📄 Extracted Text (3,352 words)
RESIGNATIONRETIREMaT AGREEMENT AND FULL AND FINAL RELEASE OF
CLAIMS
I. Steven Sinofsky, resigned from his employment with Microsoft Corporation ("Microsoft"), effective
November-427December 31, 2012 ("Separation Date"). We wish to agree on the consideration described
in Paragraph 2 below, to which he would be otherwise entitled, and in exchange for that consideration we
have chosen to sign this ResignationRetirement Agreement and Full and Final Release of Claims
("Agreement"). Steven acknowledges that his execution of this Agreement is knowing and voluntary and
that he has had a reasonable period of time in which to consider whether to sign this Agreement. No
coercion or undue influence has been exerted on him to execute this Agreement.
2. Consideration. In exchange for his compliance with this Agreement and Sections 2, 3 and 6 of the
Microsoft Corporation Employee Non-Disclosure Agreement (hereafter "Employee Agreement,"
attached hereto as Exhibit A), and honoring the commitments undertaken in this Agreement, Microsoft
agrees to pay Steven the value (i) of the shares of stock that would have vested and become payable under
his Company stock awards with grant numbers iiiiii9i9eir yyyyyyr etalll 1 12
0000001180497 and 0000001299366 in connection with a qualifying "retirement" under the stock
award agreements for the stock awards on the Separation Date; and (ii) in recognition of his half year
employment in fiscal year 2013, 50% of the shares of stock that would have vested and become payable
under the Company stock award with grant number 0000001299374 (collectively, the "Stock
Awards"), all based on the vesting schedule that would have applied in connection with a qualifying
"retirement" undeidte-steek-award-agreerneousfep-ike-steek-uwards-tin-the-Separetion-DdiemW
separation date under his Stock Awards. Exhibit A conclusively sets forth the shares of stock
subject to this Agreement and the applicable vesting dates therefor. Payment will be (A) in cash, (B)
made within fifteen (15) days following each vesting date under the stock awards, (C) calculated by
multiplying the number of shares that vest by the closing price of Microsoft common stock as reported on
Nasdaq.com on the last open market trading day preceding the vesting date, and (D) reduced by required
taxes and withholding. Steven understands and agrees that, in order to be eligible for the payments
described in this paragraph 2, he will be required to sign and provide to Microsoft a written certification
(in the form attached hereto as Exhibit B) that he has complied with the terms of this agreement in all
mitterial resnec(, at least five (5) business days before the payment date. Microsoft agrees that it shall
make these payments and provide these benefits unless Steven materially breaches this Agreement and
fails to cure such breach within ten (10) days of written notice from Microsoft of such breach.
3. Employee Agreement, Noncompetition and Nonsolicitation. Steven understands that Sections 2, 3 and
6 of the Employee Agreement remains fully binding and enforceable according to their 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, Steven agrees that he will not for a period of twelve (12) months after the
Separation Date (a) accept direct or indirect employment with the following companies, Amazon, Apple,
EMC, Facebook, Google, Oracle, VMWare; (b) directly or indirectly communicate with any client or
customer of Microsoft or its subsidiaries listed on Exhibit C for the purpose of encouraging such client or
customer to cease doing business with Microsoft or (c) intentionally do any of the following: 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 interfere with the relationship
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between Microsoft and any officer thereof. For the sake of clarity, clause (c) shall not be violated if an
employee of Microsoft is employed by an entity with which Steven is associated so long as he did not
engage in activities described in clause (c).
Steven has returned to Microsoft his Microsoft cardkey(s), corporate American Express card and phone
card, if any, and any other Microsoft Property in his 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, personnel data, and any other proprietary or
confidential data, documents and materials in any form or media (collectively, "Microsoft Property"). He
has also agreed to permanently delete all Microsoft Property from any non-Microsoft computer,
electronic device, storage device, storage system, or storage service that is in his possession or under his
control, including (without limitation) desktop and laptop computers, mobile telephones, tablet devices,
memory sticks, disks, and hard drives. He acknowledges and agrees that nothing in this Agreement is
intended to, nor shall it, relieve him of any obligation he has under Sections 2, 3 and 6 the Employee
Agreement. Anything to the contrary notwithstanding, nothing in this Agreement shall prevent Steven
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 his compensation or relating
to reimbursement of expenses, agreements relating to his employment, and information that I reasonably
believe may be needed for tax purposes. He also shall be permitted to retain copies of plans and programs
relating to his employment that do not contain Microsoft confidential information.
4. Cooperation. For the four (4) year period following the separation date, Steven agrees that, upon
reasonable request, he 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 knowledge or expertise that was obtained during his employment with Microsoft; or (b)
any of his acts or omissions, real or alleged, of his employment with Microsoft. Steve agrees that, upon
reasonable notice, He will appear and provide full and truthful testimony in proceedings associated with
the above referenced matters, provided that Microsoft shall reimburse him 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 him as practicable to schedule the activities contemplated by this
paragraph so as not to unreasonably interfere with his other personal or professional commitments.
Microsoft agrees to defend, indemnify, and hold him harmless from and against all Claims to the extent
that the Claims arise out of or relate to any of his acts or omissions, real or alleged, during his employment
with Microsoft or in connection with his services under this Paragraph 4, except as prohibited by law.
5. Release of Claims. Steven hereby agrees, that on behalf of himself and his marital community, heirs,
executors, successors and assigns, to release give up) all known and unknown claims that he
currently has 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. Steven understands and agrees
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
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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.
Steven agrees that this Agreement is not an admission of guilt or wrongdoing by the Released Parties and
acknowledges that the Released Parties do not believe or admit that they have done anything wrong.
Steven understands that he is not waiving any (i) claims that the law does not permit him to waive, (ii)
claims arising from events occurring after the date I sign 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). Steven represents that he has 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 he
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 his rights
under this Agreement.
Microsoft, on its behalf and on behalf of each Released Party in their capacity as such, hereby releases all
known claims any of them have against Steven, excluding any claim related to fraud or misappropriation
of Microsoft property.
6. Confidentiality and Non-Disparagement.
(a) Steven agree to keep all details of this Agreement and the details surrounding his separation in strict
confidence except that he may make disclosures as follows: (1) to his immediate family; (2) to his
financial and legal advisors who have a reasonable need to know this information; (3) to the extent he is
compelled by subpoena or other legal process to disclose such information; or (4) to the extent reasonably
required in order to prosecute or defend any action for breach of this Agreement. Steve agrees that if he
does share this Agreement or any information in it with any of the aforementioned individuals, he 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
with respect to the information disclosed in the filing.
(b) Steven agrees 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 his
employment with or separation from Microsoft; provided that commencing January 1, 2016, this clause
(b) shall not be violated by statements or communications (in any medium) that (i) do not rely on
confidential information obtained by Steven during his employment at Microsoft and (ill are made
directly or indirectly by Stevens regarding Microsoft products, services, or business practices or
decisions (4)-that are created, rendered or implemented after the-Sepafatien-Dater fii
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W) that are made in connection with, related to or during the course of Steven's employment, engagement
or other relationship with another business organization-au4(411)-demet-rely-en-eenfidential-infermaiien
ebtained-by-Steven-eluringais-empleymen4-at-Miereseft.
(c) Microsoft agrees that it and its directors and members of the company's Senior Leadership Team (or
any successor team thereto) will not make any disparaging remarks about me, including but not limited to
disparaging statements relating to Steven's employment with or separation from Microsoft.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing in this Paragraph 6 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 (including any committee thereof) with actual or apparent jurisdiction to order such
person to disclose or make accessible such information.
7. No Assistance. Steven agrees not to provide assistance to any current or former Microsoft employee
to initiate, pursue, or raise any complaints, concerns, claims, or litigation of any kind against the Released
Parties, 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 reasonably prompt notice of receipt of
an order or other demand for his 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.
8. Future Employment. Steven understands and agrees that, as a condition of receiving the
consideration described in Paragraph 2, He will not be entitled to any future 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"). He further agrees that he will not apply for, or
otherwise seek future employment by Microsoft or its Affiliates, and that he will not institute or join any
action, lawsuit or proceeding against Microsoft or its Affiliates for any failure to employ him.
9. Entire Agreement. Microsoft and Steven 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 he signs freely and in the absence of any
coercion or duress whatsoever. Steven understands that the terms of this Agreement may not be modified,
amended or superseded except by a subsequent written agreement signed by his self and the undersigned
Microsoft representative.
10. 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
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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. He
understands that any such payroll deductions are for his convenience and for his full benefit.
II. 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
hisself 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.
(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
Agreement. 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 (4) of Paragraph 6(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 6 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.
12. Current Address. Through the fourth anniversary of the Separation Date, Steven agrees to provide
Brad Smith, General Counsel, Microsoft Corporation, One Microsoft Way, Redmond, WA 98052, with
his current home address and telephone number.
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
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forth in Paragraph 3 and the Release contained in Paragraph 5), the remainder of this Agreement will
remain fully valid and enforceable. To the extent any terms of this Agreement are called into question, all
provisions shall be interpreted in a manner that would make them consistent with current law.
14. Consideration Period. In compliance with the terms of the Age Discrimination in Employment Act
and the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act, Steven expressly acknowledges that he have been given
twenty-one (21) days to review this Agreement before signing it. He also understands that he may revoke
this Agreement for a period of seven (7) days following his signature of it and will send such revocation in
writing postmarked within the seven-day period to Lisaaymtith, and that it is not effective
or enforceable until that seven-day revocation period has expired. He understands that he may sign this
Agreement before the end of the 21-day consideration period but may not be required to do so. Steven
fully understands that if he signs this Agreement prior to expiration of the 21-day consideration period, he
will be waiving his right to the remainder of the 21-day consideration period. Steven understand that he
was 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.
Employee acknowledgment
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 5 ABOVE, AND THAT, PRIOR TO
SIGNING THIS AGREEMENT AND RELEASE, I HAVE BEEN ADVISED OF HIS RIGHT TO
CONSULT, AND HAVE BEEN GIVEN ADEQUATE TIME TO REVIEW HIS LEGAL RIGHTS
WITH AN ATTORNEY OF HIS CHOICE.
EMPLOYEE:
Steven Sinofsky Date
MICROSOFT CORPORATION:
By
Lisa Brummel, Chief People Officer DateBradford L. Smith, Executive Vice President
and General Counsel Date
Exhibits: A — Microsoft Corporation Employee Non-Disclosure Agreement
B — Form of Certification
C — Client/Customer List
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ℹ️ Document Details
SHA-256
b386d85ee14bf5aa8678776483c607d8be8e5a04f8dd376da345fb3ec8894e09
Bates Number
EFTA01088471
Dataset
DataSet-9
Document Type
document
Pages
7
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