Quarterly report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

v3.23.3
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2023
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]  
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

13. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

 

Litigation

 

a. Former Employee

 

The Company is currently in a dispute with a former employee of its predecessor bBooth, Inc. who has interposed a breach of contract claim in which he alleges that he is entitled to approximately $300 in unpaid bonus compensation from 2015. This former employee filed his complaint in the Superior Court of California for the County of Los Angeles on November 20, 2019, styled Meyerson v. Verb Technology Company, Inc., et al. (Case No. 19STCV41816). The Company does not believe the former employee’s claims have any merit as they are contradicted by documentary evidence, and barred by the applicable statute of limitations, and barred by a release. On February 9, 2021, the former employee’s counsel filed a motion for summary judgment, or in the alternative, summary adjudication against the Company. On October 13, 2021, the court issued an order (i) denying the former employee’s motion for summary judgment, (ii) partly granting the former employee’s motion for summary adjudication, in which the court dismissed certain of the Company’s affirmative defenses; and (iii) partly denying the former employee’s motion for summary adjudication. The court had set a trial date of August 28, 2023. On August 29, 2023 after a bench trial, the court found in favor of the plaintiff on his breach of contract claim. The court has not yet entered an order for judgement. Once entered, the Company intends to file an appeal, reinstating the Company’s affirmative defenses and vacating the trial court’s decision and order.

 

b. Legal Malpractice Action

 

The Company was involved in a dispute with Baker Hostetler LLP (“BH”) relating to corporate legal services provided by BH to the Company. The Company filed a complaint in the Superior Court of California for the County of Los Angeles on May 17, 2021, styled Verb Technology Company, Inc. v. Baker Hostetler LLP, et al. (Case No. 21STCV18387). The Company’s complaint arises from BH’s alleged legal malpractice, breach of fiduciary duties owed to the Company, breach of contract, and violations of California’s Business and Professions Code Section 17200 et seq. The Company is seeking, amongst other things, compensatory damages from BH. On October 5, 2021, BH filed a cross-complaint against the Company alleging, amongst other things, that the Company owes it approximately $915 in legal fees. The Company disputes owing this amount to BH. The Company believes that the resolution of these matters will have no material effect on the Company or its operations. On March 1, 2023, BH and the Company entered into an out of court settlement and the Company agreed to pay $25 on execution of the settlement agreement and $6.25 per month over a period of 12 months with a total settlement amount of $100. The remaining unpaid settlement amount of $50 was accrued by the Company as of September 30, 2023.

 

c. Dispute with Warrant Holder

 

The Company was involved in a dispute with Iroquois Capital Investment Group LLC and Iroquois Master Fund, Ltd (collectively, “Iroquois”) relating to a securities purchase agreement (the “SPA”) entered between the Company, Iroquois and certain other investors. The Company filed a complaint in the Supreme Court of New York for the County of New York on April 6, 2022, styled Verb Technology Company, Inc. v. Iroquois Capital Investment Group LLC, et al. (Index No. 651708/2022). The Company’s complaint sought a judicial declaration of its duties and obligations under the SPA. On May 5, 2022, Iroquois filed counterclaims against the Company for declaratory relief, breach of contract, and breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing relating to the SPA. Iroquois alleged damages of $1,500. The Company disputed Iroquois’ counterclaims and damages allegations. On September 19, 2023, the Company and Iroquois agreed to a settlement of the matter and an exchange of general releases. Pursuant to the settlement, the Company issued 183,486 shares to Iroquois and certain other investors. The fair market value of the shares issued was based on the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the date of the settlement, which amounted to $200. In exchange for the shares, 32,140 warrants were cancelled as part of the settlement agreement.

 

The Company knows of no material proceedings in which any of its directors, officers, or affiliates, or any registered or beneficial stockholder is a party adverse to the Company or any of its subsidiaries or has a material interest adverse to the Company or any of its subsidiaries.

 

The Company believes it has adequately reserved for all litigation within its financial statements.

 

Board of Directors

 

The Company has committed an aggregate of $312 in board fees to its five board members over the term of their appointment for services to be rendered. Board fees are accrued and paid monthly. The members will serve on the board until the annual meeting for the year in which their term expires or until their successors has been elected and qualified.

 

Total board fees expensed during the nine months ended September 30, 2023 was $250. As of September 30, 2023, total board fees to be recognized in future period amounted to $62 and will be recognized once the service has been rendered.