mara10k_dec312014.htm
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
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01-0949984
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(State or other jurisdiction of Incorporation or organization)
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(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
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11100 Santa Monica Blvd. Ste. 380, Los Angeles, CA
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90025
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(Address of principal executive offices)
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(Zip Code)
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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 |
The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC |
(Title of class) |
(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 |
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Accelerated filer |
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Non-accelerated filer (Do not check if a smaller reporting company) |
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Smaller reporting company |
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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.
MARATHON PATENT GROUP, INC.
FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS
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:
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The uncertainty of profitability;
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Risks related to failure to obtain adequate financing on a timely basis and on acceptable terms; and
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Other risks and uncertainties related to our business plan and business strategy.
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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.
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.
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.
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
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Number of Patents
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Earliest Expiration Date
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Median Expiration Date
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Latest Expiration Date
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Subject Matter
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Bismarck IP Inc.
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14
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09/15/16
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09/15/15
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01/22/18
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Communication and PBX equipment
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Clouding Corp.
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70
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Expired
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10/05/21
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03/29/29
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Network and data management
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CRFD Research, Inc.
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4
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09/17/21
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08/11/22
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08/19/23
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Web page content translator and device-to-device transfer system
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Cyberfone Systems, LLC
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38
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Expired
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09/15/15
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11/11/17
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Telephony and data transactions
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Dynamic Advances, LLC
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4
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Expired
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10/02/17
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03/06/23
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Natural language interface
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E2E Processing, Inc.
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4
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04/27/20
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11/17/23
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07/18/24
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Manufacturing schedules using adaptive learning
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Hybrid Sequence IP, Inc.
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2
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11/14/15
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09/09/16
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07/17/17
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Asynchronous communications
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IP Liquidity Ventures, LLC
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6
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Expired
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06/06/15
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07/26/20
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Pharmaceuticals / tire pressure systems
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Loopback Technologies, Inc.
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10
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Expired
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09/25/17
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08/27/22
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Automotive
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Medtech Group Acquisition Corp.
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169
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Expired
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06/01/18
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07/29/29
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Medical technology
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Relay IP, Inc.
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1
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Expired
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Expired
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Expired
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Multicasting
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Sampo IP, LLC
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3
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03/13/18
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03/13/18
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11/16/23
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Centrifugal communications
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Sarif Biomedical LLC
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5
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Expired
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Expired
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Expired
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Microsurgery equipment
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Selene Communication Technologies, LLC
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3
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05/05/18
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11/23/20
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11/28/21
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Communications
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Signal IP, Inc.
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7
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03/10/14
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12/01/15
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08/06/22
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Automotive
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TLI Communications, LLC
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1
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06/17/17
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06/17/17
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06/17/17
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Telecommunications
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Vantage Point Technology, Inc.
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37
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Expired
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12/21/16
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03/09/18
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Computer networking and operations
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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 |
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District of Delaware |
25 |
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Eastern District of Texas |
18 |
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Central District of California |
12 |
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Northern District of California |
8 |
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Eastern District of Michigan |
2 |
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Northern District of New York |
1 |
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Foreign |
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Germany |
11 |
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Research and Development
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.
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.
In addition, the acquisition of patent portfolios is subject to a number of risks, including, but not limited to the following:
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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;
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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
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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.
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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.
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.
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:
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patent applications we may file may not result in issued patents or may take longer than we expect to result in issued patents;
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we may be subject to interference proceedings;
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we may be subject to opposition proceedings in the U.S. or foreign countries;
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any patents that are issued to us may not provide meaningful protection;
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we may not be able to develop additional proprietary technologies that are patentable;
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other companies may challenge patents issued to us;
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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;
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other companies may design around technologies we have developed; and
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enforcement of our patents would be complex, uncertain and very expensive.
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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.
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:
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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;
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difficulty integrating the operations, technology and personnel of the acquired entity;
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our inability to achieve the anticipated financial and other benefits of the specific acquisition;
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difficulty in maintaining controls, procedures and policies during the transition and monetization process;
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diversion of our management’s attention from other business concerns; and
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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.
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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.
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.
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.
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;
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issued trademarks, copyrights, or patents may not provide us with any competitive advantages when compared to potentially infringing other properties;
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our efforts to protect our intellectual property rights may not be effective in preventing misappropriation of our technology; or
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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.
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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.
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.
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;
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make us more vulnerable to general adverse economic and industry conditions;
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limit our ability to obtain additional financing for working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions and other general corporate requirements;
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expose us to interest rate fluctuations because the interest rate on the debt under the Credit Facility is variable;
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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;
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limit our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business and the industry in which we operate; and
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place us at a competitive disadvantage compared to competitors that may have proportionately less debt and greater financial resources.
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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;
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increased operating costs;
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competitive conditions; and
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other operating difficulties.
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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.
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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dispose assets outside the ordinary course of business; and
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make fundamental business changes.
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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.
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;
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stockholders’ equity of $2.5 million;
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500,000 shares of publicly-held Common Stock with a market value of at least $1 million;
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300 round-lot stockholders; and
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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.
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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.
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;
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competitive pricing pressures;
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our ability to obtain working capital financing;
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additions or departures of key personnel;
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sales of our Common Stock;
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our ability to execute our business plan;
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operating results that fall below expectations;
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loss of any strategic relationship;
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regulatory developments; and
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economic and other external factors.
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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.
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.
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.
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 |
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District of Delaware |
25 |
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Eastern District of Texas |
18 |
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Central District of California |
12 |
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Northern District of California |
8 |
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Eastern District of Michigan |
2 |
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Northern District of New York |
1 |
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Foreign |
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Germany |
11 |
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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.
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.
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.
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Fiscal 2015
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First quarter through March 18, 2015
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Holders
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.
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:
Plan category
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Number of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstnading options, warrants and rights
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Weighted-average exercise price of outstanding options, warrants and rights
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Number of securities remaining available for future issuance under equity compenstion plans (excluding secutrities reflected in Column (a)
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Equity compensation plans approved by security holders
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1,538,462 |
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$ |
3.26 |
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- |
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Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders
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1,208,285 |
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$ |
6.15 |
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1,791,715 |
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Total
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2,746,747 |
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$ |
4.53 |
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1,791,715 |
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
|
|
License Amount
|
|
|
% of Revenue
|
|
|
Licensor
|
|
License Amount
|
|
|
% of Revenue
|
|
Clouding Corp.
|
|
$ |
10,500,000 |
|
|
|
49 |
% |
|
Cyberfone Systems, LLC
|
|
$ |
1,175,000 |
|
|
|
34 |
% |
Selene Communication Technologies, LLC
|
|
$ |
2,900,000 |
|
|
|
14 |
% |
|
Cyberfone Systems, LLC
|
|
$ |
250,000 |
|
|
|
7 |
% |
CRFD
|
|
$ |
2,800,000 |
|
|
|
13 |
% |
|
Cyberfone Systems, LLC
|
|
$ |
250,000 |
|
|
|
7 |
% |
Relay
|
|
$ |
1,750,000 |
|
|
|
8 |
% |
|
Cyberfone Systems, LLC
|
|
$ |
250,000 |
|
|
|
7 |
% |
IP Liquidity
|
|
$ |
937,500 |
|
|
|
4 |
% |
|
Cyberfone Systems, LLC
|
|
$ |
200,000 |
|
|
|
6 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
|
88 |
% |
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
|
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:
|
|
Total Operating Expenses
|
|
|
|
For the Year Ended December 31, 2014
|
|
|
For the Year Ended December 31, 2013
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amortization of intangibles and depreciation
|
|
|
5,528,280 |
|
|
|
1,038,505 |
|
Compensation and related taxes
|
|
|
3,904,462 |
|
|
|
2,997,053 |
|
Consulting fees
|
|
|
2,134,672 |
|
|
|
901,686 |
|
Professional fees
|
|
|
1,566,375 |
|
|
|
655,202 |
|
Other general and administrative
|
|
|
545,475 |
|
|
|
544,338 |
|
Loss on impairment of goodwill
|
|
|
2,144,488 |
|
|
|
- |
|
Total
|
|
|
15,823,752 |
|
|
|
6,136,784 |
|
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:
|
|
Non-Cash Operating Expenses
|
|
|
|
For the Year Ended December 31, 2014
|
|
|
For the Year Ended December 31, 2013
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amortization of intangibles and depreciation
|
|
|
5,528,280 |
|
|
|
1,038,505 |
|
Compensation and related taxes
|
|
|
1,751,034 |
|
|
|
1,493,512 |
|
Consulting fees
|
|
|
1,536,603 |
|
|
|
613,303 |
|
Professional fees
|
|
|
5,750 |
|
|
|
12,458 |
|
Other general and administrative
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
Loss on impairment of goodwill
|
|
|
2,144,488 |
|
|
|
- |
|
Total
|
|
|
10,966,155 |
|
|
|
3,157,778 |
|
Amortization of patents
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.
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.
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.
|
|
For the Year Ended December 31, 2014
|
|
|
For the Year Ended December 31, 2013
|
|
Revenues - Real Estate
|
|
$ |
- |
|
|
$ |
1,270,916 |
|
Cost of Sales - Real Estate
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
(1,064,320 |
) |
Gross Profit
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
206,596 |
|
Operating and other non-operating expenses
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
(111,352 |
) |
Gain on sale of assets of discontinued operations
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
168,216 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income from discontinued operations
|
|
$ |
- |
|
|
$ |
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.
|
|
For the Year Ended December 31, 2014
|
|
|
For the Year Ended December 31, 2013
|
|
Net loss attributable to Common Shareholders
|
|
$ |
(3,153,615 |
) |
|
$ |
(3,713,795 |
) |
Income from discontinued operations
|
|
$ |
- |
|
|
$ |
263,460 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Denominator
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Denomintor for basic and diluted loss per share
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(weighted-average shares)
|
|
|
11,660,879 |
|
|
|
9,208,386 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Earnings (Loss) per common share, basic and diluted:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income (Loss) from continuing operations
|
|
$ |
(0.27 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.40 |
) |
Income from discontinued operations
|
|
$ |
- |
|
|
$ |
0.03 |
|
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:
|
|
For The Yead Ended December 31, 2014
|
|
|
For The Yead Ended December 31, 2013
|
|
Net loss attributable to Common Shareholders
|
|
|
(3,153,615 |
) |
|
|
(3,450,335 |
) |
Non-GAAP
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amortization of intangible assets & depreciation
|
|
|
5,528,280 |
|
|
|
1,038,505 |
|
Equity-based compensation
|
|
|
3,293,387 |
|
|
|
2,119,273 |
|
Beneficial conversion option
|
|
|
1,271,492 |
|
|
|
- |
|
Impairment of goodwill
|
|
|
2,144,488 |
|
|
|
- |
|
Deferred tax benefit
|
|
|
(4,913,232 |
) |
|
|
- |
|
Non-GAAP profit (loss)
|
|
|
4,170,800 |
|
|
|
(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.
|
|
For the Year Ended December 31, 2014
|
|
|
For the Year Ended December 31, 2013
|
|
Non-GAAP net income (loss)
|
|
$ |
4,170,800 |
|
|
$ |
(292,557 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Denominator
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Denomintor for basic and diluted loss per share
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(weighted-average shares)
|
|
|
11,660,879 |
|
|
|
9,208,386 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-GAAP earnings (Loss) per common share, basic and diluted:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-GAAP income (Loss) from continuing operations
|
|
$ |
0.36 |
|
|
$ |
(0.03 |
) |
Liquidity and Capital Resources
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.
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.
MARATHON PATENT GROUP, INC.
DECEMBER 31, 2014
Index to Consolidated Financial Statements
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.
SingerLewak LLP
Los Angeles, California
March 26, 2015
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
MARATHON PATENT GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
|
December 31,
2014
|
|
|
December 31,
2013
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ASSETS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current assets:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash
|
|
$ |
5,082,569 |
|
|
$ |
3,610,262 |
|
Accounts receivable - net
|
|
|
216,997 |
|
|
|
270,000 |
|
Marketable securities - available for sale securities
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
6,250 |
|
Bonds posted with courts
|
|
|
1,946,196 |
|
|
|
- |
|
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
|
|
|
438,391 |
|
|
|
752,931 |
|
Total current assets
|
|
|
7,684,153 |
|
|
|
4,639,443 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other assets:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Property and equipment, net
|
|
|
53,828 |
|
|
|
13,640 |
|
Intangible assets, net
|
|
|
43,363,832 |
|
|
|
6,157,659 |
|
Deferred tax assets
|
|
|
4,952,309 |
|
|
|
- |
|
Goodwill
|
|
|
3,432,308 |
|
|
|
2,144,488 |
|
Total other assets
|
|
|
51,802,277 |
|
|
|
8,315,787 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Assets
|
|
$ |
59,486,430 |
|
|
$ |
12,955,230 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current liabilities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
|
|
$ |
3,293,746 |
|
|
$ |
754,945 |
|
Clouding IP earn out - current portion
|
|
|
2,092,000 |
|
|
|
- |
|
Notes payable
|
|
|
17,085,000 |
|
|
|
- |
|
Total current liabilities
|
|
|
22,470,746 |
|
|
|
754,945 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Long-term liabilities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Convertible Notes, net of discount of $146,935
|
|
|
5,403,065 |
|
|
|
- |
|
Clouding IP earn out
|
|
|
7,360,000 |
|
|
|
- |
|
Total long-term liabilities
|
|
|
12,763,065 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Liabilities of discontinued operations
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
30,664 |
|
Total liabilities
|
|
|
35,233,811 |
|
|
|
785,609 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stockholders' Equity:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Preferred stock Series B, $.0001 par value, 50,000,000 shares authorized: 932,000 and 0 issued and outstanding at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013
|
|
|
93 |
|
|
|
- |
|
Common stock, ($.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
|
|
|
1,379 |
|
|
|
1,098 |
|
Additional paid-in capital
|
|
|
36,977,169 |
|
|
|
22,673,287 |
|
Accumulated other comprehensive income <loss>
|
|
|
(388,357 |
) |
|
|
(6,250 |
) |
Accumulated deficit
|
|
|
(12,337,665 |
) |
|
|
(10,488,018 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Marathon Patent Group, Inc. equity
|
|
|
24,252,619 |
|
|
|
12,180,117 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-controlling interest in subsidiary
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
(10,496 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total stockholders' equity
|
|
|
24,252,619 |
|
|
|
12,169,621 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
|
|
$ |
59,486,430 |
|
|
$ |
12,955,230 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part to these audited consolidated financial statements.
MARATHON PATENT GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
|
FOR THE
YEAR
|
|
|
FOR THE
YEAR
|
|
|
ENDED
|
|
|
ENDED
|
|
|
December 31, 2014
|
|
|
December 31, 2013
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenues
|
|
$ |
21,404,469 |
|
|
$ |
3,418,371 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Expenses
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cost of revenues
|
|
|
11,787,445 |
|
|
|
957,040 |
|
Amortization of patents and website
|
|
|
5,528,280 |
|
|
|
1,038,505 |
|
Compensation and related taxes
|
|
|
3,904,462 |
|
|
|
2,997,053 |
|
Consulting fees
|
|
|
2,134,672 |
|
|
|
901,686 |
|
Professional fees
|
|
|
1,566,375 |
|
|
|
655,202 |
|
General and administrative
|
|
|
545,475 |
|
|
|
544,338 |
|
Loss on impairment of goodwill
|
|
|
2,144,488 |
|
|
|
- |
|
Total operating expenses
|
|
|
27,611,197 |
|
|
|
7,093,824 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating loss from continuing operations
|
|
|
(6,206,727 |
) |
|
|
(3,675,453 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other income (expenses)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other expense
|
|
|
(52,228 |
) |
|
|
- |
|
Realized loss - available for sale
|
|
|
6,250 |
|
|
|
(38,819 |
) |
Interest income
|
|
|
634 |
|
|
|
1,552 |
|
Interest expense
|
|
|
(543,283 |
) |
|
|
(1,075 |
) |
Total other income (expenses)
|
|
|
(588,627 |
) |
|
|
(38,342 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loss from continuing operations before benefit from income taxes
|
|
|
(6,795,354 |
) |
|
|
(3,713,795 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income tax benefit
|
|
|
4,913,232 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loss from continuing operations
|
|
|
(1,882,123 |
) |
|
|
(3,713,795 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
263,460 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Loss
|
|
|
(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
|
|
|
(3,153,615 |
) |
|
|
(3,450,335 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loss per common share, basic and diluted:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loss from continuing operations
|
|
$ |
(0.16 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.40 |
) |
Income from discontinued operations
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
0.03 |
|
|
|
$ |
(0.16 |
) |
|
$ |
(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.
|
|
MARATHON PATENT GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
|
For the
year ended
|
|
For the
year ended
|
|
|
December 31,
2014
|
|
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
|
|
|
(388,357 |
) |
|
|
- |
|
Realized loss (Unrealized loss) on investment securities, available for sale
|
|
|
6,250 |
|
|
|
(6,250 |
) |
Comprehensive loss attributable to Marathon Patent Group, Inc.
|
|
$ |
(3,535,722 |
) |
|
$ |
(3,456,585 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part to these audited consolidated financial statements.
|
|
MARATHON PATENT GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
|
|
Preferred Stock/Units
|
|
|
Common Stock
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accumulated
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
|
|
|
Total Stockholders'
Equity (Deficit)
|
|
|
|
Shares
|
|
|
Par Value
|
|
|
Shares
|
|
|
Par Value
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
BALANCE – Dec 31, 2012
|
|
|
- |
|
|
$ |
- |
|
|
|
7,007,130 |
|
|
$ |
704 |
|
|
$ |
10,976,325 |
|
|
$ |
(7,037,134 |
) |
|
$ |
- |
|
|
$ |
3,939,543 |
|
Stock issued compensation expense
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
431,672 |
|
|
|
42 |
|
|
|
1,110,834 |
|
|
|
(21 |
) |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
1,110,855 |
|
Restricted stock compensation expense
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
570,000 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
570,000 |
|
Stock option compensation expense
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
1,122,412 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
1,122,412 |
|
Services paid in warrants
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
117,796 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
117,796 |
|
Common stock issued for cash
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
2,317,308 |
|
|
|
230 |
|
|
|
5,777,481 |
|
|
|
(115 |
) |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
5,777,596 |
|
Common stock issued in acquisition
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
1,223,076 |
|
|
|
122 |
|
|
|
2,998,439 |
|
|
|
(61 |
) |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
2,998,500 |
|
Marketable Securities available for sale
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
(6,250 |
) |
|
|
(6,250 |
) |
Net Loss
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
(3,450,335 |
) |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
(3,450,335 |
) |
BALANCE – December 31, 2013
|
|
|
- |
|
|
$ |
- |
|
|
|
10,979,186 |
|
|
$ |
1,098 |
|
|
$ |
22,673,287 |
|
|
$ |
(10,488,018 |
) |
|
$ |
(6,250 |
) |
|
$ |
12,180,117 |
|
Write-off of marketable securities / discontinued assets
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
32,662 |
|
|
|
6,250 |
|
|
|
38,912 |
|
Stock compensation expense
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
2,203,222 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
2,203,222 |
|
Common stock issued in acquisition
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
185,000 |
|
|
|
19 |
|
|
|
2,078,781 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
2,078,800 |
|
Exercise of stock option and warrants
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
107,814 |
|
|
|
11 |
|
|
|
249,213 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
249,224 |
|
Consulting services paid in warrants
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
41,576 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
41,576 |
|
Warrant issued in conjunction with convertible debt
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
164,020 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
164,020 |
|
Currency translation loss
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
(388,357 |
) |
|
|
(388,357 |
) |
Adjustment resulting from stock dividend and other
|
|
|
466,000 |
|
|
|
47 |
|
|
|
1,495,881 |
|
|
|
149 |
|
|
|
(6 |
) |
|
|
(186 |
) |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
4 |
|
Series A preferred stock
|
|
|
1,000,502 |
|
|
|
100 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
6,238,164 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
6,238,264 |
|
Series A preferred stock compensation
|
|
|
23,077 |
|
|
|
2 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
149,998 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
150,000 |
|
Common stock issued upon conversion of series A preferred stock |
|
|
1,023,579 |
|
|
|
(102 |
) |
|
|
1,023,579 |
|
|
|
102 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
Series B preferred stock
|
|
|
466,000 |
|
|
|
46 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
3,178,914 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
3,178,960 |
|
Beneficial conversion feature
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
1,271,492 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
1,271,492 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
(1,271,492 |
) |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
(1,271,492 |
) |
Net Loss
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
(1,882,123 |
) |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
(1,882,123 |
) |
BALANCE – December 31, 2014
|
|
|
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.
MARATHON PATENT GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, 2014
|
|
|
December 31, 2013
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash flows from operating activities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net loss
|
|
$ |
(3,153,615 |
) |
|
$ |
(3,450,335 |
) |
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation
|
|
|
6,233 |
|
|
|
3,360 |
|
Amortization of intangible assets
|
|
|
5,522,047 |
|
|
|
1,038,505 |
|
Non-cash equity compensation
|
|
|
3,293,388 |
|
|
|
2,178,894 |
|
Impairment of Goodwill
|
|
|
2,144,488 |
|
|
|
- |
|
Deemed Series A dividend beneficial conversion
|
|
|
1,271,492 |
|
|
|
- |
|
Deferred tax asset
|
|
|
(1,774,807 |
) |
|
|
- |
|
Income tax benefit
|
|
|
(3,177,502 |
) |
|
|
- |
|
Non-cash revenue
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
(1,700,000 |
) |
Non-cash other income
|
|
|
(3,930 |
) |
|
|
6,250 |
|
Realized loss - available for sale
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
38,819 |
|
Gain on sale of assets of discontinued operations
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
(168,216 |
) |
Other non-cash adjustments
|
|
|
73,866 |
|
|
|
(6,250 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Changes in operating assets and liabilities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts receivable
|
|
|
110,053 |
|
|
|
(270,000 |
) |
Assets of discontinued operations - current portion
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
82,145 |
|
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
|
|
|
(400,471 |
) |
|
|
29,571 |
|
Bonds posted with courts
|
|
|
(1,946,196 |
) |
|
|
- |
|
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
|
|
|
2,488,528 |
|
|
|
697,787 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
|
|
|
4,453,574 |
|
|
|
(1,519,470 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash flows from investing activities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Acquisition of patents
|
|
|
(7,816,832 |
) |
|
|
(3,150,000 |
) |
Acquisition of CyberFone
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
(1,000,000 |
) |
Purchase of property, equipment, and other intangible assets
|
|
|
(52,963 |
) |
|
|
(17,000 |
) |
Proceeds received from sale of marketable securities
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
129,397 |
|
Sale of real estate property (discontinued operations)
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
1,052,320 |
|
Capitalized cost related to improvements of real estate property (discontinued operations)
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
(16,750 |
) |
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
|
|
|
(7,869,795 |
) |
|
|
(3,002,033 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash flows from financing activities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Payable in connection with the acquisition of TLI
|
|
|
50,000 |
|
|
|
- |
|
Payment on note payable in connection with the acquisition of IP Liquidity
|
|
|
(1,215,625 |
) |
|
|
- |
|
Proceeds from a note payable in connection with the acquisition of Cyberfone Systems, LLC
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
500,000 |
|
Payment on note payable in connection with the acquisition of Cyberfone Systems, LLC
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
(500,000 |
) |
Payment on note payable in connection with the acquisition of Dynamic Advances
|
|
|
(225,625 |
) |
|
|
- |
|
Payment on note payable in connection with the acquisition of Sarif
|
|
|
(23,750 |
) |
|
|
- |
|
Payment on note payable in connection with the acquisition of Medtech
|
|
|
(2,000,000 |
) |
|
|
- |
|
Payment on note payable in connection with the acquisition of Clouding
|
|
|
(1,000,000 |
) |
|
|
- |
|
Payment on earn-out connected to the acquisition of Clouding
|
|
|
(2,883,960 |
) |
|
|
- |
|
Cash received upon issuance of convertible debt securities
|
|
|
5,550,000 |
|
|
|
- |
|
Proceeds from sale of preferred and common stock, net of issuance costs
|
|
|
6,388,266 |
|
|
|
5,777,596 |
|
Cash received upon exercise of warrant
|
|
|
249,222 |
|
|
|
- |
|
Net cash provided by financing activities
|
|
|
4,888,528 |
|
|
|
5,777,596 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net increase in cash
|
|
|
1,472,307 |
|
|
|
1,256,093 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash at beginning of period
|
|
|
3,610,262 |
|
|
|
2,354,169 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash at end of period
|
|
$ |
5,082,569 |
|
|
$ |
3,610,262 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash paid for:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest expense and loan fees
|
|
$ |
543,283 |
|
|
$ |
1,075 |
|
Taxes paid
|
|
$ |
39,078 |
|
|
$ |
- |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF NON-CASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common stock issued in connection with the acquisition of Cyberfone Systems, LLC
|
|
$ |
- |
|
|
$ |
2,280,000 |
|
Common stock issued for the acquisition of patents
|
|
$ |
- |
|
|
$ |
718,500 |
|
Common stock issued in connection with the acquisition of Clouding Corp
|
|
$ |
281,000 |
|
|
$ |
- |
|
Earn-out liability in connection with the acquisition of Clouding Corp
|
|
$ |
9,452,000 |
|
|
$ |
- |
|
Common stock granted in connection with the acquisition of TLI Communications, LLC
|
|
$ |
817,800 |
|
|
$ |
- |
|
Series B Preferred stock issued in connection with the acquisition of Dynamic Advances LLC
|
|
$ |
1,403,690 |
|
|
$ |
- |
|
Series B Convertible Preferred Stock issued in connection with the acquisition of Dynamic Advances LLC and IP Liquidity Ventures, LLC
|
|
$ |
2,087,380 |
|
|
$ |
- |
|
Common stock issued in connection with the acquisition of Selene Communication Technologies
|
|
$ |
980,000 |
|
|
$ |
- |
|
Value of warrants pertaining to equity issuance
|
|
$ |
11,595 |
|
|
$ |
- |
|
Value of warrants pertaining to convertible debt issuance
|
|
$ |
146,935 |
|
|
$ |
- |
|
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
|
|
$ |
14,000,000 |
|
|
$ |
- |
|
Issuance of common stock issued for prepaid services
|
|
$ |
(298,301 |
) |
|
|