/s/ Doug Croxall
Doug Croxall
Chief Executive Officer and Chairman (Principal Executive Officer)
CERTIFICATION OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICER AND
PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL AND ACCOUNTING OFFICER
PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE
SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
I, Francis Knuettel II, certify that:
1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Marathon Patent Group, Inc.;
Exhibit 31.2
2. Based on my knowledge, this annual report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material
fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to
the period covered by this annual report;
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this annual report, fairly present
in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in
this annual report;
4. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures
(as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal controls over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules
13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
a)
b)
c)
d)
designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and
procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating
to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within
those entities, particularly for the period in which this annual report is being prepared;
designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over
financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance
regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for
external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented
in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and
procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation;
disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting
that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is
reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting;
5. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation, to the registrant’s auditors
and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent function):
a) all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal controls which are
reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
b) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the
registrant’s internal controls over financial reporting.
Dated: March 26, 2015
By:
/s/ Francis Knuettel II
Francis Knuettel II
Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
Exhibit 32.1
In connection with the Annual Report of Marathon Patent Group, Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 10-K for the period ended
December 31, 2014 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), Doug Croxall, Chief Executive
Officer and Chairman (Principal Executive Officer) of the Company, certifies, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. section 1350 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of
2002, that:
(1)
(2)
The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934; and
The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and
results of operations of the Company.
Date: March 26, 2015
By: /s/ Doug Croxall
Doug Croxall
Chief Executive Officer and Chairman (Principal Executive
Officer)
A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906, or other document authenticating, acknowledging, or otherwise adopting the
signature that appears in typed form within the electronic version of this written statement has been provided to the Company and will be retained
by the Company and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
Exhibit 32.2
In connection with the Annual Report of Marathon Patent Group, Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 10-K for the period ended
December 31, 2014 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), Francis Knuettel II, Chief Financial
Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) of the Company, certifies, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. section 1350 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of
2002, that:
(1)
(2)
The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934; and
The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and
results of operations of the Company.
Date: March 26, 2015
By: /s/ Francis Knuettel II
Francis Knuettel II
Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting
Officer)
A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906, or other document authenticating, acknowledging, or otherwise adopting the
signature that appears in typed form within the electronic version of this written statement has been provided to the Company and will be retained
by the Company and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.
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