📄 Extracted Text (2,942 words)
RESIGNATION AGREEMENT AND FULL AND FINAL RELEASE OF CLAIMS
Presentation Date: November-14720+2Februar, „ 2013; Return to Lisa Brummel by Deeember-37
20-1-2March , 2013
I. Transition and Resignation. I, Steven Sinofsky,
from my employment with
Microsoft Corporation ("Microsoft"), effective November .2012 ("Separation Date"). I
wish to receive the consideration described in Paragraph 2 below, to which I would not be otherwise
entitled, and in exchange for that consideration I have chosen to sign this Resignation Agreement and Full
and Final Release of Claims ("Agreement"). I acknowledge that my execution of this Agreement is
knowing and voluntary. I have had a reasonable period of time in which to consider whether to sign this
Agreement. No coercion or undue influence has been exerted on me to execute this Agreement.
2. Consideration. In exchange for my compliance with this Agreement and Sections 2. 3 and 6 ofthe
Microsoft Corporation Employee Non-Disclosure Agreement Thereafter "Emnlovee Agreement. "
attached herein as Exhibit Al and honoring the commitments undertaken in this Agreement, on the first
anniversary of the Separation Date, Microsoft agrees to pay me a cash lump sum in the amount of
Five Million Dollars (S37000;000:00 ), less required taxes and withholding,and-te-fully-
befefe-the-
Separatieti-Date-fthe a-sehetlele-efwhielt-is-attaehed. Microsoft agrees that it shall
previde-the-benefits-desefibed-inmake this paregraphpavment unless I intentionally-and-materially breach
the-terets-eithis Agreement and de-netfain cure such breach in-all-matefial-respeets-within 301Q days
of written notice from Microsoft of such breach.
3. Employee Agreement. Noncompetition and Nonsolicitation. I understand that Sections 2, 3, 6 and I 1
of the Microsoft Corporation Employee Non Disclosure Agreement (hereafter "Employee Agreement,"
eileeked-Iiereie-ers-Ethibii-74-)Trentains3 and 6 of the Employee Agreement remain fully binding and
enforceable according to itetheir terms (the "Continuing Obligations"). Microsoft acknowledges and
agrees that, other than the Continuing Obligations, the Employee Agreement is terminated and
has no further force or effect, In addition to the Continuing Obligations, I agree that I will not: (a) for
a period of 12 months after the Separation Date, accept direct or indirect employment with Amazon,
Apple, EMC, Facebook, Google, Oracle, or VMWare; (b) for a period of 12 months after the Separation
Date, pefsenallydirectiv or indirectly communicate with any material-client or customer of Microsoft or
its subsidiaries fisted on Exhibit A for the purpose of encouraging such client or customer to cease
doing business with Microsoft, if-during-the-last-6-menths-ef-rny-erapleyntent-with-Miefeset34/4-had-
matefiel—eentoefrdealings-ef-inveiventent-with-suelt-eustentef-ef-elientt or (c) for a period of 12 months
after the Separation Date, encourage, induce, attempt to induce or assist another to induce or attempt to
induce any person employed by Microsoft or by one of Microsoft's subsidiaries to terminate his or her
employment with Microsoft or its subsidiary or to work for any entity other than Microsoft or its
subsidiary or intentionally interfere with the relationship between Microsoft and any officer
thereof.
I agree-te-fettwahaye returned to Microsoft-by-the-Sepafatien-Date my Microsoft cardkey(s), corporate
American Express card and phone card, if any, and any other Microsoft Property in my possession or
control, including but not limited to hardware, software, source code, patent applications, budgets,
personnel files, financial or marketing data, status reports, customer lists, customer contact information,
EFTA_R1_02103721
EFTA02706978
personnel data, and any other proprietary or confidential data, documents and materials in any form or
media (collectively, "Microsoft Property"). II also agree to permanently delete all Microsoft Property
from any non-Microsoft computer, electronic device, storage device, storage system, or storage service
that is in my possession or under my control, including (without limitation) desktop and laptop
computers, mobile telephones, tablet devices, memory sticks, disks, and hard drives.} I acknowledge and
agree that nothing in this Agreement is intended to, nor shall it, relieve me of any obligation I have under
Sections 2, 3762 and -1-14 the Employee Agreement. Mieresefi-and-l-agree-that-Seetiens9-and-1-0-ecthe-
Entpleyee-Agreetnent-afesuperseded-by-thisagreetnentrAnything to the contrary notwithstanding,
nothing in this Agreement shall prevent me from retaining a home computer and security system, papers
and other materials of a personal nature, including personal diaries, calendars and Rolodexes, information
relating to my compensation or relating to reimbursement of expenses, information that I reasonably
believe may be needed for tax purposes, and copies of plans, programs and agreements relating to my
employment.
4. Cooperation For the Itwol year period following the Separation Date. I agree that. upon reasonable
request. I will reasonably cooperate with Microsoft. its subsidiaries and affiliates. and any of their
officers_ directors agents_ employees. attorneys and advisors in Microsoft's investigation of preparation
for and prosecution or defense of any matter(s) brought by or against Microsoft or any Released Party
with respect to litigation concerning• (a) facts or circumstances about which I have any actual or alleged
knowledec or expertise that was obtained durina my employment with Microsoft: or (b) any of my acts
gr omissions real or alleged of my employment with Microsoft. I agree that upon reasonable notice I
will attempt in good faith to appear and provide full and truthful testimony in proceedings associated with
the above referenced matters. nrovided that Microsoft shall reimburse me for all reasonable travel
expenses (on a basis consistent with senior executive officers of Microsoft) associated with the giving of
testimony and shall work with me as reasonably practicable to schedule the activities contemplated by this
paraaranh so as not to unreasonably interfere with my other personal or professional commitments
Release of Claims. I agree, on behalf of myself and my marital community, heirs, executors,
successors and assigns, to release (i.e., give up) all known and unknown claims that I currently have
against any of the Released Parties. For purposes of this Agreement, the Released Parties means:
Microsoft and any of its current and former parents, subsidiaries, affiliates, related companies, joint
ventures, their predecessors and successors, and with respect to each such entity, all of its past, present
and future officers, directors, agents, shareholders, administrators, representatives, employees, attorneys,
insurers, successor or assigns, each in his/her capacity as such. I understand and agree that this release
includes, but is not limited to, any and all claims or causes of action arising under:
(a) Any federal law relating to employment discrimination, termination of employment, benefits,
wages, reasonable accommodation, or rights of disabled employees, such as the Age
Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, 29 U.S.C. § 621 et seq., the Americans with
Disabilities Act, the Equal Pay Act, the Fair Labor Standards Act, the Family and Medical Leave
Act, Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of
1974, and the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act.
(b) Any state, local or foreign law relating to employment discrimination, termination of employment,
benefits, wages, reasonable accommodation, or rights of disabled employees, including, but not
limited to, the Washington Law against Discrimination.
(c) Any other basis for legal or equitable relief whether based on express or implied contract, tort,
statute, regulation, ordinance, common law, or other legal or equitable ground.
2
EFTA_R1_02103722
EFTA02706979
I agree that this Agreement is not an admission of guilt or wrongdoing by the Released Parties and I
acknowledge that the Released Parties do not believe or admit that they have done anything wrong. I
understand that I am not waiving any (i) claims that the law does not permit me to waive, (ii) claims
arising from events occurring after the date I sign this Agreementhewever-any-elaims-aizising-ffera-nit
separatien-frein-Mieresell-in-aeeerdanee-with-the-terms-elthisagreement-will-he-syaiyed-sinee-l-have-
agreed-te-the-separafien-in-advanee-eCsigning-this-Agreement, (iii) claims for indemnification,
contribution or for D&O coverage or (iv) claims for accrued benefits or compensation (except for claims
pertaining to any awarded but unvested stock awards). I represent that I have not filed or caused to
be filed any lawsuit, complaint, or charge against Microsoft or any of the Released Parties with respect to
any claim this Agreement purports to waive with any governmental agency or in any court, and that I will
not file, cause to file, initiate, or pursue (except as otherwise provided in this Agreement or required by
law) any such complaints, charges, or lawsuits at any time hereafter other than to enforce my rights under
this Agreement.
Microsoft, on its behalf and on behalf of each Released Party in their capacity as such, hereby releases
all known and unknown claims any of them have against me, excluding any claim related to fraud or
misappropriation of Microsoft property.
Sribfanfidelniality and -Disarremem.
(a) J agree to keep all details of this Agreement in strict confidence except that I may make
disclosures as follows: (11 to my immediate family: (21 to my financial and legal advisors who have
a reasonable need to know this information: atbalte exteflunsompellecthy subpoena or other
legal process to disclose such information; or (41 to the extent reasonably required in order to
prosecute or defend any action for breach of this Agreement. I agree that if 1do share this
Agreement or any information in it with any of the aforementioned individuals. I will instruct
such person(s) that the information is strictly confidential and that they may not share it with
Anyone else. The Parties agree that. to the extent that Microsoft discloses the terms of the
Agreement in any filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission pursuant to the applicable
securities laws and regulations. the foregoing obligation to maintain the confidentiality of the
terms of this Agreement ceases.
(b1 Until the first anniversary of the Separation Date. I agree not to make any disparaging remarks
about Microsoft, its officers or directors, its products, or the Released Parties, including but not limited
to disparaging statements relating to my employment with or separation from Microsoft.
(b)—cl Until the first anniversary of the Separation Date. Microsoft agrees not to makc,that it and-
agrees-te-eause its directors and executive officers rant to make, any disparaging remarks about me,
including but not limited to disparaging statements relating to my employment with or separation from
Microsoft.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing in this Paragraph& shall prevent any person from (i)
responding publicly to any incorrect, disparaging or derogatory public statement to the extent
reasonably necessary to correct or refute such public statement or (ii) making any truthful
statement to the extent (x) necessary with respect to any litigation, arbitration or mediation
involving this Agreement, including, but not limited to, the enforcement of this Agreement or (y)
required by law or by any court, arbitrator, mediator or administrative of legislative body
3
EFTA_R1_02103723
EFTA02706980
(including any committee thereof) with actual or apparent jurisdiction to order such person to
disclose or make accessible such information.
672, No Assistance. I agree not to provide assistance to any current,, z former, er--fittere Microsoft
employee to initiate, pursue, or raise any complaints, concerns, claims, or litigation of any kind against
the Released Parties-regardiag-mattecs-eceuniag-datiag-my-empleymera-with-/vtieresefi, unless
compelled to do so by a valid subpoena or court order. If compelled to testify or otherwise provide
evidence in any proceeding, I will provide Microsoft with immethetereasonably prompt notice of receipt
of an order or other demand for my participation by giving notice to Brad Smith, General Counsel,
Microsoft Corporation, One Microsoft Way, Redmond, WA 98052, in sufficient time for Microsoft to
oppose such testimony or participation. To the extent prohibited by law, this paragraph does not prevent
me from participating in government investigations.
741, Future Employment. I understand and agree that, as a condition of receiving the consideration
described in Paragraph 2, I will not be entitled to any figure employment with Microsoft or any
subsidiary, joint venture, or affiliate of Microsoft in which Microsoft owns an interest of 50 percent or
more (collectively, "Microsoft or its Affiliates"). I further agree that I will not-aecept; apply for, or
otherwise seek future employment by Microsoft or its Affiliates, and that I will not institute or join any
action, lawsuit or proceeding against Microsoft or its Affiliates for any failure to employ me.
84, Entire Agreement. Microsoft and I acknowledge and agree that this Agreement contains the entire
agreement of Microsoft and me as to matters addressed in it except as set forth in Paragraph 3 and that
it merges any and all prior written and oral communications concerning those matters. Other than what is
expressly stated in this Agreement, no different or additional promises or representations of any kind have
been made to induce me to sign this Agreement, which I sign freely and in the absence of any coercion or
duress whatsoever. I understand that the terms of this Agreement may not be modified, amended or
superseded except by a subsequent written agreement signed by myself and the undersigned Microsoft
representative.
9a, Withholding of money owed. Except as would constitute an impermissible offset for purposes
of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code, I authorize Microsoft to withhold from any monies owed
to me by Microsoft as of the Separation Date, via payroll deductions, any and all monies due to Microsoft
from me, including without limitation cash and travel advances, amounts due the Company Store,
employee benefit plan deductions, other advances and any unpaid credit or phone card charges. I
understand that any such payroll deductions are for my convenience and for my full benefit.
14711, Governing Law and Dispute Resolution.
(a) The Parties agree that the laws of the State of Washington will govern in any action brought by
either myself or Microsoft to interpret or enforce the terms of this Agreement, without regard to
principles of conflicts of laws that would call for the application of the substantive law of any jurisdiction
other than the State of Washington.
(b) The Parties further agree that any dispute arising in connection with the execution and/or operation
of this Agreement or the Employee Agreement shall be resolved in the following manner unless otherwise
agreed to by the Parties.
4
EFTA_R1_02103724
EFTA02706981
(1) The Parties agree to first attempt to resolve all disputes through informal negotiations.
The Party contending there is a breach or other issue arising from or related to this
Agreement shall provide written notice to the other Party describing with specific the
nature of the breach of other issue. Within five (5) days after delivery of the written
notice, the other Party shall respond in writing stating its position.
(2) If the Parties are unable to resolve the dispute through informal negotiations, the Parties
agree to resolve all disputes by binding arbitration before a qualified mutually selected
arbitrator. The Party initiating the arbitration shall bear the burden of proof of breach
and actual damages; provided, however, that no actual damages need to be proven for
the arbitrator to award the liquidated damages provided for in this Agreementr
ineluefing4he-fees-ef-the-arbitfatef. The arbitrator shall issue a written decision within
fifteen (15) days of the end of the hearing. The decision of the arbitrator shall be final
and binding and may be enforced and a judgment entered in any court of competent
jurisdiction. The arbitration itself, and all testimony, documents, briefs, and arguments
therein, shall be kept confidential, [except to the extent described in the exceptions
listed in clauses (1) through (54) of Paragraph 56(a) above.)
(3) Notwithstanding the foregoing agreements in subparagraphs (1) and (2) of this section,
the Parties agree that breach of the confidentiality and non-disparagement provisions
set forth in Paragraph 5¢ could cause irreparable injury to the other party and that such
other party will have the right to seek immediate injunctive relief or other equitable
relief enjoining any threatened or actual breach in a court in King County or the Western
District of Washington.
-1-611, Current Address. Through the first anniversary of the Separation Date, I agree to provide Brad
Smith, General Counsel, Microsoft Corporation, One Microsoft Way, Redmond, WA 98052, with my
current home address and telephone number.
1-2=13. Severability. The provisions of this Agreement are severable, and if any part of this Agreement
is found to be unenforceable (with the exception of the noncompetition and nonsolicitation
obligations set forth in Paragraph 3 and the Release contained in Paragraph 51 the remainder of
this Agreement will remain fully valid and enforceable. To the extent any terms of this Agreement arc
called into question, all provisions shall be interpreted in a manner that would make them consistent with
current law.
Consideration Period. In compliance with the terms of the Age Discrimination in Employment
Act and the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act, I expressly acknowledge that I have been given
twenty-one (21) days to review this Agreement before signing it. I also understand that I may revoke this
Agreement for a period of seven (7) days following my signature of it and will send such revocation in
writing postmarked within the seven-day period to Lisa Brummel, and that it is not effective or
enforceable until that seven-day revocation period has expired. I understand that I may sign this
Agreement before the end of the 21-day consideration period but may not be required to do so. I
understand that if I sign this Agreement prior to expiration of the 21-day consideration period, I will be
5
EFTA_R1_02103725
EFTA02706982
waiving my right to the remainder of the 21-day consideration period. I understand that I am advised to
seek legal counsel prior to signing this Agreement. The Effective Date of this Agreement shall be the day
following expiration of the seven-day revocation period. Within-5-businessAays-ef-this-Agreement-
beeeffling-iffeveeabler Mieresefl-shall-pay-ray-reasenable-atterneyls-fees-ineuFFed-in-ceuneetien-widi-
negetiatingthis-Agfeemnt:
I ACKNOWLEDGE THAT I HAVE CAREFULLY READ AND HAVE VOLUNTARILY
SIGNED THIS AGREEMENT AND RELEASE, THAT I FULLY UNDERSTAND ITS FINAL
AND BINDING EFFECT, THAT BY SIGNING I INTENDED TO FULLY AND FINALLY
RELEASE ANY AND ALL CLAIMS I MAY HAVE AGAINST MICROSOFT AND THE
OTHER RELEASED PARTIES DESCRIBED IN PARAGRAPH 45 ABOVE, AND THAT,
PRIOR TO SIGNING THIS AGREEMENT AND RELEASE, I HAVE BEEN ADVISED OF MY
RIGHT TO CONSULT, AND HAVE BEEN GIVEN ADEQUATE TIME TO REVIEW MY
LEGAL RIGHTS WITH AN ATTORNEY OF MY CHOICE.
EMPLOYEE:
Steven Sinofsky Date
MICROSOFT CORPORATION:
By
Lisa Brummel, Chief People Officer Date
Exhibits: A — Microsoft Corporation Employee Non-Disclosure Agreement
6
EFTA_R1_02103726
EFTA02706983
ℹ️ Document Details
SHA-256
804b8d5cc9ebeb6e1a71eb1234652f424b294a27da153949f0e1efb5f1761394
Bates Number
EFTA02706978
Dataset
DataSet-11
Document Type
document
Pages
6
Comments 0