GoTo-in-a-Box Agreement - Microsoft Corp. and GoTo.com Inc.
GOTO-IN-A-BOX AGREEMENT
This GoTo-in-a-Box Agreement (the "Agreement") is entered into and effective as
of April 15, 2001, by and between MICROSOFT CORPORATION, a Washington
corporation, located at One Microsoft Way, Redmond, WA 98052 ("Microsoft") and
GOTO.COM, INC., a Delaware corporation located at 74 N. Pasadena Avenue, Third
Floor, Pasadena, CA 91103 ("Company").
RECITALS
Company owns and makes available to Internet users a search service enabling Web
users to conduct searches to locate information on the Internet.
Microsoft wishes to provide its end-users of the MSN Search Pane the ability to
access Company's Search Service in accordance with the terms and conditions of
this Agreement.
AGREEMENT
1. DEFINITIONS
1.1 "Baseline Click Through Rate" means the greater of (i) [*] and (ii) [*]
of the Trial Period Click Through Rate. Both parties shall mutually
determine and confirm in writing the Baseline Click Through Rate anytime
before the entering into the GTIAB Term. If the parties agree to enter
into the Enhanced Placement as set forth in Exhibit A Section C (or as
otherwise agreed between the parties), the Baseline Click Through Rate
shall be adjusted to [*].
1.2 "Click Through" means an end-user action associated with clicking on
Company Search Results on the MSN Search Pane.
1.3 "Click Through Rate" means the percentage of Queries that end-users
click on Company Search Results, measured over a [*] period.
1.4 "Company Search Results" mean the results that Company Search Service
returns in response to an end-user Query.
1.5 "Effective Date" means April 15, 2001.
1.6 "GoTo-in-a-Box (GTIAB) Term" means the twelve (12) month period
commencing upon July 1, 2001, following the completion of the Trial
Period Term, during which Microsoft will provide [*] Queries
("Guaranteed Queries"). If Microsoft does not deliver all of the Trial
Period Guaranteed Queries during the Trial Period, and if the parties
choose to commence the GTIAB Term, then the under-delivered Trial Period
Guaranteed Queries will be added to the Guaranteed Queries.
1.7 "Gross Revenue" means all amounts recognized by Company for Click
Throughs immediately after an end-user performs a search or initiates a
Query, less (i) credit card charges, (ii) bad debt (which shall not
exceed [*]% of the total amount recognized by Company for Click
Throughs) and (iii) any refunds Company pays to its advertisers.
1.8 "IE 4.x or 5.x" means the United States versions of Microsoft Internet
Explorer version 4.0 or 5.0 as applicable and any subsequent updates to
such versions, and any other version (and update thereto) of Microsoft
Internet Explorer released during the Term that offers any MSN Search
Pane (except for versions that offer Search Services that are
exclusively provided by and branded by other third
* Certain information on this page has been omitted and filed separately with
the Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the
omitted portions.
Company Search Services Agreement
Page 1
<PAGE>
parties).
1.9 "Impression" means an end-user visible exposure of the MSN Search Pane.
1.10 "Look and Feel" means the general appearance and operation of the MSN
Search Pane.
1.11 "MSN Search Pane" means an MSN-branded Search Pane that all Search Pane
users use except those who were assigned to an alternative search
provider or chose an alternative search provider. The MSN Search Pane
exhibits functionality exclusively determined by MSN as is shown in
Exhibit A.
1.12 "Paid Search Results" mean Company Search Results paid for by Company's
advertisers.
1.13 "Primary Web Site" means the Company Web site currently located at the
URL http://www.goto.com, or any successor site thereof.
1.14 "Restricted Terms" mean terms related to adult content for which Company
will not return Company Search Results.
1.15 "Query" means an end-user action associated with clicking on a space
provided for submitting a search on the MSN Search Pane. The end-user
action may be preceded by the insertion of text into a space provided
for such a purpose. For the avoidance of doubt, searches performed by a
bot, macro program, Internet agent or other automated means are not
associated with an end-user action and therefore do not constitute a
Query.
1.16 "Search Button" means the button featured as part of IE 4.x or 5.x that
is accessible to end-users and is labeled "Search" (or similar term) or
such other successor features implemented by Microsoft which provide a
similar function.
1.17 "Search Pane" means the section within the Web page that is delivered to
end-users when they click the Search Button contained within IE 4.x and
5.x. The Search Pane contains all its elements within a vertical
rectangle 200 pixels wide by 430 pixels tall (the default size of the
IE4 and IE 5 Panes). The Pane is a very small space, and is intended to
be as functional as possible.
1.18 "Search Service" means a service that performs searches of a database of
URLs and/or the Internet based on requests submitted over the Internet.
1.19 "Term" means the period during which Microsoft will deliver Queries to
Company, commencing on the Effective Date and continuing through (i) the
Trial Period Term or (ii) the GTIAB Term if the parties mutually agree
to extend as set forth in Section 2.3, unless earlier terminated or
extended as provided in this Agreement.
1.20 "Trademarks" means Company's Search Service logos as set forth on
Exhibit C and the Company trade names that are owned by or licensed to
Company and provided by Company to Microsoft under this Agreement.
1.21 "Trial Period Click Through Rate" means the percentage of Queries that
end-users click on Company Search Results over the Trial Period Term.
1.22 "Trial Period Term" means the initial period commencing upon the
Effective Date and ending June 30, 2001, during which time Microsoft
will provide [*] Queries ("Trial Period Guaranteed Queries").
* Certain information on this page has been omitted and filed separately with
the Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the
omitted portions.
Company Search Services Agreement
Page 2
<PAGE>
2. OBLIGATIONS
2.1 Provided that Company satisfies its obligations as set forth in this
Agreement and the Exhibits attached hereto, Microsoft will place the
Company's Search Service within the MSN Search Pane in accordance with
the specifications set forth in Exhibit A: Company Search Service
Placement Specifications, and Exhibit B: Service Level Agreement.
Microsoft will ensure that all Queries initiated by end-users in the MSN
Search Pane during the Term will be made available to Company to enable
Company to return Company Search Results, subject to Company meeting its
performance and related obligations under Exhibit B. In no event will
Microsoft be obligated to make available to Company Queries that consist
of Restricted Terms.
2.2 Company hereby grants to Microsoft non-exclusive, non-transferable,
limited, royalty free, worldwide limited rights to use and display the
Trademarks in the Company Search Results section of the MSN Search Pane
(see Exhibit A for a screen shot of MSN Search Pane) solely in
connection with the display of Company Search Results, subject to
Company Trademark Guidelines set forth in Exhibit C.
2.3 GTIAB Term. This Agreement will be automatically extended into the GTIAB
Term unless on or before June 15, 2001, one party notifies the other
that it does not wish to so extend, in which case this Agreement will
expire on the later of (i) June 30, 2001 or (ii) when Microsoft has
delivered all of the Trial Period Guaranteed Queries.
2.4 Company understands that the MSN Search Pane is not the only branded
Search Pane; however, Microsoft will ensure that any reallocation of
traffic among various Search Pane providers will not intentionally
jeopardize Company's receipt of all of the Guaranteed Queries during
GTIAB Term.
3. PAYMENTS, REPORTING, AND AUDITS
3.1 For the Trial Period Term, Company will pay to Microsoft the greater of
(i) [*] and (ii) [*] percent ([*]%) of Gross Revenue during the Trial
Period Term. Company will pay to Microsoft the [*] in a lump sum on or
before forty-five (45) days after the Effective Date. At the end of the
Trial Period Term, a reconciliation will take place, and if [*] is less
than [*] percent ([*]%) of Gross Revenue, Company will pay Microsoft the
difference within forty-five (45) days after the end of the Trial Period
Term. If Microsoft fails to deliver the guaranteed Queries within the
Trial Period Term, then (i) if the parties do not extend their
relationship into the GTIAB Term, Microsoft will continue to provide
Company placement on the MSN Search Pane -- at no additional cost to
Company -- until the Trial Period Guaranteed Queries are delivered; and
(ii) if the parties do extend their relationship into the GTIAB Term,
the undelivered Trial Period Guaranteed Queries will be added to the
Guaranteed Queries.
3.2 For the GTIAB Term, Company will pay to Microsoft the greater of (i) [*]
("Fixed Payment") and (ii) [*] percent ([*]%) of Gross Revenue during
the GTIAB Term ("Revenue Share Payment"). Company will pay to Microsoft
the [*] in monthly installments of [*]. Each monthly installment will be
due on the thirtieth (30th) day of each calendar month (or if the
thirtieth day falls on a non-business day, the first business day
thereafter). At the end of each calendar quarter during the GTIAB Term,
Company will pay to Microsoft within forty-five (45) days an amount
equal to (a) [*]% of total Gross Revenue to date minus (b) [*] minus (c)
the [*]. If Microsoft fails to deliver the Guaranteed Queries by the end
of the GTIAB Term, Microsoft will continue to provide Company placement
on the MSN Search Pane until the Guaranteed Queries are delivered.
During such extension period, Company will not be required to make any
additional Fixed Payments but Company will continue to be required to
make Revenue
* Certain information on this page has been omitted and filed separately with
the Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the
omitted portions.
Company Search Services Agreement
Page 3
<PAGE>
Share Payments to the extent that [*]% of Gross Revenue exceeds [*]. If
Microsoft and Company agree to Enhanced Placement as set forth in
Section C of Exhibit A, then the figures in this Section 3.2 will be
adjusted accordingly.
3.3 Reporting. On a monthly basis during the Term, Company shall report to
Microsoft the number of Queries, the number of Click Throughs, and the
Gross Revenue generated by GTIAB end-users. Such reporting shall be
completed for each such month during the Term no later than [*] days
following the end of the month.
3.4 All payments and reports pursuant to this Agreement shall be sent to
Microsoft at:
[*]
3.5 Audit. Microsoft reserves the right to review at any time Company's
records related to the amount of payment under this Agreement. Such
review must be through an independent nationally recognized certified
public accounting firm reasonably acceptable to both parties, which firm
shall sign Company's reasonable Non-Disclosure Agreement, and occur
during business hours upon at least five (5) business days' notice. Such
audit shall be conducted in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Any such audit may occur a maximum of once per year (unless
an audit reveals an underpayment as set forth below), and will be at
Microsoft's expense, unless the audit concludes an underpayment of [*]
percent ([*]%) or more has occurred. In the case of underpayment by [*]
percent ([*]%) or more, Company will (i) both pay for the underpayment
and reimburse Microsoft for the cost of the audit, and (ii) Microsoft
will have the right to conduct a second audit.
4. NON-EXCLUSIVITY; CONFIDENTIALITY; PRESS RELEASES
4.1 This Agreement is non-exclusive. Nothing in this Agreement will be
construed as restricting either party's ability to acquire, license,
develop, manufacture or distribute for itself, or have others acquire,
license, develop, manufacture or distribute for itself, content,
software, news, sites, search services, search results or the like,
which is the same or similar to that contemplated by this Agreement, or
to market, promote and distribute same in addition to that contemplated
by this Agreement.
4.2 The parties acknowledge and agree that the terms and conditions of the
Microsoft Corporation Non-Disclosure Agreement dated as of August 7,
1998 ("NDA") entered into by and between the parties are incorporated
into this Agreement as if fully set forth herein and that all of the
terms of this Agreement (including but not limited to its existence) and
all discussions, reports and negotiations related thereto are considered
Confidential Information as defined in the NDA. In the event that any of
the incorporated terms of the NDA are inconsistent with or conflict with
this Agreement, then the terms of this Agreement shall control.
4.3 Notwithstanding Section 4.2 above, each party further agrees that the
incorporated restrictions in the NDA with respect to Confidential
Information shall survive the termination of this Agreement. Each party
may disclose the terms and conditions of this Agreement to its
employees, affiliates and its immediate legal and financial consultants
on a need to know basis as required in the ordinary course of that
party's business, provided that such employees, affiliates and/or legal
and/or financial
* Certain information on this page has been omitted and filed separately with
the Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the
omitted portions.
Company Search Services Agreement
Page 4
<PAGE>
consultants agree in writing in advance of disclosure to be bound by the
NDA and this Section 4, and may disclose Confidential Information as
required by government or judicial order, provided each party gives the
other party prompt notice of such order and complies with any protective
order (or equivalent) imposed on such disclosure.
4.4 Each party acknowledges that monetary damages may not be a sufficient
remedy for unauthorized disclosure or use of Confidential Information
and that each party may seek, without waiving any other rights or
remedies, such injunctive or equitable relief as may be deemed proper by
a court of competent jurisdiction.
4.5 The parties anticipate issuing a joint press release, or separate press
releases, regarding this Agreement. Neither party may issue a press
release or make a public announcement(s) relating to either this
Agreement or the relationship established by this Agreement without the
express prior written consent of the other party, which consent will not
be unreasonably withheld or delayed. If an objection to such a press
release or public announcement(s) is not received within five (5)
business days after notice of one party to the other, consent will be
deemed granted. There will be no press release or public announcement
relating to this Agreement during the Trial Period Term.
4.6 During the Term, should Microsoft need to respond to public criticism
relating to this Agreement or any actions under this Agreement,
Microsoft will be the sole respondent. However Microsoft shall not make
any statements relating to the Agreement without first receiving written
approval from Company, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld.
If Company does not provide written comments to Microsoft with [*] of
receipt of a request from Microsoft, approval from Company shall be
deemed granted.
4.7 Notwithstanding Section 4.5, Company shall have the right to notify its
advertisers and potential advertisers of the general nature of the
Agreement (including Company 's estimate of the increase in traffic) in
order to encourage both Company's advertisers to increase their spending
with Company and potential advertisers to advertise with Company.
5. WARRANTIES AND INDEMNIFICATION
5.1 Company. Company warrants and represents that: (i) Company has
sufficient authority to enter into this Agreement, (ii) all materials
delivered by Company to Microsoft and/or to end-users accessing the
Search Service through IE 4.x and/or 5.x pursuant to this Agreement
including without limitation the Trademarks, Search Service UI, and/or,
solely with respect to its relationship with Microsoft under this
Agreement, search results do not infringe the copyrights, trademarks,
service marks or any other proprietary right of any third party; (iii)
solely with respect to its relationship with Microsoft under this
Agreement, the Company Search Results provided to Microsoft for
inclusion in the MSN Search Pane do not and will not contain any
libelous, or materially false or misleading statements and do not
otherwise infringe on the rights of any third party; (iv) the Search
Service and all actions occurring as a result of the Search Service are
in compliance with all applicable laws; and (v) Company will not permit
to appear in, or be uploaded to any Microsoft property or equipment,
including the Pane, any messages, data, images or programs, that would
violate the property rights of others, including unauthorized
copyrighted text, images, programs or trade secrets or other
confidential and/or proprietary information, or trademarks or service
marks used in an infringing fashion. Notwithstanding anything in this
Agreement, Company makes no warranty with respect to content of third
party Web sites that end-users may link to via Company's Search Services
results. Company shall indemnify and defend or, at its option, settle
(including, without limitation, payment of reasonable attorneys' fees
and other expenses of litigation) all third party claims, suits or
proceedings brought against Microsoft by a third party and arising from
or related to any breach by Company of the warranties set forth in this
Section 5.1, provided that Microsoft cooperates as set forth in Section
5.3. In the event that Microsoft receives notice which alleges that the
Search Service
* Certain information on this page has been omitted and filed separately with
the Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the
omitted portions.
Company Search Services Agreement
Page 5
<PAGE>
or any portion thereof or any materials delivered hereunder (a) violate
any applicable laws, and/or (b) infringe the copyrights, trademarks,
service marks or any other proprietary right of any third party,
Microsoft shall notify Company of such allegation and Company shall have
24 hours (or one business day, whichever is longer) from receipt of
notice in which to resolve such matters. If Company has not resolved
such matters within 24 hours (or one business day, whichever is longer)
from receipt of notice, Microsoft reserves the right to immediately
remove the Company's Search Service from the MSN Search Pane, pending
the earlier of satisfactory resolution of such matters (e.g. the
Company's discontinuing or suspending of such material from Company's
Search Services) or Company's written notice to Microsoft that Company
has determined such allegations are meritless and therefore Company will
continue inclusion of such material in Company's Search Service. Any
implementation of such suspension shall take place only on Microsoft's
servers without changing user preferences on users' computers and that
such implementation does not disable Microsoft's ability to reverse the
suspension. No payments will be due during the period Company's Search
Services are suspended and the Term of this Agreement will be extended
on a day for day basis for every day the Search Services are suspended.
Microsoft will use reasonable efforts to assist Company in resolution of
such matters. In the event that Company is in material breach of the
warranties set forth in this Section 5.1(ii), (iii) or (v) and such
breach relates solely to Company Search Results that cannot be suspended
or removed by Company, then Microsoft's remedies for such breach shall
be limited to, at Microsoft's option, (A) requiring Company to fulfill
its indemnity obligation as set forth in this section; (B) if the breach
occurs during the GTIAB Term, suspending inclusion of Company Search
Results with the MSN Search Pane in which case payments by Company will
also be suspended, and/or (C) terminating this Agreement in accordance
with Section 7.3 provided that if Microsoft elects to terminate this
Agreement during the Trial Period Term then Company shall receive a
refund based on the percentage of the remaining Trial Period Guaranteed
Queries from the time of notification.
5.2 Microsoft. Microsoft warrants and represents that (i) Microsoft has
sufficient authority to enter into this Agreement and (ii) all materials
delivered by Microsoft to Company pursuant to this Agreement, if any, do
not infringe the copyrights, trademarks, service marks or any other
proprietary right of any third party. Microsoft shall indemnify and
defend or, at its option, settle (including, without limitation, payment
of reasonable attorneys' fees and other expenses of litigation) all
third party claims, suits or proceedings brought against Company by a
third party and arising from or related to any breach by Microsoft of
the warranties set forth in this Section 5.2, provided that Company
cooperates as set forth in Section 5.3.
5.3 Indemnification Process. If any action shall be brought against either
party (the "Indemnified Party") in respect to which defense may be
sought from the other party (the "Indemnifying Party") pursuant to the
provisions of this Section 5, the Indemnified Party shall promptly
notify the Indemnifying Party in writing, specifying the nature of the
action and the total monetary amount sought or other such relief as is
sought therein. The Indemnified Party shall cooperate with the
Indemnifying Party at the Indemnifying Party's expense in all reasonable
respects in connection with the defense of any such action. The
Indemnifying Party may upon written notice to Indemnified Party
undertake to conduct all proceedings or negotiations in connection
therewith, assume the defense thereof, and if it so undertakes, it shall
also undertake all other steps or proceedings to settle or defend any
such action, including the employment of counsel which shall be
reasonably satisfactory to Indemnified Party, and payment of all
expenses. Indemnified Party shall have the right to employ separate
counsel at Indemnified Party's own expense and participate in the
defense.
5.4 THE ABOVE WARRANTIES ARE THE ONLY WARRANTIES MADE BY THE PARTIES. EACH
PARTY DISCLAIMS ANY AND ALL OTHER WARRANTIES OR REPRESENTATION EXPRESS
OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF
MERCHANTABILITY, TITLE, NON-INFRINGEMENT AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR
PURPOSE. WITHOUT LIMITING THE GENERALITY OF THE FOREGOING,
Company Search Services Agreement
Page 6
<PAGE>
COMPANY EXPRESSLY ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT MICROSOFT HAS NOT MADE
ANY EXPRESS OR IMPLIED REPRESENTATIONS, ASSURANCES AND/OR WARRANTIES
REGARDING THE NUMBER OF CLICK THROUGHS OR WEB PAGE VIEWS WHICH MAY BE
GENERATED BY THE IMPRESSIONS DELIVERED HEREUNDER AND THAT COMPANY HAS
NOT RELIED ON ANY STATEMENTS BY MICROSOFT OR ANY THIRD PARTIES IN
RELATION THERETO IN ENTERING INTO THIS AGREEMENT.
6. LIMITATION OF LIABILITIES
NEITHER PARTY SHALL BE LIABLE TO THE OTHER FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL,
CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR SPECIAL DAMAGES, ARISING OUT OF OR RELATED TO
THIS AGREEMENT INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, DAMAGES FOR LOSS OF
BUSINESS PROFITS, BUSINESS INTERRUPTION, LOSS OF BUSINESS INFORMATION,
AND THE LIKE, EVEN IF SUCH PARTY HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF
SUCH DAMAGES. THIS SECTION SHALL NOT APPLY TO EITHER PARTY'S (A) ABILITY
TO OBTAIN INJUNCTIVE OR OTHER EQUITABLE RELIEF; (B) CONFIDENTIALITY
OBLIGATIONS UNDER SECTION 4; AND (C) LIABILITY FOR DAMAGES OR SETTLEMENT
AMOUNTS EACH PAID TO THIRD PARTIES UNDER THE INDEMNIFICATION SECTION SET
FORTH IN SECTION 5.
7. RENEWAL AND TERMINATION
7.1 Term. This Agreement shall commence on the Effective Date and continue
through the Term unless earlier terminated as provided in this Section 7
or unless extended as provided in Sections 3.1 and 3.2.
7.2 Renewal. If either party desires to extend the GTIAB Term, then such
party shall give written notice to the other party no later than [*]
days prior to the expected expiration date. If either party gives such
notice, the parties shall negotiate the terms and conditions of such
extension in good faith for a [*] day period beginning on the date the
receiving party receives such notice. If no such notice is given or if
the parties fail to reach an agreement on such extension prior to the
expiration date following the giving of such notice, this Agreement
shall terminate as set forth in Section 7.1.
7.3 Termination For Cause. In addition to any other rights and/or remedies
that either party may have under the circumstances, all of which are
expressly reserved, either party may terminate this Agreement
immediately upon written notice at any time if:
(a) The other party is in material breach of any material warranty,
representation, term, condition or covenant of this Agreement,
other than those contained in Section 4.2 and 4.3, and fails to
cure that breach within [*] days after written notice thereof;
or
(b) The other party is in material breach of Section 4.2 or 4.3; or
(c) Either party makes any assignment for the benefit of creditors
or suffers or permits the commencement of any form of
receivership proceeding; or has any petition under any
bankruptcy law filed against it, which petition is not dismissed
within sixty (60) days of such filing; or has a trustee or
receiver appointed for its business or assets or any part
thereof.
* Certain information on this page has been omitted and filed separately with
the Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the
omitted portions.
Company Search Services Agreement
Page 7
<PAGE>
7.4 Termination Without Cause. Within the Trial Period Term Microsoft shall
have the sole right to terminate without cause this Agreement at any
time upon forty eight (48) hours prior written notice to Company. Either
party shall have the right to decline without cause entering the GTIAB
Term upon written notice to the other party no less than fifteen (15)
days prior to the end of the Trial Period Term. Neither party shall be
responsible to the other for any costs or damages resulting from the
termination of this Agreement pursuant to this Section 7.4.
7.5 Effect of Termination. In the event of termination or expiration of this
Agreement for any reason, Sections 4, 5, 6, 7.5 and 8 shall survive
termination. For the avoidance of doubt, if Microsoft terminates this
Agreement pursuant to Section 7.3, Company shall not be required to pay
payments not yet due pursuant to Section 3.1 and Section 3.2. If
Microsoft terminates this Agreement pursuant to Section 7.4 or if
Company terminates this Agreement pursuant to Section 7.3, Microsoft
will refund the applicable guarantee prorated based on the number of
Queries delivered to Company versus the number of Trial Period
Guaranteed Queries or Guaranteed Queries, as applicable. Upon
termination both parties shall, upon written request, return or certify
destruction of Confidential Information of the other party. Neither
party shall be liable to the other for damages of any sort resulting
solely from terminating this Agreement in accordance with its terms.
8. GENERAL
8.1 Independent Contractors. The parties are independent contractors with
respect to each other, and nothing in this Agreement shall be construed
as creating an employer-employee relationship, a partnership, agency
relationship or a joint venture between the parties.
8.2 Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State
of Washington as though entered into by Washington residents and to be
performed entirely within the State of Washington. In any action or suit
to enforce any right or remedy under this Agreement or to interpret any
provision of this Agreement, the prevailing party shall be entitled to
recover its costs, including reasonable attorneys' fees.
8.3 Assignment. Except to the surviving entity in a merger or consolidation
in which an assigning party participates or to a purchaser of all or
substantially all of an assigning party's assets, so long as such
surviving entity or purchaser shall expressly assume in writing the
performance of all of the terms of this Agreement, neither party may
assign this Agreement, in whole or in part, without the prior written
approval of the other party. Such approval shall not be unreasonably
withheld or delayed. Any attempted assignment, sub-license, transfer,
encumbrance or other disposal not in conformance with this Section 8.3
shall be void and shall constitute a material default and breach of this
Agreement.
8.4 Construction. In the event that any provision of this Agreement
conflicts with governing law or if any provision is held to be null,
void or otherwise ineffective or invalid by a court of competent
jurisdiction, (i) such provision shall be deemed to be restated to
reflect as nearly as possible the original intentions of the Parties in
accordance with applicable law, and (ii) the remaining terms,
provisions, covenants and restrictions of this Agreement shall remain in
full force and effect. This Agreement has been negotiated by the parties
and their respective counsel and will be interpreted fairly in
accordance with its terms and without any strict construction in favor
of or against either party. The section headings used in this Agreement
are intended for convenience only and shall not be deemed to affect in
any manner the meaning or intent of this Agreement or any provision
hereof.
8.5 Notices. All notices and requests in connection with this Agreement
shall be given in writing and shall be deemed given as of the day they
are received either by messenger, delivery service, or in the United
States of America mails, postage prepaid, certified or registered,
return receipt requested, and addressed as follows:
Company Search Services Agreement
Page 8
<PAGE>
To Company: To Microsoft:
[*] [*]
or to such other address as a party may designate pursuant to this
notice provision.
8.6 Force Majeure. Neither party will be responsible for any delay or
failure to perform its obligations under this Agreement due to causes
beyond its reasonable control, including but not limited to, acts of
God, war, riot, embargoes, acts of civil or military authorities,
earthquake, fire, supplier shortage, Internet outage, floods or
accidents.
8.7 Entire Agreement. This Agreement does not constitute an offer by
Microsoft and it shall not be effective until signed by both parties.
This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties with
respect to the subject matter hereof. This Agreement does not affect the
Premier Search Services Agreement dated January 21, 2000 (as amended
January 21, 2001) between Microsoft and Company which remains in full
force and effect. This Agreement shall not be modified except by a
written agreement dated subsequent to the date of this Agreement and
signed on behalf of Company and Microsoft by their respective duly
authorized representatives. No waiver of any breach of any provision of
this Agreement shall constitute a waiver of any prior, concurrent or
subsequent breach of the same or any other provisions hereof, and no
waiver shall be effective unless made in writing and signed by an
authorized representative of the waiving party.
The parties have caused this Agreement to be executed by their duly authorized
representatives as of the Effective Date.
MICROSOFT CORPORATION GOTO.COM, INC.
/s/ Cory H. Van Arsdale /s/ Todd Tappin
-------------------------------- --------------------------------
By (signature) By (signature)
Cory H. Van Arsdale Todd Tappin
-------------------------------- --------------------------------
Name (print) Name (print)
GM, MSN Business Development CFO
-------------------------------- --------------------------------
Title Title
4/27/01 4/24/01
-------------------------------- --------------------------------
Date Date
* Certain information on this page has been omitted and filed separately with
the Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the
omitted portions.
Company Search Services Agreement
Page 9
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT A
COMPANY SEARCH SERVICE PLACEMENT SPECIFICATIONS
A. DESCRIPTION OF SEARCH SERVICE
The parties acknowledge that Microsoft will display all Company Search Results
delivered by Company for any particular Query up to a maximum of three (3) on
the MSN Search Pane, which will substantially conform with the Look and Feel
shown below in Figure 1. If Company has fewer than three (3) Company Search
Results, Company will send one, two, or zero Company Search Results for
Microsoft's inclusion on the MSN Search Pane. During the Trial Period Term, the
MSN Search Pane and the Company Search Results shall appear as shown in Figure 1
unless changes are mutually agreed upon by both parties.
B. GENERAL MICROSOFT OBLIGATIONS / BASIC PLACEMENT
Figure 1 shows the ordering of the Search Pane elements. That is, from top to
bottom, the elements will be a search box --where an end-user can easily enter
and submit a query with the words "Search the Web" or similar words--Featured
Sites, Company Search Results, and other elements, which may include Web
Directory and Web Crawl links. Company Search Results will have the heading
"Sponsored Links," but the heading may be modified by mutual agreement of the
parties. Microsoft retains the right to decide the overall Look and Feel of the
MSN Search Pane. However, Microsoft shall not modify any aspect of the Company
Search Results (including the data contained therein), and shall ensure that the
Company Search Results appear in the same internal order as provided by Company
and are displayed together without other content of any kind between Company
Search Results. Microsoft shall provide consistent presentation: [*]. Each
Company Search Result will feature a full title with a maximum length of 40
characters and a full description of up to 190 characters. The full description
will be evident when an end-user mouses over Company Search Results (see Figure
1).
FIGURE 1
Ordering of Search Pane Elements
[SCREENSHOT OF MSN SEARCH PAGE]
* Certain information on this page has been omitted and filed separately with
the Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the
omitted portions.
Company Search Services Agreement
Page 10
<PAGE>
During the Term, Microsoft will make reasonable commercial efforts not to make
design changes (including, but not limited to, [*]) that reduce the Click
Through Rate. If during the Term, any design or other change initiated by
Microsoft causes the Click Through Rate to experience a decline greater than
[*]%, and upon written notification from Company, Microsoft will make
commercially reasonable efforts within a [*] period to return the Click Through
Rate to where it was immediately prior to the design or other change. If, after
this [*] period, the Click Through Rate is less than the Baseline Click Through
Rate, and upon written notification from Company, Company's payment requirements
under Section 3.2 will be reduced by a corresponding percentage for the period
of time that the Click Through Rate remains below the Baseline Click Through
Rate.
C. ENHANCED PLACEMENT
During the GTIAB Term, Microsoft may make available to Company the option to
have Company Search Results at the top of the MSN Search Pane, above Featured
Sites in the space substantially similar to Featured Sites as shown in Figure 1.
If Microsoft decides, at its sole discretion, to make such an offer, it will
make the aforementioned offer in writing, along with initial placement
assurances. Company will have five (5) business days to respond in writing. If
Company and Microsoft agree to elevate Company's Search Results to the top of
the Search Pane, above Featured Sites in the space substantially similar to
Featured Sites as shown in Figure 1, all other terms and conditions would apply
as for the GTIAB Term, except rather than a guarantee of [*] annual rate, the
guarantee to Microsoft would become [*] payable in equal monthly installments on
an annual pro rata basis. That is, the revised monthly payments would be [*].
D. GENERAL COMPANY OBLIGATIONS
Company shall send only Paid Search Results to Microsoft unless otherwise
mutually agreed to by the parties.
Company shall ensure that Company Search Results presented to MSN Search Pane
end-users, other than test Company Search Results, are at least one of the
following: (i) not different from the search results presented to Company
end-users who initiate the identical search query on the Primary Web Site and
(ii) of comparable quality when compared to results provided on the Primary Web
Site.
Company shall not deliver Company Search Results for Restricted Term Queries
(unless the parties agree otherwise). Microsoft has provided to Company a list
of Restricted Terms, which Company has accepted. [*].
During the Term with [*] notice, Microsoft may direct Company to remove certain
Company Search Results from appearing on the MSN Search Pane if, in Microsoft's
reasonable discretion, the Company Search Results are [*] or link to content
which is, by law, defamatory, obscene, profane or pornographic or in any way
violate any applicable law.
* Certain information on this page has been omitted and filed separately with
the Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the
omitted portions.
Company Search Services Agreement
Page 11
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT B
SERVICE LEVEL AGREEMENT
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ROLE/RESPONSIBILITY EMAIL ALIAS EMAIL ADDRESS NAME
------------------- ----------- ------------- ----
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Runtime Partner Management (MSN [*] [*] [*]
Search)
Site Manager (MSN Search) [*] [*] [*]
Test Lead (MSN Search) [*] [*] [*]
Operations Senior Engineer (MSN [*] [*] [*]
Search)
Operations Engineer (MSN Search) [*] [*] [*]
</TABLE>
MSN SEARCH FAULT TOLERANCE FEATURES
Microsoft will monitor the availability of the GoTo-in-a-Box service. If service
is too slow to respond or if the service is not available for a period of time
as defined below, Microsoft will turn off the GoTo-in-a-Box results rendering.
Site responsiveness and availability will be monitored on a continuous basis.
Monitoring consists of calling a designated URL on a live server. This URL is as
follows:
[*]
Microsoft will call the designated URL every [*], if either of the two
conditions below exist, an alert is triggered and Microsoft will automatically
turn off the feature. The conditions are
[ ] latency passes a threshold of [*] for [*] consecutive get requests, or,
[ ] the designated URL is unavailable for a period of [*]
If the conditions above trigger an alert and the feature is turned off,
Microsoft will inform GoTo according to the support escalation process during
normal business hours. If the problem is at GoTo's end, Microsoft will wait for
acknowledgement from GoTo that the problem has been fixed before it reinstates
the GoTo-in-a-Box feature. If the problem is at Microsoft's end, Microsoft will
make commercially reasonable efforts to fix the problem and reinstate the
GoTo-in-a-Box feature within a reasonable period of time.
The monitoring calls Queries will not count as either Trial Period Guaranteed
Queries or Guaranteed Queries under this Agreement. While the GoTo-in-a-Box
service is turned off, no Queries are sent by Microsoft.
Based on monitoring data and actual site performance, these limits may be
refined as needed. Any changes will be agreed upon by both parties in writing.
* Certain information on this page has been omitted and filed separately with
the Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the
omitted portions.
Company Search Services Agreement
Page 12
<PAGE>
OPERATIONAL EXPECTATIONS
The operational requirements for GoTo include the following:
[ ] System Availability
[ ] System Performance
[ ] Capacity Planning
SYSTEM AVAILABILITY
The system availability of GoTo-in-a-Box includes online availability, planned
downtime, and unplanned downtime:
[ ] ONLINE AVAILABILITY. The time that GoTo-in-a-Box is available to MSN
Search users.
[ ] PLANNED DOWNTIME. There is no planned downtime (except for Planned
Maintenance as described below).
[ ] UNPLANNED DOWNTIME. On occasion, a service can experience a problem that
causes the application to be unavailable. This is unplanned downtime.
GoTo commits to meet [*] percent on-line availability [*]. That is, GoTo should
measure Online Availability and determine whether:
([*] Hours of Unplanned Downtime + [*] Hours of Planned Downtime) /[*] <
[*]%
In other words, GoTo will track Online Availability, and measure success against
a [*]% benchmark.
[*], a third-party, real-time Internet performance measurement services vendor,
or an equivalent service will monitor the availability of the designated test
URL [*]. In addition, Microsoft Search operations will work with GoTo to enable
site and route monitoring between the companies' data centers.
Within [*] months of entering into this agreement, GoTo will make reasonable
commercial efforts to make available to Microsoft online (web based) monitoring
data to show current system availability and performance from the Microsoft
network. The preferred method would be a time-based graphical display of current
traffic statistics. Microsoft can provide technical guidance to GoTo for
implementation of this feature. This monitoring will not be used to measure site
responsiveness and availability under this SLA. GoTo makes no warrantees or
guarantees of the availability or performance of the monitoring tool as
described above.
GoTo also has regular, scheduled maintenance:
[ ] Planned Maintenance. Planned Maintenance shall not exceed [*] per month.
GoTo scheduled down time for maintenance will occur every [*].
SYSTEM PERFORMANCE
GoTo-in-a-Box must meet performance criteria for query latency:
[ ] Query latency should be less than [*] all Queries requested. Query
latency is the time between when a query request is sent and when a
result is returned. It includes any network latency, actual time to
process the request, and time to return the results to the server making
the request.
* Certain information on this page has been omitted and filed separately with
the Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the
omitted portions.
Company Search Services Agreement
Page 13
[*]%
[ ] GoTo should not return results if the query latency exceeds [*]. Results
returned after [*] will not be rendered.
[*] or an equivalent service will monitor the performance of the designated test
URL [*]. In addition, Microsoft Search operations will work with GoTo to enable
site and route monitoring between each company's data centers.
CAPACITY PLANNING
Microsoft will provide GoTo with semi-annual traffic estimates and peak-time
information for search.msn.com [*]. This information covers such topics as peak
queries per second and queries per day. GoTo will maintain required capacity for
the service level required and provide Microsoft semi-annual updates regarding
GoTo's capacity to support GoTo-in-a-Box.
SERVICE LEVEL AGREEMENT REVIEW PROCESS
If at any time either party considers that this SLA is not meeting its needs or
expectations, both parties will come together to resolve and amend the Service
Level Agreement in a mutually acceptable manner. The resulting changes will be
communicated to the appropriate parties and this document will be amended. The
review of this agreement will occur on an as-needed basis for the initial
release and move toward a semi-annual review period when all parties agree it is
appropriate.
COMPLIANCE METRICS
Microsoft and GoTo will establish compliance metrics that will be measured and
evaluated by both parties and discussed in the SLA review process.
CORRECTIVE ACTION
In the event that a service level term is not met, the MSN Search Site Manager
and the appropriate business PM owner(s) will set a review date to meet and
discuss resolution. Changes to processes/procedures may be made if deemed
appropriate by all parties.
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
MICROSOFT SUPPORT RESPONSIBILITIES
Microsoft search team will cover the following areas:
- Support of MSN Search platform Tier 1-3
- Support of GoTo-in-a-Box integration into MSN Search
- Information and planning
Initial point of contact at MSN Search for integration issues is [*]. This
contact is only available during normal working hours.
The point of contact at MSN Search for business issues [*]. This contact is only
available during normal working hours.
* Certain information on this page has been omitted and filed separately with
the Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the
omitted portions.
Company Search Services Agreement
Page 14
<PAGE>
MICROSOFT SUPPORT ESCALATION PATH AND CONTACTS
Individual contact information for those associated with each tier of support is
listed below for reference and escalation as needed.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Name Org. Tier Alias/ Group Alias Work Phone Mobile/Pager
---- ---- ---- ------------------ ---------- ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
N/A SOC 1 [*] [*] N/A
[*] CG Ops 2 [*] [*] [*]
(Primary)
[*] CG Ops 2 [*] [*] [*]
(Primary)
[*] Site 3 [*] [*] [*]
Manager
[*] Site 3 [*] [*] [*]
Manager
Backup
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Initial
Priority Type Description/Examples Response
-------- ---- -------------------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
1 Mission PRODUCTION SYSTEM IS DOWN or UNAVAILABLE < [*]
Critical
2 High SIGNIFICANT BUSINESS IMPACT < [*]
- Severely degrading response time.
- Loss of service(s) - where a core part of the
system fails to function and affects users
system wide, e.g. high latency.
- Low queries XML results due to database issues
- Incorrect Results.
- XML Formatting Issues
3 Normal LOW business impact < [*]
- Minor program bug
- Research (information requests)
- Minor Look & feel issues
4 Low Negligible Business Impact < [*]
- Research or informational request