NOTE A – NATURE OF BUSINESS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
[1] BASIS OF PRESENTATION:
The accompanying condensed financial statements as of September 30, 2012 and for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2012 and September 30, 2011 are unaudited, but, in the opinion of the management of Network-1 Security Solutions, Inc. (the "Company"), contain all adjustments consisting only of normal recurring items which the Company considers necessary for the fair presentation of the Company's financial position as of September 30, 2012, and the results of its operations for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2012 and September 30, 2011 and its cash flows for the nine month periods then ended. The condensed financial statements included herein have been prepared in
accordance with the accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for interim financial information and the instructions to Form 10-Q. Accordingly, certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in the financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America have been omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations, although management believes that the disclosures are adequate to make the information presented not misleading. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2011 included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 are not necessarily indicative of the
results of operations to be expected for the full year.
[2] BUSINESS:
(a) The principal business of the Company is the acquisition, development, licensing and protection of its intellectual property. The Company presently owns six patents covering various telecommunications and data networking technologies including, among others, patents covering the delivery of power over Ethernet ("PoE") cables for the purpose of remotely powering network devices, such as wireless access ports, IP phones and network based cameras, over Ethernet networks and systems and methods of transmission of audio, video and data over computer and telephony networks. In addition, the Company continually reviews opportunities to acquire or license additional intellectual
property. The Company’s strategy is to pursue licensing and strategic business alliances with companies in the industries that manufacture and sell products that make use of the technologies underlying its patents as well as with other users of the technology who benefit directly from the technology including corporate, educational and governmental entities. To date, the Company’s efforts with respect to its intellectual property have focused on licensing its patent (U.S. Patent No. 6,218,930) covering the control of power delivery over Ethernet cables (the “Remote Power Patent”). As of September 30, 2012, the Company had entered into thirteen (13) license agreements with respect to its Remote Power Patent which include, among others, license agreements with Cisco Systems, Inc. and Cisco-Linksys, Microsemi Corporation, Motorola
Solutions, Inc., Extreme Networks, Inc., Netgear, Inc. and several other major data networking equipment manufacturers (See Note D). The Company’s current strategy includes continuing to pursue licensing opportunities for the Remote Power Patent from vendors of PoE equipment in order to resolve possible infringement of the Remote Patent by such vendors. In addition, the Company may acquire additional intellectual property assets in the future to develop, commercialize, license or otherwise monetize such intellectual property. The Company may also enter into strategic relationships with third parties to develop, commercialize, license or otherwise monetize their intellectual
NOTE A – NATURE OF BUSINESS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)
property. The form of such relationships may vary depending upon the opportunity and may include, among other things, a strategic investment in such third party or the formation of a joint venture for the purpose of monetizing such third party’s intellectual property assets.
(b) As reflected in the accompanying financial statements, the Company had revenue of $1,418,000 and $1,222,000 for the three month period ended September 30, 2012 and September 30, 2011, respectively, and revenue of $7,809,000 and $6,611,000 for the nine month period ended September 30, 2012 and September 30, 2011, respectively. The Company has been dependent upon royalty revenue from license of its Remote Power Patent to fund its operations. The Company had cash and cash equivalents of $22,213,000 as of September 30, 2012.
[3] STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION:
On April 11, 2012, the Company issued a five year option to purchase 125,000 shares of its common stock to one of its directors, at an exercise price of $1.40 per share, in consideration of serving on a special committee of the Board of Directors, and such option vests over a one year period in equal quarterly amounts of 31,250 shares. On April 12, 2012, the Company issued to its Chief Financial Officer, in consideration of extension of his consulting agreement with the Company (See Note C[2]), a five year option to purchase 75,000 shares of its common stock, at an exercise price of $1.40 per share. Such option vests over a one year period in equal installments of 18,750 shares.
On January 27, 2012, the Company issued a five year option to purchase 50,000 shares of its common stock, at an exercise price of $1.21 per share, to a director for joining the Board of Directors, which option vests in equal quarterly installments over a one year period. On January 31, 2012 and February 24, 2012, the Company issued five year options to purchase an aggregate of 25,000 shares to each of its three non-management directors, at exercise prices of $1.21 and $1.35 per share. These options vest over a one year period in equal quarterly installments.
During each of the nine month period ended September 30, 2012 and September 30, 2011 the Company recorded non-cash compensation expense of $37,000 and $112,000, respectively, for the vested portion (62,500 shares and 187,500 shares) of options to purchase 750,000 shares issued to the Company’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer in June 2009 (See Note C). In addition, during the nine month period ended September 30, 2012 and September 30, 2011 the Company recorded non-cash compensation expense of $98,000 and $12,000, respectively, for the vested portion of options granted to its Chief Financial Officer, directors and consultants in current and prior years.
During the nine month period ended September 30, 2012, the Company's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and an affiliate exercised options and warrants to purchase an aggregate of 2,623,070 shares of the Company's common stock at an exercise price of $0.68 per share. All such options were exercised on a cashless basis by delivery of 1,306,979 shares of common stock for payment of the aggregate exercise price and 350,160 shares of common stock were delivered with an aggregate value of $486,951 to fund payroll withholding taxes on exercise, resulting in aggregate net shares of 965,933 issued to the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer with respect to such option and warrant exercises.
NOTE A – NATURE OF BUSINESS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)
On February 2, 2011, the Company extended for three years the expiration dates of certain outstanding options issued to a consultant to purchase an aggregate of 75,000 shares of common stock at $0.68 per share. The Company incurred non-cash compensation charges of $5,000 with respect to this option extension.
On May 20, 2011, the Company extended the expiration dates for three years of options and warrants (expiring in 2011) to purchase an aggregate of 1,095,218 shares of common stock held by officers, directors and a third party. The extensions of the expiration dates for an aggregate of 690,218 shares underlying such options were subsequently cancelled in December 2011 and the Company recorded non-cash compensation of $35,000 with respect to the option extensions which were not cancelled.
The fair value of each option grant on the date of grant is estimated using the Black-Scholes option-pricing utilizing the following weighted average assumptions:
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NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,
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| |
2012
|
|
2011
|
|
Risk-free interest rates
Expected option life in years
Expected stock price volatility
Expected dividend yield
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0.71-0.89%
5 years
45.86%
-0-
|
|
2.05-2.18%
5 years
42.04%
- 0 -
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[4] REVENUE RECOGNITION:
The Company recognizes revenue received from the licensing of its intellectual property in accordance with Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 104, "Revenue Recognition" ("SAB No. 104") and related authoritative pronouncements. Revenue is recognized when (i) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, (ii) all obligations have been performed pursuant to the terms of the license agreement, (iii) amounts are fixed or determinable, and (iv) collectibility of amounts is reasonably assured. One licensee (Cisco Systems) constituted approximately 80% and 90% of the Company’s revenue, respectively, for the nine month period ended September 30, 2012 and September 30, 2011.
[5] INCOME TAXES:
At September 30, 2012, the Company had net operating loss carryforwards (NOLs) totaling approximately $24,980,000 expiring 2031, with a future tax benefit of approximately $8,740,000. During the second quarter of 2011, as a result of the Company's financial results and projected future operating results, management determined that a portion of the NOL was more likely than not to be utilized resulting in the recording of a one-time, non-cash income tax benefit of $7,000,000 (income) or $0.29 per share (basic) for the three and six month periods ended June 30,
2011. At September 30, 2011, $6,860,000 was recorded as a deferred tax benefit on the Company’s balance sheet. At September 30, 2012, $6,194,000 has been recorded as a deferred tax benefit on the Company's balance sheet. During the nine
NOTE A – NATURE OF BUSINESS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)
month period ended September 30, 2012 as a result of income (before taxes) for the period of $3,607,000, $753,000 was recorded as income tax expense and the deferred tax asset was reduced by $709,000 to $6,194,000. To the extent that the Company earns income in the future, it will report income tax expense and such expense attributable to federal income taxes will reduce the recorded income tax benefit asset reflected on the balance sheet.
Management will continue to evaluate the recoverability of the NOL and adjust the deferred tax asset appropriately. Utilization of NOL credit carryforwards can be subject to a substantial annual limitation due to ownership change limitations that could occur in the future, as required by Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, as well as similar state provisions.
[6] EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE:
Basic Earnings (loss) per share is calculated by dividing the net income (loss) by the weighted average number of outstanding common shares during the period. Diluted per share data includes the dilutive effects of options, warrants and convertible securities. Potential shares of 5,460,000 and 10,779,915 at September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively, consisted of options and warrants. Computations of basic and diluted weighted average common shares outstanding are as follows:
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Nine Months Ended
September 30
|
|
|
Three Months Ended
September 30,
|
|
| |
|
2012
|
|
|
2011
|
|
|
2012
|
|
|
2011
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted-average common shares outstanding – basic
|
|
|
25,659,085 |
|
|
|
25,979,596 |
|
|
|
25,963,093 |
|
|
|
26,014,578 |
|
|
Dilutive effect of options and warrants
|
|
|
2,885,887 |
|
|
|
4,976,463 |
|
|
|
2,553,549 |
|
|
|
4,976,463 |
|
|
Weighted-average common shares outstanding – diluted
|
|
|
28,544,972 |
|
|
|
30,956,059 |
|
|
|
28,516,642 |
|
|
|
30,991,041 |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Options and Warrants excluded from the computation of diluted income (loss) per share because the effect of inclusion would have been anti-dilutive
|
|
|
2,574,113 |
|
|
|
5,803,452 |
|
|
|
2,906,451 |
|
|
|
5,803,452 |
|
[7] CASH EQUIVALENTS:
The Company places cash investments in high quality financial institutions insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation ("FDIC"). At September 30, 2012, the Company maintained cash balance of $21,963,000 in excess of FDIC limits.
The Company considers all highly liquid short-term investments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.
NOTE A – NATURE OF BUSINESS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)
Cash and cash equivalents as of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 are composed of:
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|
September 30, 2012
|
|
|
December 31, 2011
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash
|
|
$ |
1,041,000 |
|
|
$ |
1,135,000 |
|
|
Money market fund
|
|
|
21,172,000 |
|
|
|
19,526,000 |
|
|
Total
|
|
$ |
22,213,000 |
|
|
$ |
20,661,000 |
|
[8] MARKETABLE SECURITIES
Marketable securities are classified as available-for-sale and are recorded as fair market value. Unrealized gain and losses are reported as other comprehensive income. Realized gains and losses are included in income in the period they are realized. The Company's marketable securities consist of a corporate bond (face value $500,000) with a 5% coupon and a maturity date of June 2015.
Note B - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
[1] Legal Fees:
Dovel & Luner, LLP provides legal services to the Company with respect to the Company’s pending patent litigation filed in September 2011 against sixteen (16) data networking equipment manufacturers in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas, Tyler (See Note D[1]). The terms of the Company’s agreement with Dovel & Luner LLP essentially provides for legal fees on a full contingency basis ranging from 12.5% to 35% (with certain exceptions) of the net recovery (after deduction for expenses) depending on the stage of the preceding in which a result (settlement or judgment) is achieved. For the nine month period ended September 30, 2012, the Company
incurred legal fees and expenses of $297,000 to Dovel and Luner, LLP with respect to the litigation.
Dovel & Luner, LLP provided legal services to the Company with respect to the litigation settled in July 2010 against several major data networking equipment manufacturers (See Note D[3]). The terms of the Company’s agreement with Dovel & Luner, LLP with respect to this litigation provided for legal fees of a maximum aggregate cash payment of $1.5 million plus a contingency fee of 24% (based on the settlement being achieved at the trial stage). With respect to the royalty payments payable quarterly by Cisco in accordance with the Company’s settlement and license agreement with Cisco (See Note D[3]), the Company has an obligation to pay Dovel & Luner 24% of such
royalties received. During the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and September 30, 2011, the Company incurred aggregate legal fees to Dovel & Luner, LLP of approximately $1,581,000 and $1,493,000, respectively, with respect to the aforementioned litigation.
With respect to the Company’s litigation against D-Link, which was settled in May 2007 (See Note D[3]), the Company utilized the services of Blank Rome, LLP on a full contingency basis. In accordance with the Company’s contingency fee agreement with Blank Rome LLP, once the Company recovers its expenses related to the litigation (which have not yet been recovered), the Company is obligated to pay legal fees to Blank Rome LLP
Note B - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (continued)
equal to 25% of the royalty revenue received by the Company from its license agreement with D-Link, with respect to the aforementioned litigation.
[2] Amended Patent Purchase Agreement:
On January 18, 2005, the Company and Merlot Communications, Inc., the successor of which is BAXL Technologies, Inc. (the “Seller”), amended the Patent Purchase Agreement originally entered into in November 2003 (the "Amendment") pursuant to which the Company paid an additional purchase price of $500,000 to Seller in consideration for the restructuring of future contingent payments to Seller from the licensing or sale of the Patents. The Amendment provides for future contingent payments by the Company to Seller of $1.0 million upon achievement of $25 million of Net Royalties (as defined), an additional $1.0 million upon achievement of $50 million of Net Royalties and an additional
$500,000 upon achievement of $62.5 million of Net Royalties from licensing or sale of the patents acquired from Seller. At June 30, 2011, a payment of $1.0 million was payable to Seller since Net Royalties (as defined) of $25 million was achieved. This amount has been recorded as additional patent expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and has been paid to Seller.
[3] Services Agreement:
Pursuant to an agreement, dated November 30, 2004, between the Company and ThinkFire Services USA, Ltd. (“ThinkFire”), the Company is obligated to pay ThinkFire fees from royalty payments received from certain licensees in consideration for services performed on behalf of the Company. During the nine month period ended September 30, 2012 and September 30, 2011, the Company incurred fees of approximately $73,000 and $60,000, respectively, with respect to its obligation to ThinkFire.
[4] Lease Agreement:
The Company currently leases office space in New York City at a cost of $3,300 per month which lease expires on December 31, 2012.
On June 16, 2011, the Company entered into a four-year lease agreement commencing July 18, 2011 to rent office space, consisting of approximately 2,400 square feet, for offices in New Canaan, Connecticut. In accordance with the lease, the Company pays a base rent of $6,400 per month for the first two years, $6,800 per month for the third year and $7,000 per month for the fourth year. The base rent is subject to annual adjustments to reflect increases in real estate taxes and operating expenses. The Company also entered into a one year sublease (which expired in July 2012) at a base rent of $3,700 per month to sublet approximately 50% of the space to a third party.
[5] Patent Acquisition Agreement:
On September 13, 2012, the Company entered into a Patent Purchase Agreement with a third party inventor pursuant to which the Company has the right to acquire four issued patents and one pending patent application pertaining to the identification of online media works for a purchase price of $1,000,000 in cash and $500,000 of the Company’s common
Note B - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (continued)
stock. The acquisition is subject to certain material conditions which are required to be satisfied prior to the closing.
Note C - EMPLOYMENT ARRANGEMENTS AND OTHER AGREEMENTS
[1] On June 8, 2009, the Company entered into an employment agreement (the “Agreement”) with Corey M. Horowitz pursuant to which he continued to serve as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer for a three year term (which expired in June 2012) at an annual base salary of $375,000 (retroactive to April 1, 2009) for the first year, increasing by 5% on each of April 1, 2010 and April 1, 2011. He also received a cash bonus of no less than $150,000 on an annual calendar year basis (beginning with the year ended December 31, 2009), for the three year term of the Agreement. For the years ended December 31, 2011,
December 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009, Mr. Horowitz received an annual bonus of $150,000, $350,000 and $150,000, respectively. In connection with the Agreement, Mr. Horowitz was issued a ten year option to purchase 750,000 shares of the Company’s common stock at an exercise price of $0.83 per share (the market price at the time of the grant), which vested in equal quarterly amounts of 62,500 shares beginning September 30, 2009 through March 31, 2012. In addition to the aforementioned option grant, the Company extended for an additional five years the expiration dates of all options (an aggregate of 417,500 shares) expiring in the calendar year 2009 owned by Mr. Horowitz. On March 16, 2011 the Company and Mr. Horowitz entered into an amendment to the Agreement which provided that in consideration of a payment of $250,000, Mr.
Horowitz agreed to reduce Additional Bonus Compensation and Royalty Bonus Compensation (as such terms are defined in Section 5(b)(ii) of the Agreement) payable to him from patents other than the Remote Power Patent from 12.5% to 10% as referenced below.
Under the terms of the Agreement, as amended, Mr. Horowitz receives additional bonus compensation in an amount equal to 5% of the Company’s royalties or other payments (exclusive of proceeds from the sale of the Company’s patents which is covered below) with respect to the Company’s Remote Power Patent and 10% (pursuant to the March 16, 2011 amendment referenced above) of the Company’s royalties and other payments with respect to the Company’s other patents besides the Remote Power Patent (the “Additional Patents”) (all before deduction of payments to third parties including, but not limited to, legal fees and expenses and third party license fees) actually received from
licensing its patented technologies (including patents owned as of the date of the Agreement and acquired or licensed on an exclusive basis during the period in which Mr. Horowitz continues to serve as an executive officer of the Company) (the “Royalty Bonus Compensation”). During the nine months ended September 30, 2012, Mr. Horowitz earned Royalty Bonus Compensation of $390,000. In addition, during the term of his employment, Mr. Horowitz was also entitled to additional bonus compensation equal to (i) 5% of the gross proceeds from the sale of the Company’s Remote Power Patent and 10% (pursuant to the March 16, 2011 amendment) of the gross proceeds from the sale of the Additional Patents, and (ii) 5% of the gross proceeds from the merger of the Company with or into another entity under certain limited circumstances. The
Royalty Bonus Compensation continues to be paid to Mr. Horowitz for the life of each of the Company’s patents with respect to licenses entered into with third parties during Mr. Horowitz’s term of employment or at anytime thereafter, whether Mr. Horowitz is employed by the Company or not; provided, that, Mr. Horowitz’s employment has not been terminated by the Company “For Cause” (as defined) or terminated by
Note C - EMPLOYMENT ARRANGEMENTS AND OTHER AGREEMENTS (continued)
Mr. Horowitz without “Good Reason” (as defined). In the event that Mr. Horowitz’s employment is terminated by the Company “Other Than For Cause” (as defined) or by Mr. Horowitz for “Good Reason” (as defined), Mr. Horowitz shall also be entitled to (i) a lump sum severance payment of 12 months base salary, (ii) the minimum annual bonus of $150,000 and (iii) accelerated vesting of all unvested options and warrants. In connection with the Agreement, Mr. Horowitz agreed not to compete with the Company as follows: (i) during the term of the Agreement and for a period of 12 months thereafter if his employment is terminated “Other Than For
Cause” (as defined) provided he is paid his 12 month base salary severance amount and (ii) for a period of two years from the termination date, if terminated “For Cause” by the Company or “Without Good Reason” by Mr. Horowitz.
[2] On February 3, 2011, the Company entered into an agreement with David C. Kahn pursuant to which he continues to serve as the Company’s Chief Financial Officer through December 31, 2012. The agreement provided for Mr. Kahn to be compensated at the rate of $9,000 per month for the year ending December 31, 2011 and $9,450 per month for the year ending December 31, 2012. In connection with the agreement, Mr. Kahn was also issued a five year option to purchase 100,000 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $1.59 per share (the market price at the time of the grant). The option
vested 50,000 shares on the date of grant and the balance of the shares (50,000) vested on the one year anniversary date (February 3, 2012) from the date of grant. On April 12, 2012, the Company amended its agreement, dated February 3, 2011, with its Chief Financial Officer providing for a one year extension of the term of service until December 31, 2013, and an increase in compensation to $11,000 per month. In addition, the Company issued to its Chief Financial Officer a five year option to purchase 75,000 shares of common stock, at an exercise price of $1.40 per share (fair market value on the date of grant). The option vests over a one year period in equal quarterly installments of 18,750 shares.
NOTE D – LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
[1] In September 2011, the Company initiated patent litigation against 16 data networking equipment manufacturers in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas, Tyler Division, for infringement of its Remote Power Patent. Named as defendants in the lawsuit, excluding related parties, were Alcatel-Lucent USA, Inc., Allied Telesis, Inc., Avaya Inc., AXIS Communications Inc., Dell, Inc., GarrettCom, Inc., Hewlett-Packard Company, Huawei Technologies USA, Juniper Networks, Inc., Motorola Solutions, Inc., NEC Corporation, Polycom Inc., Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., ShoreTel, Inc., Sony Electronics, Inc., and Transition Networks, Inc. The Company seeks monetary damages
based upon reasonable royalties. In March 2012, the Company reached settlement agreements with defendants Motorola Solutions, Inc. ("Motorola") and Transition Networks, Inc. ("Transition Networks"). As part of the settlements, Motorola and Transition Networks each entered into a non-exclusive license agreement for the Company's Remote Power Patent pursuant to which each such defendant agreed to license the Remote Power Patent for its full term (which expires in March 2020) and pay a license initiation fee and quarterly royalties based on their sales of PoE products. On June 27, 2012, defendants Axis Communications filed a motion to dismiss, or alternatively to sever, on the grounds of misjoinder. Several defendants joined in the motion. On July 12, 2012, the Company filed its opposition to the motion and a decision on the
motion is pending.
NOTE D - LEGAL PROCEEDINGS (continued)
[2] On July 20, 2012, an unknown third party filed with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (“USPTO”) a request for an Ex Parte Reexamination, requesting that the Company’s Remote Power Patent be reexamined by the USPTO. On September 5, 2012, the USPTO issued an order granting the reexamination. The initial grant of the reexamination by USPTO is not unusual as the majority of such applications are initially granted by the USPTO. While management believes that the reexamination will further validate and strengthen the Remote Power Patent, should the USPTO reach a final determination that the Remote Power Patent is invalid (unless such
determination is overturned by the Board of Patent Appeals and Interference or the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit), such a determination would have a material adverse effect on the Company as its entire revenue stream is dependent upon the continued validity of the Remote Power Patent.
[3] In July 2010, the Company settled its patent litigation pending in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas, Tyler Division, against Adtran, Inc, Cisco Systems, Inc. and Cisco-Linksys, LLC, (collectively, “Cisco”), Enterasys Networks, Inc., Extreme Networks, Inc., Foundry Networks, Inc., and 3Com Corporation, Inc. As part of the settlement, Adtran, Cisco, Enterasys, Extreme Networks and Foundry Networks each entered into a settlement agreement with the Company and entered into non-exclusive licenses for the Company's Remote Power Patent (the “Licensed Defendants”). Under the terms of the licenses, the Licensed Defendants paid
the Company aggregate upfront payments of approximately $32 million and also agreed to license the Remote Power Patent for its full term, which expires in March 2020. In accordance with the Settlement and License Agreement, dated May 25, 2011 (the "Agreement"), which expanded upon the July 2010 agreement, Cisco is obliged to pay the Company royalties (which began in the first quarter of 2011) based on its sales of PoE products up to maximum royalty payments per year of $8 million through 2015 and $9 million per year thereafter for the remaining term of the patent. The royalty payments are subject to certain conditions including the continued validity of the Company’s Remote Power Patent, and the actual royalty amounts received may be less than the caps stated above, as was the
case in 2011. Under the terms of the Agreement, if the Company grants other licenses with lower royalty rates to third parties (as defined in the Agreement), Cisco shall be entitled to the benefit of the lower royalty rates provided it agrees to the material terms of such other license. Under the terms of the Agreement, the Company has certain obligations to Cisco and if it materially breaches such terms, Cisco will be entitled to stop paying royalties to the Company. This would have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations. For more details about the July 2010 settlement, please see the Company’s Current Reports on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 20, 2010 and June 1, 2011.
In May 2009, the Company achieved a settlement with Netgear, Inc. (“Netgear”), also a defendant in the above referenced litigation in Tyler, Texas. As part of the settlement and under the Company’s Special Licensing Program, Netgear entered into a license agreement with the Company for the Remote Power Patent, effective April 1, 2009. Under the terms of the license, Netgear licenses the Remote Power Patent for its full term which expires in March 2020, and pays quarterly royalties (which began as of April 1, 2009) based on its sales of PoE products, including those PoE products which comply with the
Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers 802.3af and 802.3at Standards. Licensed products include Netgear’s PoE enabled switches and wireless access points. The royalty rates included in the license are 1.7% of the sales price of Power Sourcing Equipment, which includes Ethernet switches, and 2% of the sales price of Powered Devices, which includes wireless access
NOTE D - LEGAL PROCEEDINGS (continued)
points. The royalty rates are subject to adjustment, under certain circumstances, if the Company grants a license to other licensees with lower royalty rates and Netgear is able to and agrees to assume all material terms and conditions of such other license. In addition, Netgear paid the Company $350,000 upon the signing of the license agreement.
[4] In August 2007, the Company finalized the settlement of patent litigation against D-Link Corporation and D-Link Systems, Incorporated (collectively “D-Link”) in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas, Tyler division. Under the terms of the settlement, D-Link entered into a license agreement for the Company’s Remote Power Patent the terms of which included monthly royalty payments of 3.25% (subject to adjustment as noted below) of the net sales of D-Link Power over Ethernet products, including those products which comply with the IEEE 802.3af and 802.3at
Standards, for the full term of the Remote Power Patent, which expires in March 2020. In addition, D-Link paid the Company $100,000 upon signing of the Settlement Agreement. The royalty rate is subject to adjustment to a rate consistent with other similarly situated licensees of the Remote Power Patent based on units of shipments of licensed products. In September 2009, based upon several licenses issued to third parties under the Company’s Special Licensing Program, the Company agreed with D-Link to adjust the royalty rate to 1.7% of the sales price for Power Servicing Equipment (which includes Ethernet switches) and 2.0% of the sales price for Powered Devices (which includes wireless access points).
[5] In June 2008, the Company entered into an agreement with Microsemi Corp-Analog Mixed Signal Group Ltd (“Microsemi Analog”), previously PowerDsine Ltd, a subsidiary of Microsemi Corporation (“Microsemi”), a leading manufacturer of high performance analog mixed-signal integrated circuits and high reliability semiconductors, which, among other things, amended a prior settlement agreement entered into between the Company and PowerDsine Ltd. in November 2005. As part of the Company’s Special Licensing Program and its agreement with Microsemi Analog entered into in September 2008, Microsemi entered into a license agreement, dated August 13, 2008, with
the Company with respect to the Remote Power Patent. The license agreement provides that Microsemi is obligated to pay the Company quarterly royalty payments of 2% of the sales price for certain of Microsemi’s Midspan PoE products for the full term of the Remote Power Patent which expires in March 2020.
NOTE E – STOCK REPURCHASE
On August 22, 2011, the Company announced that its Board of Directors approved a share repurchase program to repurchase up to $2,000,000 of shares of its common stock over the next 12 months ("Share Repurchase Program"). The common stock may be repurchased from time to time in open market transactions or privately negotiated transactions in the Company’s discretion. The timing and amount of the shares repurchased is determined by management based on its evaluation of market conditions and other factors. The Share Repurchase Program may be increased, suspended or discontinued at any time. On January 31, 2012, the Board of Directors increased the Share
Repurchase Program to purchase up to an additional $2,000,000 (or an aggregate of $4,000,000) of the Company's common stock for the next 12 months. During the three month period ended September 30 2012, the Company did not repurchase any shares.
NOTE F – SUBSEQUENT EVENTS (continued)
[1] In October 2012, the Company reached a settlement agreement with defendant GarrettCom, Inc. with respect to its patent litigation currently pending against 13 data networking equipment manufacturers (excluding related parties) in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas, Tyler Division, for infringement of the Company’s Remote Power Patent (See Note D[1]). As part of the settlement, GarrettCom, Inc. entered into a non-exclusive license agreement for the Company’s Remote Power Patent for its full term (which expires in March 2020) and paid a license initiation fee and is obligated to pay annual royalties based on their sales of PoE
products.
[2] On November 1, 2012, the Company entered into a new employment agreement (the “Agreement”) with Corey M. Horowitz, pursuant to which he continues to serve as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer for a one year period (which shall automatically be extended for two successive one year periods unless terminated by the Company) at an annual base salary of $415,000. In connection with the Agreement, Mr. Horowitz was issued a ten year option to purchase 500,000 shares of the Company’s common stock at an exercise price of $1.19 per share (the market price at the time of grant), which vests in equal quarterly amounts of 46,667 shares beginning November 30, 2012
through August 31, 2015. The additional terms of the employment agreement are substantially similar to the Company’s prior employment agreement with Mr. Horowitz (See Note C[1]), although there were certain modifications which, among others, include: (i) Mr. Horowitz will be eligible to receive an annual target bonus of $150,000 based on annual performance criteria to be established by the Board of Directors, (ii) the bonus compensation payable to Mr. Horowitz with respect to Additional Patents (besides the Remote Power Patent) from licensing, enforcement or sale, shall be equal to 10% of the amount received by the Company after deduction of all legal fees and litigation expenses; provided, however, in no event
shall Mr. Horowitz receive less that 6.25% of the gross royalties or other payments received by the Company, and (iii) in the event of a merger or the sale of substantially all the assets of the Company, the Company has the option to extinguish the right of Mr. Horowitz to receive future Royalty Incentive Compensation and Additional Incentive Compensation by payment to Mr. Horowitz of a lump sum in an amount equal to the fair market value of such interests as determined by an independent third party expert if the parties do not reach agreement as to such value.
ITEM 2: MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATION
THIS QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q CONTAINS FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS WHICH ARE STATEMENTS THAT INCLUDE INFORMATION BASED UPON BELIEF OF OUR MANAGEMENT, AS WELL AS ASSUMPTIONS MADE BY AND INFORMATION AVAILABLE TO MANAGEMENT. STATEMENTS CONTAINING TERMS SUCH AS “BELIEVES”, “EXPECTS”, “ANTICIPATES”, “INTENDS” OR SIMILAR WORDS ARE INTENDED TO IDENTIFY FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS. ACTUAL RESULTS, EVENTS AND CIRCUMSTANCES (INCLUDING FUTURE PERFORMANCE, RESULTS AND TRENDS) COULD DIFFER MATERIALLY FROM THOSE SET FORTH IN SUCH STATEMENTS DUE TO VARIOUS RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THOSE DISCUSSED BEGINNING ON PAGES 11-21 OF
OUR ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K FOR THE YEAR 2011.
OVERVIEW
Our principal business is the acquisition, development, licensing and protection of our intellectual property. We presently own six patents covering various telecommunications and data networking technologies including, among others, patents covering the delivery of power over Ethernet (“PoE”) for the purpose of remotely powering network devices, such as wireless access points, IP phones and network based cameras, over Ethernet networks and systems and methods of transmission of audio, video and data in order to achieve high quality of service (QoS). In addition, we continually review opportunities to acquire or license additional intellectual property. Our strategy is to pursue
licensing and strategic business alliances with companies in the industries that manufacture and sell products that make use of the technologies underlying our intellectual property as well as with other users of the technology who benefit directly from the technology including corporate, educational and governmental entities.
To date our efforts with respect to our intellectual property have primarily focused on licensing our patent (U.S. Patent No. 6,218,930) covering delivery of power over Ethernet ("PoE") cables (the “Remote Power Patent”). As of September 30, 2012, we had entered into 13 license agreements with respect to our Remote Power Patent which, among others, include license agreements with Cisco, Extreme Networks, Inc., Netgear, Inc., Microsemi Corporation, Motorola Solutions, Inc. and several other major data networking equipment manufacturers (See Note D to our financial statements included in this quarterly report). Our current strategy includes continuing to pursue licensing
opportunities for our Remote Power Patent from vendors of PoE equipment in order to resolve possible infringement of the Remote Power Patent by such vendors. We may also acquire additional intellectual property assets in the future to develop, commercialize, license or otherwise monetize such intellectual property. In addition, we may enter into strategic relationships with third parties to develop, commercialize, license or otherwise monetize their intellectual property. The form of such relationships may differ depending upon the opportunity and may include, among other things, a strategic investment in such third party, the provision of financing to such third party or the formation of a joint venture with such third party for the purpose of monetizing their intellectual property assets.
In September 2011, we initiated patent litigation against sixteen (16) data networking equipment manufacturers in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas, Tyler Division, for infringement of our Remote Power Patent. Named as defendants in the lawsuit (excluding related parties) were Alcatel-Lucent USA, Inc., Allied Telesis, Inc., Avaya Inc., AXIS Communications Inc., Dell, Inc., GarrettCom, Inc., Hewlett-Packard Company, Huawei Technologies USA, Juniper Networks, Inc., Motorola Solutions, Inc., NEC Corporation, Polycom Inc., Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., ShoreTel, Inc., Sony Electronics, Inc., and Transition Networks, Inc. Network-1 seeks monetary damages
based upon reasonable royalties. In March 2012, we reached settlement agreements with defendants Motorola Solutions, Inc. ("Motorola") and Transition Networks, Inc. ("Transition Networks"). In October 2012, we reached a settlement agreement with defendant GarretCom, Inc. (“GarretCom”). As part of the settlements, Motorola, Transition Networks and GarretCom each entered into a non-exclusive license agreement for our Remote Power Patent pursuant to which each such defendant agreed to license our Remote Power Patent for its full term (which expires in March 2020) and pay a license initiation fee and quarterly or annual royalties based on their sales of PoE products.
In July 2010, we agreed to settle our patent litigation pending in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas, Tyler Division, against Adtran, Inc, Cisco Systems, Inc. and Cisco-Linksys, LLC, (collectively, “Cisco”), Enterasys Networks, Inc., Extreme Networks, Inc., Foundry Networks, Inc., and 3Com Corporation, Inc. As part of the settlement, Adtran, Cisco, Enterasys, Extreme Networks and Foundry Networks each entered into a settlement agreement with us and entered into non-exclusive licenses for our Remote Power Patent (the “Licensed Defendants”). Under the terms of the licenses, the Licensed Defendants paid us aggregate upfront payments of
approximately $32 million and also agreed to license our Remote Power Patent for its full term, which expires in March 2020. In accordance with our Settlement and License Agreement with Cisco, dated May 25, 2011 (the "Agreement"), which expanded upon the July 2010 agreement, Cisco is obligated to pay us royalties (which began for the first quarter of 2011) based on its sales of PoE products up to maximum royalty payments per year of $8 million through 2015 and $9 million per year thereafter for the remaining term of the patent. The royalty payments are subject to certain conditions including the continued validity of our Remote Power Patent, and the actual royalty amounts received may be less than the caps stated above, as was the case in 2011. Under the terms of the Agreement, if we grant other licenses with lower royalty rates to third parties (as
defined in the Agreement), Cisco shall be entitled to the benefit of the lower royalty rates provided it agrees to the material terms of such other license. Under the terms of the Agreement, we have certain obligations to Cisco and if we materially breach such terms, Cisco will be entitled to stop paying royalties to us. This would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. For more details about the settlement, please see our Current Reports on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 20, 2010 and June 1, 2011.
For the nine month period ended September 30, 2012 and September 30, 2011, our royalty revenue from Cisco constituted 80% and 90% of our revenue, respectively. Due to our annual royalty rate structure with Cisco which includes declining rates as the volume of PoE product sales increase during the year, royalties from Cisco are anticipated to be highest in the first quarter of the calendar year and decline for each of the remaining calendar quarters of the year.
On July 20, 2012, an unknown third party filed with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) a request for an Ex Parte Reexamination, requesting that our Remote Power Patent be reexamined by the USPTO. The initial grant of the reexamination by USPTO is not unusual as the majority of such applications are initially granted by USPTO. While we believe that the reexamination proceeding will further validate and strengthen our Remote Power Patent, should the USPTO reach a final determination that the Remote Power Patent is invalid (unless overturned by the Board of Patent Appeals and Interference or the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Court), such a determination
would have a material adverse effect on our company as our entire current revenue stream is dependent upon the continued validity of our Remote Power Patent.
On September 13, 2012, the Company entered into a Patent Purchase Agreement with a third party inventor pursuant to which the Company has the right to acquire four patents and one pending patent application pertaining to the identification of online media works for a purchase price of $1,000,000 in cash and $500,000 of the Company’s common stock. The acquisition is subject to certain material conditions which are required to be satisfied prior to the closing.
At September 30, 2012, we had net operating loss carryforwards (NOLs) totaling approximately $24,980,000 expiring through 2031, with a future tax benefit of approximately $8,470,000. During the second quarter of 2011, as a result of the company’s recent results and projected future operating results, management determined that a portion of the NOL was more likely than not to be utilized resulting in the recording of a one-time, non-cash, income tax benefit of $7,000,000 (income) or $0.29 per share (basic) for the three month period ended June 30, 2011. At September 30, 2011, $6,860,000 was recorded as a deferred tax benefit on our balance sheet. At
September 30, 2012, $6,194,000 has been recorded as a deferred tax benefit on our balance sheet. During the nine month period ended September 30, 2012 as a result of income (before taxes) for the period of $3,607,000, $753,000 was recorded as income tax expense and the deferred tax asset was reduced by $709,000 to $6,194,000. To the extent that we earn income in the future, we will report income tax expense and such expense attributable to federal income taxes will reduce the recorded income tax asset reflected on the balance sheet. Management will continue to evaluate the recoverability of the NOL and adjust the deferred tax asset appropriately. Utilization of NOL credit carryforwards can be subject to a substantial annual limitation due to ownership change limitations that could occur in the future, as required by Section 382 of
the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, as well as similar state provisions.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Three Months Ended September 30, 2012 Compared To Three Months Ended September 30, 2011
Revenue. We had revenue of $1,418,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2012 as compared to revenue of $1,222,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2011, which was related to the receipt of royalties pursuant to license agreements for our Remote Power Patent. The increase in revenue of $196,000 or 16% for the three months ended September 30, 2012 was primarily due to increased royalties from existing licensees.
Cost of Revenue. We had a cost of revenue of $393,000 and $341,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2012 and September 30, 2011, respectively. Included in the cost of revenue for the three months ended September 30, 2012 were contingent legal fees of $297,000 payable to our patent litigation counsel (See Note B[1] to our financial statements included herein) and $71,000 of royalty bonus compensation payable to our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer pursuant to his employment agreement (See Note C[1] to our financial statements included in this quarterly report). Included in the cost of revenue for the three months
ended September 30, 2011 were contingent legal fees of $253,000 payable to our patent litigation counsel and $61,000 of bonus compensation payable to our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer pursuant to his employment agreement.
Gross Profit. The gross profit for the three months ended September 30, 2012 was $1,025,000 as compared to $881,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2011. The increased gross profit of $144,000 or 16% for the three months ended September 30, 2012 was primarily due to increased royalty revenue.
Operating Expenses. Operating expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2012 were $682,000 as compared to $470,000 for the three month period ended September 30, 2011. General and administrative expenses include overhead expenses, and finance, accounting, legal and other professional services incurred by us. General and administrative expenses increased by $213,000 from $411,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2011 to $624,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2012, due primarily to increased legal fees and costs incurred in connection with potential patent acquisitions. Non-cash
compensation expense related to the issuance of stock options was $58,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2012 as compared to $59,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2011.
Interest Income. Interest income for the three months ended September 30, 2012 was $3,000 as compared to interest income of $10,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2011.
Operating Income. We had an operating income of $343,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2012 compared with an operating income of $411,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2011. The decrease in operating income of $68,000 was primarily due to increased legal fees and costs incurred in connection with potential patent acquisitions.
Income Taxes (Benefit). A provision for federal, state and local income taxes was recorded for the three months ended September 30, 2012 of $152,000 which included a $141,000 reduction in our deferred tax asset. A provision for federal, state and local income taxes was recorded for the three months ended September 30, 2011 of $173,000 which included a $140,000 reduction in our deferred tax asset.
Deferred Tax Benefit/NOLs. At September 30, 2012, we had net operating loss carryforwards (NOLs) totaling approximately $24,980,000 expiring through 2029, with a future tax benefit of approximately $8,740,000. During the second quarter of 2011, as a result of the company’s recent results and projected future operating results, management determined that a portion of the NOL was more likely than not to be utilized resulting in the recording of a one-time, non-cash, income tax benefit of $7,000,000 (income) or $.29 per share (basic) for the three month period ended June 30, 2011. (See Note A[5] to our financial
statements included in this quarterly report). At September 30, 2012, $6,194,000 has been recorded as a deferred tax benefit on our balance sheet. During the three month period ended September 30, 2012 as a result of income (before tax) for the period of $346,000, the deferred tax asset was reduced by $141,000 to $6,194,000. To the extent that we earn income in the future, we will report income tax expense and such expense attributable to federal income taxes will reduce the recorded income tax asset reflected on the balance sheet. Management will continue to evaluate the recoverability of the NOL and adjust the deferred tax asset appropriately. Utilization of NOL credit carryforwards can be subject to a substantial annual limitation due to ownership change limitations that could occur in the future, as required by Section 382
of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, as well as similar state provisions.
Net Income. As a result of the foregoing, we realized net income of $194,000 or $0.01 per share (basic) and $0.01 per share (diluted) for the three months ended September 30, 2012 compared with net income of $248,000 or $0.01 per share (basic) and $0.01 per share (diluted) for the three months ended September 30, 2011.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012 Compared To Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011
Revenue. We had revenue of $7,809,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 as compared to revenue of $6,611,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2011, which was related to the receipt of royalties pursuant to license agreements for our Remote Power Patent. The increase in revenue of $1,198,000 or 18% for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 was primarily due to increased royalties from our existing licenses and the addition of license initiation fees and royalties from two new licensees achieved from settlements with respect to our pending patent infringement litigation (See Note D[1] to our financial statements
included in this quarterly report).
Cost of Revenue. We had a cost of revenue of $2,341,000 and $1,883,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and September 30, 2011, respectively. Included in the cost of revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 were contingent legal fees of $1,878,000 payable to our patent litigation counsel (See Note B[1] to our financial statements included herein) and $390,000 of royalty bonus compensation payable to our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer pursuant to his employment agreement (See Note C[1] to our financial statements included in this quarterly report). Included in the cost of revenue for the nine
months ended September 30, 2011 were contingent legal fees of $1,493,000 payable to our patent litigation counsel and $331,000 of bonus compensation payable to our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer pursuant to his employment agreement.
Gross Profit. The gross profit for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 was $5,468,000 as compared to $4,728,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2011. The increased gross profit of $740,000 or 16% for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 was primarily due to increased royalty revenue.
Operating Expenses. Operating Expenses for the nine month period ended September 30, 2012 were $1,883,000 as compared to $2,961,000 for the nine month period ended September 30, 2011 which includes additional patent expense of $1,000,000 for the September 30, 2011 period paid to a third party pursuant to an amended patent purchase agreement (See Note B[2] to our financial statements included in the quarterly report). General and administrative expenses include overhead expenses, and finance, accounting, legal and other professional services incurred by us. General and administrative expenses decreased by $33,000 from
$1,693,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 to $1,660,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2012, due primarily to a one-time $250,000 payment to our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer with respect to his amended employment agreement during the nine month period ended September 30, 2011 (See Note C[1] to our financial statements included in this quarterly report) partially offset by increased legal fees and costs incurred in connection with potential patent acquisitions. Non-cash compensation expense related to the issuance of stock options was $223,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 as compared to $268,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2011.
Interest Income. Interest income for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 was $22,000 as compared to interest income of $42,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2011.
Operating Income. We had operating income of $3,585,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 compared with operating income of $1,767,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2011. The increase in operating income of $1,818,000 was due primarily to increased royalty revenue of $1,198,000 and decreased operating expenses of $1,078,000 which were primarily attributable to additional patent expense of $1,000,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and the $33,000 decrease in general and administrative expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2012.
Income Taxes (Benefit). A provision for federal, state and local income taxes was recorded for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 of $753,000 which included a $709,000 reduction in our deferred tax asset to $6,194,000. A provision for federal, state and local income taxes of $89,000 and a deferred tax benefit of $6,860,000 were recorded for the nine months ended September 30, 2011.
Deferred Tax Benefit/NOLs. At September 30, 2012, we had net operating loss carryforwards (NOLs) totaling approximately $24,980,000 expiring through 2029, with a future tax benefit of approximately $8,740,000. During the second quarter of 2011, as a result of the company’s recent results and projected future operating results, management determined that a portion of the NOL was more likely than not to be utilized resulting in the recording of a one-time, non-cash, income tax benefit of $7,000,000 (income) or $.29 per share (basic) (See Note A[5] to our financial statements included in this quarterly report). At
September 30, 2012, $6,194,000 was recorded as a deferred tax benefit on our balance sheet. During the nine month period ended September 30, 2012 as a result of income (before taxes) for the period of $3,607,000, the deferred tax asset was reduced by $709,000 to $6,194,000. To the extent that we earn income in the future, we will report income tax expense and such expense attributable to federal income taxes will reduce the recorded income tax asset reflected on the balance sheet. Management will continue to evaluate the recoverability of the NOL and adjust the deferred tax asset appropriately. Utilization of NOL credit carryforwards can be subject to a substantial annual limitation due to ownership change limitations that could occur in the future, as required by Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, as well as similar
state provisions.
Net Income. As a result of the foregoing, we realized net income of $2,854,000 or $0.11 per share (basic) and $0.10 per share (diluted) for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 compared with net income of $8,580,000 or $0.33 per share (basic) and $0.28 per share (diluted) for the nine months ended September 30, 2011. Net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 included $6,860,000 or $0.29 per share (basic) from the recording of the one time, non-cash deferred income tax benefit (See Note A[5] to our financial statements included in this quarterly report).
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
We have financed our operations primarily from royalty revenue from licensing our Remote Power Patent. In accordance with our patent litigation settlement achieved in July 2010, we received aggregate upfront payments of approximately $32 million (net proceeds of $22 million after payment of legal fees, expenses and bonus compensation) and Cisco agreed to pay us quarterly royalties (which began for the first quarter of 2011). (See Note D[3] to our financial statements included in this quarterly report). As of September 30, 2012 our principal sources of liquidity consisted of cash and cash equivalents of approximately $22,213,000 and working capital of approximately
$23,652,000. We believe based on our current cash position and projected licensing revenue from our existing license agreements that we will have sufficient cash to fund our operations for the foreseeable future, although this may not be the case.
Working capital increased by $3,250,000 to $23,652,000 at September 30, 2012 as compared to working capital of $20,402,000 at December 31, 2011. The increase in working capital was primarily due to increased cash and cash equivalents of $1,552,000, increased royalty receivables of $613,000 and decreased current liabilities of $1,063,000.
We maintain our cash primarily in money market accounts. We do not have any derivative financial instruments. Accordingly, we do not believe that our investments have significant exposure to interest rate risk.
OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS
We do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements.
CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS
We do not have any long-term debt, capital lease obligations, operating lease obligations, purchase obligations or other long-term liabilities except for the lease obligations set forth in Note B[4] to our financial statements included in this report.
Critical Accounting Policies:
Patents:
We own patents that relate to various telecommunications and data networking technologies. We capitalize the costs associated with acquisition, registration and maintenance of the patents and amortize these assets over their remaining useful lives on a straight-line basis. Any further payments made to maintain or develop the patents would be capitalized and amortized over the balance of the useful life for the patents.
Revenue Recognition:
We recognize revenue received from the licensing of our intellectual property in accordance with Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 104, "Revenue Recognition" ("SAB No. 104") and related authoritative pronouncements. Under this guidance, revenue is recognized when (i) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, (ii) all obligations have been performed pursuant to the terms of the license agreement, (iii) amounts are fixed or determinable and (iv) collectability of amounts is reasonably assured.
Income Taxes:
We utilize the liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under such method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates in effect at the balance sheet date. The resulting asset or liability is adjusted to reflect enacted changes in tax law. Deferred tax assets are reduced, if necessary, by a valuation allowance when the likelihood of realization is not assured.
Use of estimates:
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America 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.
ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK.
Not Applicable
ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.
(a) Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures.
Our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Based upon this review, these officers concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, our disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in applicable rules and forms and is accumulated
and communicated to management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
(b) Changes in Internal Controls
There was no change in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2012 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1: LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
In September 2011, we initiated patent litigation against 16 data networking equipment manufacturers in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas, Tyler Division, for infringement of our Remote Power Patent. Named as defendants in the lawsuit, excluding related parties, were Alcatel-Lucent USA, Inc., Allied Telesis, Inc., Avaya Inc., AXIS Communications Inc., Dell, Inc., GarrettCom, Inc., Hewlett-Packard Company, Huawei Technologies USA, Juniper Networks, Inc., Motorola Solutions, Inc., NEC Corporation, Polycom Inc., Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., ShoreTel, Inc., Sony Electronics, Inc., and Transition Networks, Inc. Network-1 seeks monetary damages based upon
reasonable royalties. In late March 2012, we reached settlement agreements with defendants Motorola Solutions, Inc. ("Motorola") and Transition Networks, Inc. ("Transition Networks"). In October 2012, we reached a settlement with defendant GarretCom, Inc (“GarretCom”). As part of the settlements, Motorola, Transition Networks and GarretCom each entered into a non-exclusive license agreement for our Remote Power Patent pursuant to which each such defendant agreed to license our Remote Power Patent for its full term (which expires in March 2020) and pay a license initiation fee and quarterly or annual royalties based on their sales of PoE products. On June 27, 2012, defendant Axis Communications made a motion to dismiss, or alternatively to sever, on the grounds of misjoinder. Several defendants joined in the
motion. On July 16, 2012 we filed our opposition to the motion and a decision on the motion is pending.
On July 20, 2012, an unknown third party filed with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (“USPTO”) a request for Ex Parte Reexamination, requesting that our Remote Power Patent be reexamined by the USPTO. On September 5, 2012, the USPTO issued an order granting the reexamination. The initial grant of the reexamination by USPTO is not unusual as the majority of such applications are initially granted by the USPTO. While we believe the reexamination will further validate and strengthen our Remote Power Patent, should the USPTO reach a final determination that our Remote Power Patent is invalid (unless such determination is overturned by the Board of
Patent Appeals and Interference or the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit), such a determination would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations as our entire revenue stream is dependent upon the continued validity of our Remote Power Patent.
ITEM 1A. Risk Factors.
Our operations and financial results are subject to various risks and uncertainties that could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and trading price of our common stock.
Our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 includes a detailed discussion of our risk factors and should be carefully considered by investors. An additional risk factor has been added below with respect to the reexamination of our Remote Power Patent by the United States Patent and Trademark Office:
An Adverse Ruling by the USPTO (which is not subsequently overturned) with respect to the reexamination of our Remote Power Patent would have a material adverse effect on us.
On July 20, 2012, an unknown third party filed with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (“USPTO”) a Request for Ex Parte Reexamination requesting that our Remote Power Patent be reexamined by the USPTO. On September 5, 2012, the USPTO issued an order granting the reexamination. The initial grant of the reexamination by USPTO is not unusual as the majority of such applications are initially granted by USPTO. While we believe that the reexamination proceeding will further validate and strengthen our Remote Power Patent, should the USPTO reach a final determination that the Remote Power Patent is invalid (unless overturned by the Board of Patent Appeals
and Interference or the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit), such a determination would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations as our entire current revenue stream is dependent upon the continued validity of our Remote Power Patent.
ITEM 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.
Stock Repurchases
On August 22, 2011, we announced that our Board of Directors approved a share repurchase program to repurchase up to $2,000,000 of shares of our common stock over the next 12 months ("Share Repurchase Program"). The common stock may be repurchased from time to time in open market transactions or privately negotiated transactions in our discretion. The timing and amount of the shares repurchased is determined by management based on its evaluation of market conditions and other factors. The Share Repurchase Program may be increased, suspended or discontinued at any time. On January 31, 2012, the Board of Directors increased the Share Repurchase Program to purchase up
to an additional $2,000,000 (or an aggregate of $4,000,000) of our common stock for the next 12 months.
During the months of July, August and September 2012, we did not repurchase any shares of our common stock pursuant to our Share Repurchase Program as indicated below:
|
Period
|
Total Number of Shares Purchased
|
Average Price Paid Per Share
|
Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs
|
Maximum Number (or Approximate Dollar Value) of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs
|
|
July 1 to July 31, 2012
|
-0-
|
—
|
-0-
|
$1,975,134
|
|
August 1 to August 31, 2012
|
-0-
|
—
|
-0-
|
$1,975,134
|
|
September 1 to September 30, 2012
|
-0-
|
—
|
-0-
|
$1,975,134
|
ITEM 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities.
None.
ITEM 5. Other Information.
None.
ITEM 6. Exhibits
(a) Exhibits
|
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31.1
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Controls and Procedure Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
|
|
|
31.2
|
Controls and Procedure Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
|
|
|
32.1
|
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
|
|
|
32.2
|
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
|
|
|
101.INS
|
XBRL Instance Document
|
|
|
101.SCH
|
XBRL Schema Document
|
|
|
101.CAL
|
XBRL Calculation Linkbase Document
|
|
|
101.DEF
|
XBRL Definition Linkbase Document
|
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101.LAB
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XBRL Label Linkbase Document
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101.PRE
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XBRL Presentation Linkbase Document
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
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NETWORK-1 SECURITY SOLUTIONS, INC.
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Date: November 14, 2012
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By:
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/s/ Corey M. Horowitz |
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Corey M. Horowitz |
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Chairman and Chief Executive Officer |
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Date: November 14, 2012
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By:
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/s/ David C. Kahn |
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David C. Kahn |
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Chief Financial Officer
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