License Agreement [Amendment] - Major League Baseball Properties Inc., the American and National Leagues of Professional Baseball Clubs, Member Clubs and Topps Co. Inc.
As of September 28, 1995
Major League Baseball Properties, Inc.
350 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10022
Gentlemen:
This letter amendment (the "1995 Amendment"), when executed below
shall, with automatic effect on January 1, 1996 (the "Effective Date"), extend
and further amend the license agreement dated as of January 1, 1969 (the "1969
Agreement"), as heretofore amended on April 2, 1974, May 18, 1977, August 23,
1982, August 25, 1983, November 20, 1985, June 25, 1990 and August 16, 1990,
between Major League Baseball Properties, Inc. ("MLBP"), on its own behalf and
as authorized agent of the Office of the Commissioner of Baseball (the "BOC"),
the American and National Leagues of Professional Baseball Clubs (the "Leagues")
and their member clubs (the "Baseball Clubs") and The Topps Company, Inc.
("Topps"), as set forth below. The 1969 Agreement, together with all prior
amendments and this 1995 Amendment is sometimes referred to herein as the
"License Agreement". For ease of reference, certain of the provisions of the
amendments prior to this 1995 Amendment have been restated below without
modification, so that upon the Effective Date, all amendments to the 1969
Agreement that are in effect throughout the term of this 1995 Amendment are
reflected in this 1995 Amendment. The parties hereto do hereby agree as follows:
1. The term of the License Agreement shall be extended through and
including December 31, 2000, unless earlier terminated pursuant to its
terms.
2. The License Agreement is amended by deleting in its entirety paragraph
1 in the 1969 Agreement and replacing it with the following:
"1. MLBP hereby licenses Topps for the term of the 1995 Amendment to
use the Major League Baseball silhouetted batter logo (and any other
logo owned by MLBP during such term), and the names and insignias of
each of the BOC, the Leagues and the Baseball Clubs (collectively, the
"Insignia"):
(a) as a part of the uniforms of baseball players shown
(i) in baseball player picture cards ("Trading Cards") to be
sold either alone or in combination with chewing gum of any
kind ("Topps Products"),
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(ii) in baseball player photographs reproduced as pictures on
materials other than Trading Cards, including, but not
limited to, player pictures on conventional (non-glossy)
paper stock, smaller than 5 x 7 inches in size ("Player
Pictures"), to be sold (A) in combination with Topps
Products, and (B) alone if substantial sales are made by
Topps of Topps Products sold in combination with Player
Pictures reflecting a bona fide effort by Topps to market
the Player Pictures in combination with Topps Products and
so long as such efforts and sales continue,
(iii) in baseball player photographs reproduced as posters not
larger than 20 x 12 inches in size (and when folded not
larger than 28 square inches in size) ("Player Posters"), to
be sold in combination with Topps Products,
(iv) in baseball player photographs reproduced as gummed stamps
or stickers, and accompanying albums ("Player Stickers"), to
be sold in combination with Topps Products,
(v) in baseball player photographs reproduced as wax rub-offs,
tattoos and on boxes ("Miscellaneous Reproductions"), to be
sold in combination with Topps Products;
(b) as part of the Topps Products and the packaging of such Topps
Products, other than on the uniform of baseball players shown; and
(c) in advertising and promotional material reasonably connected with
the foregoing uses.
The Trading Cards, Player Pictures, Player Posters, Player Stickers and
Miscellaneous Reproductions are sometimes herein collectively referred
to as the "Baseball Items". This license is not exclusive and does not
constitute and may not be used so as to imply the endorsement by MLBP,
the BOC, the Leagues or the Baseball Clubs of any product of Topps.
Topps acknowledges that, during the term of the 1995 Amendment, it
shall not use the Insignia on any products other than the Baseball
Items and Topps Products and materials related thereto, except as
provided hereunder or as otherwise approved by MLBP in writing. In
addition, Topps shall use its best efforts to ensure that all Baseball
Items and Topps Products will present Major League Baseball in a
positive light among children and young adults, consistent with Topps
prior and current practice."
3. All references in the License Agreement to Major League Baseball
Promotions Corporation shall be changed to Major League Baseball
Properties, Inc. All references in the License Agreement to Topps
Chewing Gum, Incorporated shall be changed to The Topps Company, Inc.
4. The territory shall continue to be worldwide, subject to the remaining
provisions of this paragraph. However, prior to (a) any distribution
or sale by Topps of Baseball Items or Topps Products in a country
other than the United States, its territories and possessions, U.S.
military bases worldwide, Puerto Rico, or Canada (hereinafter, a "New
Foreign Jurisdiction"), or (b) distribution or sale of Baseball Items
or Topps Products by any entity directed by, or under agreement with,
Topps to sell or distribute such items and/or
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products in a New Foreign Jurisdiction, Topps shall notify MLBP, in
writing, of the intention of Topps or such other entity to sell or
otherwise distribute into any such New Foreign Jurisdiction, together
with a description of the Baseball Items and/or Topps Products to be
sold or distributed, projected volume of such items to be sold or
distributed into such New Foreign Jurisdiction and the name of the
Topps distributor for such New Foreign Jurisdiction. Topps shall, to
the extent reasonably practicable, provide such notice at least twenty
(20) days prior to such distribution or sale. MLBP shall then notify
Topps, in writing and within fifteen (15) days of its receipt of Topps
notice, as to whether the Insignia have been registered with the
relevant trademark authorities in such New Foreign Jurisdiction. If
the Insignia have not been so registered, neither Topps nor any entity
directed by, or under agreement with, Topps to distribute or sell the
Baseball Items or Topps Products in such New Foreign Jurisdiction shall
sell Baseball Items or Topps Products in such New Foreign Jurisdiction
unless Topps agrees to indemnify MLBP, the BOC, the Leagues and the
Baseball Clubs from any third party trademark or other intellectual
property claims brought as a result of such sales or distribution in
such New Foreign Jurisdiction. MLBP shall provide Topps with a list
of all countries in which the Insignia are currently registered, as
promptly as reasonably practicable after the date hereof.
5. During each calendar year of the term of the 1995 Amendment, Topps
shall pay to MLBP minimum guarantees, against sales of Baseball Items
and Topps Products in the United States, its territories, possessions
and military bases worldwide, Puerto Rico and Canada as set forth on
Schedule A attached hereto. There shall be no minimum guarantees for
any other jurisdiction.
6. During each calendar year of the term of the 1995 Amendment commencing
with the Effective Date, Topps shall pay to MLBP royalties on the net
sales of Baseball Items and Topps Products (as those terms are defined
in paragraph 1 of the License Agreement), as set forth on Schedule A
attached hereto. The term "net sales" shall mean [INFORMATION
SUBJECT TO REQUEST FOR CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT]. The minimum
guarantees payable hereunder shall be paid as provided in Schedule A
except to the extent that
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cumulative payments of royalties for sales in the United States, its
territories, possessions and military bases worldwide, Puerto Rico
and Canada shall theretofore have offset all or a portion of the total
of such minimum guarantees. [INFORMATION SUBJECT TO REQUEST FOR
CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT]. Any late payments by Topps shall
require Topps to pay MLBP, in addition to the amounts due, interest at
one percent (1%) per month or the highest prime lending rate of
Chemical Bank (or its successor) during the period such amounts are
delinquent, whichever is greater, on the amounts delinquent for the
period of delinquency, without prejudice to any other rights of MLBP in
connection therewith. All royalties shall be payable on or by March 15
of each year for the immediately preceding calendar year, with a credit
for the minimum guarantee theretofore paid for such preceding calendar
year.
7. Topps shall pay MLBP, upon execution of the 1995 Amendment, $56,343.95
in settlement of all audit disputes between the parties relating to
Topps books and records and royalty payments. In consideration
therefor, MLBP hereby releases Topps from any further claims relating
to Topps books and records and royalty payments for all calendar years
through calendar year 1994. In addition, MLBP waives all claims
against Topps relating to Topps exclusion of items sold together in
retail packs with Baseball Items and/or Topps Products, but which do
not bear the Logos, from the calculation of net sales for periods prior
to the Effective Date.
8. Topps shall provide to MLBP a merchandise credit of $5,000 (wholesale
value) during each year of the term commencing on or after the
Effective Date. Topps shall ship, at MLBP's direction, such
merchandise as MLBP shall request from time to time pursuant to the
merchandise credit.
9. Topps shall provide to Major League Baseball Properties Canada Inc.
("MLBPC") a merchandise credit of $500 (wholesale value) during each
year of the term commencing on or after the Effective Date. Topps shall
ship, at MLBPC's direction, such merchandise as MLBPC shall request
from time to time pursuant to the merchandise credit.
10. During each calendar year of the term commencing on or after the
Effective Date and ending with the calendar year commencing January 1,
1998, Topps shall, subject to the parties agreeing to and executing a
mutually acceptable sponsorship agreement, participate in The Major
League Baseball All-Star FanFest as a participating sponsor. The
sponsorship fee shall be [INFORMATION SUBJECT TO REQUEST FOR
CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT] for each of 1996 and 1997 and [INFORMATION
SUBJECT TO REQUEST FOR CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT] for 1998.
11. During each calendar year of the term commencing on or after the
Effective Date, Topps shall purchase a one page full-color
advertisement in each of the All-Star Game, LCS and World Series
programs, provided that Topps shall not be required to spend in excess
of [INFORMATION SUBJECT TO REQUEST FOR CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT]
in any such year for such advertisements. In addition, in
each year of the term of the 1995 Amendment, Topps agrees to consider,
in good faith, purchasing, at the preferred rate for MLBP's licensees,
one page in each edition of MLBP's "Major League Baseball for Kids"
publication. If Topps purchases advertising pages in "Major League
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Baseball for Kids," the cost of such pages shall not count toward the
[INFORMATION SUBJECT TO REQUEST FOR CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT]
commitment stated in this paragraph 11.
12. During each calendar year of the term commencing on or after the
Effective Date, Topps shall give good faith consideration to
participating in at least two mutually agreed upon MLBP-sponsored
events (e.g. National Packtime).
13. Topps shall give good faith consideration to participating in,
sponsoring and/or supporting certain youth-oriented MLBP events.
14. The following shall be added to the License Agreement immediately after
the word "giveaways" in paragraph 2 of the 1969 Agreement:
"(except for giveaway programs for sticker albums in a manner designed
to promote and market Major League Baseball sticker collections and
approved by MLBP)."
15. The License Agreement is amended by deleting in its entirety paragraph
5 of the Letter Agreement dated June 25, 1990, and heretofore amended
by that certain Letter Agreement dated August 16, 1990, and replacing
it with the following:
"5. [INFORMATION SUBJECT TO REQUEST FOR CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT] .
Such samples (which shall include all advertising, point-of-sale
displays, catalogues, sales sheets and other items produced
in connection with Baseball Items and Topps Products) shall
be submitted to MLBP free of cost and in a timely manner before
their manufacture or distribution. With respect to Trading Cards,
Topps shall be deemed in compliance with the provisions of this
paragraph by submitting for approval, at an appropriate stage of
development (but no later than the final film stage), with copy and
layout all wrappers, packaging and promotional materials, and with the
front and back of each proposed card showing the size, appearance and
location of all Insignia to appear on the Trading Cards; provided,
however, that for good cause (e.g., poor coloration or registration of
production copies) MLBP may require that in the future the foregoing
materials be submitted for additional approval at the color-proof or
chromolin stages. Product quality shall be at least equal to that of
trading cards previously manufactured by Topps under the License
Agreement. In addition, no irregulars, seconds or other Baseball Items
or Topps Products which do not conform in all material respects to the
approved samples may be distributed or sold without the prior written
consent of MLBP. Topps shall also submit to MLBP for its approval, as
to their quality and appropriateness as a Baseball Item or Topps
Product, all new product designs which contain the Logos. In the event
that any item or matter submitted to MLBP for approval pursuant to this
paragraph shall not have been approved or disapproved and returned to
Topps within [INFORMATION SUBJECT TO REQUEST FOR CONFIDENTIAL
TREATMENT] MLBP business days after receipt thereof by
MLBP, Topps shall notify MLBP that it is still awaiting approval or
disapproval. If, after an additional [INFORMATION SUBJECT TO REQUEST
FOR CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT] MLBP business days after
such notification, MLBP shall still have failed to give its approval or
disapproval, such items or matters so submitted shall be deemed
[INFORMATION SUBJECT TO REQUEST FOR CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT]"
The term "MLBP business days" as used in this paragraph shall mean all
days on which banks are authorized to close in New York State
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and any other MLBP holiday of which MLBP advises Topps at least thirty
days in advance.
16. Topps shall comply with the guidelines set forth on Schedule B in
publishing the Baseball Items and Topps Products.
17. On each September 30 of the term after the Effective Date, Topps shall
submit to MLBP, for MLBP's information, Topps marketing information
required by Schedule C hereto for the next succeeding calendar year of
the term.
18. Topps shall provide MLBP with notice (for informational purposes only),
simultaneously with the submissions in Paragraph 15 hereof and,
whenever practicable, in the marketing plans provided by Topps pursuant
to Schedule C, of any new brand of Baseball Items including without
limitation, Trading Cards, it intends to publish using the Insignia in
accordance with the License Agreement.
19. Topps hereby agrees to indemnify, defend and hold MLBP, the BOC, the
Leagues and the Baseball Clubs and their respective owners,
shareholders, directors, officers, employees, agents, representatives,
successors and assigns harmless from any claims, suits, damages and
costs (including reasonable attorney's fees and expenses) arising out
of any claim by a third party in connection with: (i) any use of or
infringement of any trademark, service mark, copyright, patent,
process, method or device by Topps during the term of the 1995
Amendment in connection with the Baseball Items or Topps Products
covered by the License Agreement, other than a use of the Insignia as
authorized under the License Agreement; (ii) alleged defects or
deficiencies arising during or after the term of the 1995 Amendment (A)
in Baseball Items published by or on behalf of Topps, (B) in Topps
Products or (C) in the wrappings, packaging materials or advertising
materials of Topps used or sold in connection with the Baseball Items
or Topps Products, or in the use thereof, or false advertising, fraud,
misrepresentation or other claims related to the Baseball Items not
involving a claim of right to the Insignia; (iii) use of the Insignia
during the term of the 1995 Amendment, other than as authorized by the
License Agreement, or any breach by Topps of the License Agreement;(iv)
invasion of the right of privacy, publicity or property of, or
violation or misappropriation of any other rights of any third party
during the term of the 1995 Amendment, other than as authorized by the
License Agreement; (v)libel or slander against any third party arising
during the term of the 1995 Amendment; and (vi) agreements or alleged
agreements entered into by Topps with a third party for the
manufacture, distribution or sale of Baseball Items or Topps Products,
provided in each case Topps shall have the option to undertake and
conduct the defense of any suits brought and to engage in settlement
thereof at its sole discretion, provided such settlement does not
impair the legal rights of MLBP. MLBP shall give Topps written notice
of the making of any claim or the institution of any action hereunder
and MLBP may, at its option, participate in any action. The
indemnifications hereunder shall survive the expiration or termination
of the License Agreement.
20. MLBP represents and warrants to Topps that it has all necessary rights
and authority to grant the license granted hereunder, and agrees to
indemnify (subject to any indemnification provided by Topps in
accordance with Paragraph 4 of this 1995 Amendment), defend and hold
Topps and its stockholders, directors, officers, employees,
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agents, representatives, successors and assigns harmless from any
claims, suits, damages and costs (including reasonable attorney's fees
and expenses) arising out of any claim by a third party in connection
with: (i) challenges, during or after the term of this 1995 Amendment,
to MLBP's authority and power as agent for and pursuant to the
authority granted by the BOC, the Leagues and the Baseball Clubs to
license the Insignia in connection with the manufacturing,
distribution, advertisement and sale of the Baseball Items; and (ii)
Topps authorized use of the Insignia as approved by MLBP under the
License Agreement (which includes, but shall not be limited to, any
claims relating to MLBP's failure or alleged failure to have the right
to grant the licenses granted hereunder), provided in each case the
MLBP shall have the option to undertake, review and conduct the
defense of any suit so brought and to engage in settlement thereof at
its sole discretion, provided such settlement does not impair any legal
rights which Topps may have outside of the License Agreement. Topps
shall not institute any suit or action with respect to the Insignia
against any individual or entity that does not own any of the Insignia
without first obtaining MLBP's consent. Topps agrees that it is not
entitled to share in any proceeds received by MLBP (by settlement or
otherwise) in connection with any formal or informal action relating to
the Insignia brought by MLBP or any other owner of any of the Insignia,
provided that nothing contained herein shall limit Topps rights to
prosecute claims to the extent such claims relate to Topps own
trademarks, copyrights and other intellectual property. Topps
shall give MLBP written notice of the making of any claim or the
institution of any action hereunder and Topps may, at its option,
participate in any action. The representations and indemnifications
hereunder shall survive the expiration or termination of the License
Agreement.
21. Topps agrees that, during the term of the 1995 Amendment:
(a) It will not acquire any rights in the Insignia as a result of its
use under Paragraph 1(b) of the License Agreement, and all use of
the Insignia under Paragraph 1(b) of the License Agreement shall
inure to the benefit of MLBP, the BOC, the Leagues and/or the
Baseball Clubs.
(b) It will not directly attack the title of MLBP, the Baseball Clubs,
the Leagues, and/or the BOC in and to the Insignia or any
copyright, trademark or service mark pertaining thereto, nor will
it directly attack the validity of the license granted hereunder.
(c) It will not apply for any registration of any copyright,
trademark, service mark or other designation which would directly
affect the ownership of the Insignia.
(d) It will comply with all laws and regulations applicable to the
manufacture, sale or advertising of the Baseball Items and Topps
Products and shall comply with the applicable requirements of any
governmental agency (including, without limitation, the United
States Consumer Safety Commission) which shall have jurisdiction
over the Baseball Items and Topps Products.
(e) It shall ensure that MLBP, the Baseball Clubs, official Club
and/or MLBP retail stores, Club in-stadium concessionaires and the
Clubs belonging to The National Association of Professional
Baseball Leagues ("NAPBL Clubs") may obtain Baseball Items and
Topps Products, without regard to the relatively small volume
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their orders may represent, to the extent supplies last. MLBP, the
Clubs and NAPBL Clubs may obtain the Baseball Items and Topps
Products for their use, but not for resale, at the lowest price at
which Topps sells the Baseball Items and Topps Products.
22. The License Agreement is amended by deleting in their entirety
paragraphs 6, 7 and 8 of the 1969 Agreement.
23. Upon MLBP's written request, but not more than twice during any
calendar year, Topps shall provide MLBP with a written list of the name
of each third party (hereinafter, a "Manufacturer"), both domestic and
foreign, that Topps has used to produce any of the Baseball Items or
Topps Products during the preceding 12-month period and those it is
currently using or has plans to use. In the event MLBP notifies Topps
that it has encountered difficulties with respect to the unlawful use
of the Insignias by any such Manufacturer (or any other manufacturer
which MLBP shall so advise Topps with respect to), Topps agrees to give
good faith consideration, using its reasonable business judgment
exercised in its sole discretion, as to whether to continue to do
business with such third party.
24. Topps will not manufacture, or authorize the manufacture of the
Baseball Items or Topps Products, or accumulate inventory, at a rate
greater than its average rate during the term, as the end of the term
approaches.
25. Neither MLBP nor Topps shall disclose any confidential, private,
restricted or otherwise non-public information concerning the other
(including, without limitation, Topps marketing plans and the list of
Manufacturers) which, it acknowledges, it may become privy to during
the term of the 1995 Amendment, except as required by law and except
that MLBP may divulge such information to the BOC, the Leagues and the
Baseball Clubs, provided that the BOC, the Leagues and the Baseball
Clubs are subject to a confidentiality agreement with MLBP, and Topps
is a third-party beneficiary thereof.
26. Topps agrees to obtain, at its own cost and expense, comprehensive
general liability insurance including product liability insurance
providing adequate protection for MLBP, the BOC, the Leagues and the
Baseball Clubs and Topps in an amount not less than $3,000,000.00
(three million dollars) per incident or occurrence (which amount may
include excess umbrella coverage), or Topps standard insurance policy
limits, whichever is greater, and with a reasonable deductible in
relation thereto from an insurance company rated at least A- by A.M.
Best. Such insurance shall remain in force at all times during the
license period and for a period of five (5) years thereafter. Topps
further agrees that, as long as such insurance is available from an
insurance company rated at least A- by A.M. Best, to obtain and
maintain adequate insurance covering claims of third parties against
MLBP, the BOC, the Leagues and the Baseball Clubs and Topps, relating
to the matters described in subparagraphs 19(iv), (v) and (vi), in an
amount equal to the lesser of (a) $1,000,000 per incident or occurrence
and $1,000,000 in the aggregate, and (b) such amount as may be obtained
for an annual premium of $25,000. Within thirty (30) days from the
date hereof, Topps will submit to MLBP a certificate of insurance
naming MLBP and the Baseball Clubs as additional insured parties and
requiring that the insurer
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shall not terminate or materially modify such policy or certificate of
insurance without written notice to MLBP at least thirty (30) days in
advance thereof.
27. Simultaneous with the delivery of the payments of the guarantee
pursuant to Paragraph 5 hereof and the royalty pursuant to Paragraph 6
hereof Topps shall furnish to MLBP complete and accurate statements,
certified to be accurate by an officer on behalf of Topps, showing the
sales volume of each Baseball Item, gross sales price, itemized
deductions from gross sales price, and net sales price of the Baseball
Items distributed and/or sold by Topps. The report delivered with the
payments of the guarantee shall reflect sales for the reporting period
since Topps previous guarantee payment and the report delivered with
the payment of the royalty shall reflect sales for the preceding
calendar year. Upon the reasonable request of MLBP, Topps shall
provide additional information necessary to clarify the royalty
reports. Such statement shall be furnished to MLBP whether or not any
of the Baseball Items have been sold, or any payment is shown to be due
MLBP. Receipt or acceptance by MLBP of any of the statements
furnished pursuant to the License Agreement or of any sums paid
hereunder shall not preclude MLBP from questioning the correctness
thereof at any time, and in the event that any inconsistencies or
mistakes are discovered in such statements or payments, they shall
immediately be rectified and the appropriate payments made by Topps.
Late payment penalties, if any, shall be made pursuant to Paragraph
6 hereof.
Topps shall account separately for all sales in each country. For
reporting purposes, the United States of America, the District of
Columbia, Puerto Rico and U.S. territories and possessions, including
U.S. military bases worldwide, shall be one country.
28. Topps shall keep, maintain and preserve in its principal place of
business for at least two (2) years following termination or expiration
of the License Agreement or any renewal thereof complete and accurate
records and accounts covering all transactions relating to the License
Agreement. Such records and accounts shall be available for inspection
and audit no more than twice during any year of the term of the License
Agreement during reasonable business hours and upon reasonable notice
by MLBP or its representatives. Except as otherwise required by law,
MLBP shall keep the information derived from any audit in confidence.
If pursuant to its right hereunder to audit and inspect MLBP causes an
audit and inspection to be instituted and thereafter discloses a
deficiency of three percent (3%) or more between the amount found to be
due to MLBP pursuant to Schedule A hereto and the amount actually paid
or credited to MLBP, then Topps shall be responsible for payment of the
entire deficiency together with interest thereon at the then current
prime rate of Chemical Bank (or its successor) from the date such
amount became due until the date of payment, and the costs and expenses
of such audit and inspection.
29. The License Agreement is amended by deleting in its entirety paragraph
6 of the Letter Amendment dated June 25, 1990 and replacing it with the
following:
"6. On the packaging of all Baseball Items and Topps Products shall
appear one of the following two notices: "The Major League Baseball
Club Insignia depicted on this product are trademarks which are the
exclusive property of the respective Major League Clubs and may not be
reproduced without their written consent" or "Major League Baseball
trademarks and copyrights are used with permission of Major League
Baseball
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Properties, Inc." MLBP shall, in its discretion and in a timely
manner, determine which notice to include in each Baseball Item
and Topps Product. In addition, on all products containing the
Insignia shall appear a label stating "Genuine Merchandise" and
containing the Major League Baseball silhouetted batter logo. Further,
all Topps advertisements and promotional displays featuring the
Insignia and all retailer advertisements featuring Baseball Items or
Topps Products, and of which Topps has knowledge, shall contain the
worlds "Genuine Merchandise" and the silhouetted batter logo, and all
uses of the Insignia shall include either of the following notices as
directed by MLBP: (R) or "TM". MLBP shall have the right to revise the
foregoing notice requirements and to require such other notices as
shall be reasonably necessary to protect the interests of the MLBP, the
Baseball Clubs, the BOC and/or the Leagues and their respective
Insignia. Topps agrees to advise MLBP of the initial date of the
marketing of each Baseball Item and Topps Product and upon request to
deliver to MLBP up to eight (8) retail packages of the Baseball Items
and Topps Products upon which the Insignia are used."
Notwithstanding the foregoing, Topps may continue to comply with the
terms of Paragraph 6 as stated in the Letter Amendment dated June 25,
1990, with respect to all Baseball Items and Topps Products which are
in the production process as of the date hereof.
30. In any case where Topps employs the services of photographers or
artists in connection with the production, promotion, marketing or
distribution of the Baseball Items and Topps Products, it shall use
reasonable efforts to secure the agreement from each such photographer
or artist that the photographic or artistic work he or she produces for
Topps shall be "works made for hire" for the purposes of the copyright
laws, and that to the extent such photographic or artistic works may
not qualify as works made for hire, the copyright in each such work is
assigned to Topps. Nothing contained herein shall prohibit Topps from
using any photographer or artist that does not enter into such an
agreement.
31. (a) MLBP shall have the right to terminate the License Agreement upon
the occurrence of any one or more of the following events (herein
called "defaults"):
(i) If Topps fails to maintain in full force and effect the
insurance referred to in the first sentence of Paragraph 26
hereof and fails to provide for similar protection in form
and manner reasonably acceptable to MLBP (which may
include, if reasonably acceptable to MLBP, self-insurance)
so that there is coverage at all times. The downgrading of
Topps insurer by A.M. Best shall not be deemed a default,
provided that Topps may not sign a new policy with such
down-graded insurer.
(ii) If Topps shall breach any one of the undertakings set forth
in Paragraph 21(a)-(c) hereof or any other material term of
the License Agreement, and shall fail to cure such breach
to the extent reasonably capable of cure, within thirty
(30) days of MLBP's written notice of breach to Topps
thereof. In the event any such breach is not reasonably
capable of cure, MLBP may only terminate the License
Agreement in the event Topps has persisted, notwithstanding
prior
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written notice of such breaches from MLBP to Topps, to
engage in such conduct. Termination by MLBP under this
subparagraph shall be effective ninety (90) days after the
delivery of written notice of termination by MLBP, which
may be given only upon the expiration of the thirty
(30)-day cure period.
(iii) In the event a majority or controlling interest in Topps is
acquired by a person or entity that was or is connected
with casinos or any other form of legalized gambling
enterprise, or gambling in any manner, MLBP may terminate
the License Agreement immediately by written notice to
Topps.
(iv) If Topps is unable to pay its debts when due, or makes any
assignment for the benefit of creditors or any arrangement
pursuant to any bankruptcy law, or files or has filed
against it any petition under the bankruptcy or insolvency
laws of any jurisdiction, county or place, or shall have or
suffer a receive or trustee to be appointed for its
business property, or be adjudicated a bankrupt or
insolvent. In the event the license granted hereunder is
terminated pursuant to this Paragraph 31(a)(iv), neither
Topps nor its receivers, representatives, trustees, agent,
administrators, successor and/or assigns shall rely on the
terms of the License Agreement for any rights to sell,
exploit or otherwise deal with or in the Baseball Items and
Topps Products without the prior written consent of MLBP.
(v) If Topps fails to pay any royalties or guaranteed minimums
due hereunder and Topps fails to cure such breach within
fifteen (15) days after written notice thereof from MLBP,
unless such failure is due to a good faith dispute between
the parties with respect to such payment.
(b) In the event any of these defaults occur and MLBP desires to
exercise its right of termination under the terms of this
Paragraph 31, MLBP shall give notice of termination in writing to
Topps. Upon termination or expiration of the term hereof, all
rights, licenses and privileges granted to Topps hereunder shall
automatically revert to MLBP and Topps shall execute any and all
documents evidencing such automatic reversion. [INFORMATION
SUBJECT TO REQUEST FOR CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT]. Subject to the
limitation of the minimum guarantee termination payments set
forth in the two preceding sentences, MLBP's right to terminate
this Agreement, and the termination payments called for in this
paragraph and the right to seek any remedies related to such
termination, shall be without prejudice to any other rights or
remedies
11
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which MLBP may have, whether under the provisions of the License
Agreement, in law or in equity or otherwise.
(c) Topps shall have the right to terminate this Agreement
immediately upon written notice to MLBP in the event MLBP ceases
to have the ability to license to Topps a material portion of the
rights to be licensed to Topps hereunder for the United States or
Canada (unless such rights have been assigned to another entity
which assumes the License Agreement, without substantive
modification).
(d) Topps shall have the right to terminate this Agreement upon
ninety (90) days' written notice to MLBP (which may be given only
upon expiration of the 30-day cure period) if MLBP breaches any
material term of the License Agreement and fails to cure such
breach, to the extent such breach is reasonably capable of cure,
within thirty (30) days after written notice thereof from Topps
to MLBP. In the event any such breach is not reasonably capable
of cure, Topps may only terminate the License Agreement in the
event MLBP has persisted, notwithstanding prior written notice of
such breaches from Topps to MLBP, to engage in such conduct.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, Topps may not terminate this
License Agreement under subparagraph (d) of Section 31 to the
extent subparagraph (c) of Section 31 is applicable to the
breach. Any termination under subparagraphs 31 (c) or (d) shall
be without limitation or prejudice to any other rights Topps may
have, whether under the provisions of the License Agreement, in
law or in equity or otherwise.
32. Topps shall deliver to MLBP, as soon as practicable, following
expiration or termination of the License Agreement, a statement
indicating the number and description of the Baseball Items and Topps
Products on hand. Following expiration or termination, Topps may not
rely on the License Agreement to manufacture, sell or otherwise
distribute any more Baseball Items or Topps Products, but may continue
to distribute its remaining inventory for a period not to exceed sixty
(60) days, subject to the items of Paragraph 24 hereof and payment of
applicable royalties relative thereto; provided, however, that such
royalties shall not be applicable against minimum guarantees hereunder.
MLBP shall have the option to conduct physical inventories before
termination and continuing until the end of the sixty (60)-day sell-off
period in order to ascertain or verify such inventories and/or
statement. Immediately upon expiration of the sell-off period, Topps
shall furnish MLBP a detailed statement certified by an officer on
behalf of Topps showing the number and description of Baseball Items
and Topps Products on hand in its inventory and shall dispose of such
inventory at MLBP's direction and at Topps expense. In the event
Topps refuses to permit MLBP to conduct such physical inventory, Topps
shall forfeit its right hereunder to dispose of such inventory. In
addition to such forfeiture, MLBP shall have recourse to all other
remedies available to it.
32. All notices (other than those referred to in paragraph 15 hereof)
required to be given under the License Agreement to a party shall be in
writing and shall be deemed duly given if personally delivered or
mailed by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, to
the party concerned as follows:
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<PAGE>
If to MLBP:
Ethan Orlinsky
Director, Legal Affairs and Corporate Secretary
Major League Baseball Properties, Inc.
350 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10022
Facsimile: (212) 339-8640
with a copy to:
Thomas Duffy
Vice President,
Finance and Royalty Administration
Major League Baseball Properties, Inc.
350 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10022
Facsimile: (212) 339-8640
If to Topps:
Arthur T. Shorin
Chairman of the Board and
Chief Executive Officer
The Topps Company, Inc.
One Whitehall Street
New York, NY 10004
Facsimile: (212) 376-0627
with copies to:
Scott Silverstein, Esq.
Vice President-Business Affairs and Controller
The Topps Company, Inc. The Topps Company, Inc.
Facsimile: (212) 376-0626 Facsimile: (212) 376-0621
Notice may also be sent by facsimile if followed by another method of
delivery as described above.
34. No waiver, modification or cancellation of any term or condition of the
License Agreement shall be effective unless executed in writing by the
party charged therewith. No written waiver shall excuse the
performance of any act other than those specifically referred to
therein. No waiver by either party hereto of any breach of the License
Agreement shall be deemed to be a waiver of any preceding or
succeeding breach of the
13
<PAGE>
same or any other provision hereof. The exercise of any right granted
to either party hereunder shall not operate as a waiver. The normal
expiration of the term of the License Agreement shall not relieve
either party of its respective obligations accruing prior thereto, nor
impair or prejudice the respective rights of either party against the
other, which rights by their nature survive such expiration. Neither
party makes any representations or warranties to the other, except as
expressly set forth herein.
35. The License Agreement does not constitute and shall not be construed as
constituting an agency, partnership or joint venture relationship
between Topps and MLBP. Neither party shall have any right to obligate
or bind the other in any manner whatsoever, and nothing herein
contained shall give or is intended to give any rights of any kind to
any third persons.
36. The License Agreement is amended by deleting in its entirety paragraph
11 of the 1969 Agreement and replacing it with the following:
"The License Agreement shall be construed and enforced in accordance
with the laws of the State of New York, without giving effect to
principles of conflicts of laws, and cannot be changed orally."
37. This 1995 Amendment, including the original 1969 Agreement (dated
January 1, 1969) and all prior amendments, and the attached Schedules,
when fully executed, shall represent the entire understanding between
the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof.
38. Except as expressly amended and extended by this 1995 Amendment, the
License Agreement including, without limitation, Section 9 of the 1969
Agreement, shall remain unamended and in full force and effect.
Please indicate your agreement to the foregoing terms by signing below.
Sincerely,
Scott A. Silverstein
Vice President - Business Affairs
Agreed to and Accepted:
Major League Baseball Properties, Inc.
By:
14
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SCHEDULE A
1. Minimum Guarantee
The minimum guarantee is [INFORMATION SUBJECT TO REQUEST FOR CONFIDENTIAL
TREATMENT] per calendar year, [INFORMATION SUBJECT TO REQUEST FOR
CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT], payable in equal installments of [INFORMATION
SUBJECT TO REQUEST FOR CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT] on each April
15, July 15 and October 15 during the term. [INFORMATION SUBJECT TO
REQUEST FOR CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT]
2. Royalty
The royalty during the term shall be as follows:
(a) For calendar years 1996 and 1997:
[INFORMATION SUBJECT TO REQUEST FOR CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT].
(b) For calendar year 1998:
[INFORMATION SUBJECT TO REQUEST FOR CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT].
(c) For calendar year 1999:
[INFORMATION SUBJECT TO REQUEST FOR CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT]
(d) For calendar year 2000:
[INFORMATION SUBJECT TO REQUEST FOR CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT].
All royalties shall be paid by March 15 for the immediately
preceding calendar year, with a credit for the minimum
guarantee theretofore paid for such preceding year.
A-1
<PAGE>
SCHEDULE B
1. The team name or Club Logo shall be featured in a prominent and
visible manner, on the front or back of each regular player
Trading Card, separate from any use of the team name in
statistical or editorial information contained on the card.
2. The team name and Club Logo must be separate and distinct from
the player's name and any corporate identification (including,
without limitation, that of Topps) featured on any Baseball Item.
3. The Major League Baseball silhouetted batter logo shall appear in
a visible manner on each Trading Card, in no smaller type size
than the MLBPA logo on such Trading Card.
4. Each pack of trading cards must specify the number of cards
contained therein, if and as required by law.
B-1
<PAGE>
SCHEDULE C
MLBP 1996 MARKETING PLAN REQUEST
================================================================================
Demographics (3-year Trends) Brand Data (1990 - 1995)
HH Penetration; Kid HH Penetration
Baseball Card Brand Trends
-- Unit Volume; Volume Net Sales
Distribution by Brand/Channel
________________________________________________________________________________
Brand Positioning Volume (Unit/Net Sales) 5 Year
--Each Brand's Reasons for History 1995 Estimate (This Being
Target will be provided on a one-time
Attributes basis for this year.) 3 year
Price Point projections (only to the extent
Channel Focus Topps prepares such projections).
-- Brand Segmentation/Pricing Chart
-- Brand's Releases Shipments
Returns
________________________________________________________________________________
1996 Marketing Plan
-- Core Consumer Target
-- Objectives and Strategies for
1996
-- Major Consumer Programs
-- Major Retail Programs
-- New Product Introductions
-- Technological Innovations
-- International Plans
________________________________________________________________________________
C-1