EFTA00584554.pdf
PDF Source (No Download)
Extracted Text (OCR)
RESIGNATION AGREEMENT AND FULL AND FINAL RELEASE OF CLAIMS
1.
Steven Sinofsky, resigned from his employment with Microsoft Corporation ("Microsoft"),
effective November 12—, 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 Resignation 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 xxxxxx, yyyyyy, etc. 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
(collectively, the "Stock
Awards") in connection with a qualifying "retirement" under the stock award agreements for the stock
awards on the Separation Date. 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, 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 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).
K&E 24456292.9
EFTA00584554
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 pfellibited4rthe4eFms-ef-PAi.emsefgs-Amen4ed-ai4d-Restatedartieles-ef
Iffeerperatiee-eeether-wise-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 (i.e., 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
2
EFTA00584555
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
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
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.
3
EFTA00584556
(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) made directly or
indirectly by Steven regarding Microsoft products, services, or business practices or decisions (i) that
are created, rendered or implemented after the Separation Date, (ii) that are made in connection with,
related to or during the course of Steven's employment, engagement or other relationship with
another business organization and (iii) do not rely on confidential information obtained by Steven
during his employment at Microsoft.
(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
4
EFTA00584557
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 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.
11. 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
5
EFTA00584558
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 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 Lisa Brummel, 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
6
EFTA00584559
MICROSOFT CORPORATION:
By
Lisa Brummel, Chief People Officer
Date
Exhibits:
A— Microsoft Corporation Employee Non-Disclosure Agreement
B — Form of Certification
C — Client/Customer List
EFTA00584560
Document Preview
PDF source document
This document was extracted from a PDF. No image preview is available. The OCR text is shown on the left.
This document was extracted from a PDF. No image preview is available. The OCR text is shown on the left.
Extracted Information
Document Details
| Filename | EFTA00584554.pdf |
| File Size | 546.6 KB |
| OCR Confidence | 85.0% |
| Has Readable Text | Yes |
| Text Length | 21,423 characters |
| Indexed | 2026-02-11T22:50:27.276828 |