Annual report pursuant to Section 13 and 15(d)

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

v3.23.1
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2022
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]  
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

 

16. 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, and (iii) partly denying the former employee’s motion for summary adjudication. The court has set a trial date of August 28, 2023. The Company believes the resolution of this matter will not have a material adverse effect on the Company or its operations.

 

b. Legal Malpractice Action

 

The Company is currently in a dispute with Baker Hostetler LLP (“BH”) relating to corporate legal services provided by BH to the Company. The Company filed its 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 not have a material adverse 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 total settlement amount was accrued by the Company as of December 31, 2022. See Note 17 – Subsequent Events.

 

c. Dispute with Warrant Holder

 

The Company is currently 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 seeks 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 alleges damages of $1,500. The Company disputes Iroquois’ counterclaims and damages allegations. The Company intends to vigorously pursue its claims and to vigorously defend itself against the counterclaims. The Company believes that the resolution of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on the Company or its operations.

 

 

From time to time, the Company is involved in various other legal proceedings, disputes or claims arising from or related to the normal course of its business activities. Although the results of legal proceedings, disputes and other claims cannot be predicted with certainty, the Company believes it is not currently a party to any other legal proceedings, disputes or claims which, if determined adversely to the Company, would, individually or taken together, have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, operating results, financial condition or cash flows. However, regardless of the merit of the claims raised or the outcome, legal proceedings may have an adverse impact on the Company as a result of defense and settlement costs, diversion of management time and resources, and other factors.

 

Board of Directors

 

The Company has committed an aggregate of $475 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.

 

On November 17, 2022, the board of directors approved a cost savings plan to improve the Company’s liquidity and preserve cash for operations. In connection with the cost savings plan, the board agreed to accept a 25% reduction in cash compensation over a four-month period. In consideration of the reduction in cash compensation, the board will be compensated with equity award grants.

 

Total board fees expensed and paid in 2022 totaled $447. As of December 31, 2022, total board fees to be recognized in 2023 amounted to $455 and will be recognized once the service has been rendered.