<SEC-DOCUMENT>0000934549-15-000046.txt : 20150928
<SEC-HEADER>0000934549-15-000046.hdr.sgml : 20150928
<ACCEPTANCE-DATETIME>20150925191007
ACCESSION NUMBER:		0000934549-15-000046
CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE:	8-K
PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT:		1
CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT:	20150922
ITEM INFORMATION:		Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers: Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers
FILED AS OF DATE:		20150928
DATE AS OF CHANGE:		20150925

FILER:

	COMPANY DATA:	
		COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:			ACACIA RESEARCH CORP
		CENTRAL INDEX KEY:			0000934549
		STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION:	PATENT OWNERS & LESSORS [6794]
		IRS NUMBER:				954405754
		STATE OF INCORPORATION:			DE
		FISCAL YEAR END:			1231

	FILING VALUES:
		FORM TYPE:		8-K
		SEC ACT:		1934 Act
		SEC FILE NUMBER:	000-26068
		FILM NUMBER:		151126040

	BUSINESS ADDRESS:	
		STREET 1:		520 NEWPORT CENTER DRIVE
		STREET 2:		12TH FLOOR
		CITY:			NEWPORT BEACH
		STATE:			CA
		ZIP:			92660
		BUSINESS PHONE:		9494808300

	MAIL ADDRESS:	
		STREET 1:		520 NEWPORT CENTER DRIVE
		STREET 2:		12TH FLOOR
		CITY:			NEWPORT BEACH
		STATE:			CA
		ZIP:			92660
</SEC-HEADER>
<DOCUMENT>
<TYPE>8-K
<SEQUENCE>1
<FILENAME>amendedrestatedemploymenta.htm
<DESCRIPTION>8-K
<TEXT>
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		<title>8-K</title>
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<a name="sa3cf6d6adb1a43b8b012f9f7182cea9e"></a><div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div></div><br><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;font-weight:bold;">UNITED STATES</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;font-weight:bold;">SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;padding-bottom:16px;text-align:center;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;font-weight:bold;">Washington, D.C. 20549</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;font-weight:bold;">FORM 8-K</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;padding-bottom:24px;text-align:center;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;font-weight:bold;">CURRENT REPORT</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;padding-bottom:24px;text-align:center;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;font-weight:bold;">Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;padding-bottom:16px;text-align:center;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;">Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported):  </font><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;font-weight:bold;">September 22, 2015</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:16pt;"><div style="padding-left:0px;text-indent:0px;line-height:normal;padding-top:10px;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;width:100%;border-collapse:collapse;text-align:left;"><tr><td colspan="1"></td></tr><tr><td width="100%"></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:bottom;border-bottom:1px solid #000000;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:center;font-size:16pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:16pt;font-weight:bold;">ACACIA RESEARCH CORPORATION</font></div></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:bottom;border-bottom:1px solid #000000;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:center;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;">(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)</font></div></td></tr></table></div></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:11pt;"><div style="padding-left:0px;text-indent:0px;line-height:normal;padding-top:10px;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;width:100%;border-collapse:collapse;text-align:left;"><tr><td colspan="3"></td></tr><tr><td width="34%"></td><td width="33%"></td><td width="33%"></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:bottom;border-bottom:1px solid #000000;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;border-left:1px solid #000000;border-right:1px solid #000000;border-top:1px solid #000000;"><div style="text-align:center;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;font-weight:bold;">Delaware</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;border-bottom:1px solid #000000;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;border-left:1px solid #000000;border-right:1px solid #000000;border-top:1px solid #000000;"><div style="text-align:center;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;font-weight:bold;">000-26068</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;border-bottom:1px solid #000000;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;border-left:1px solid #000000;border-right:1px solid #000000;border-top:1px solid #000000;"><div style="text-align:center;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;font-weight:bold;">95-4405754</font></div></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:bottom;border-bottom:1px solid #000000;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;border-left:1px solid #000000;border-right:1px solid #000000;border-top:1px solid #000000;"><div style="text-align:center;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;">(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation)</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;border-bottom:1px solid #000000;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;border-left:1px solid #000000;border-right:1px solid #000000;border-top:1px solid #000000;"><div style="text-align:center;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;">(Commission File Number)</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;border-bottom:1px solid #000000;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;border-left:1px solid #000000;border-right:1px solid #000000;border-top:1px solid #000000;"><div style="text-align:center;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;">(IRS Employer Identification No.)</font></div></td></tr></table></div></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:11pt;"><div style="padding-left:0px;text-indent:0px;line-height:normal;padding-top:10px;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;width:100%;border-collapse:collapse;text-align:left;"><tr><td colspan="2"></td></tr><tr><td width="75%"></td><td width="25%"></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:bottom;border-bottom:1px solid #000000;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:center;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;font-weight:bold;">520 Newport Center Drive,</font></div><div style="text-align:center;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;font-weight:bold;">Newport Beach, California</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;border-bottom:1px solid #000000;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:center;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;font-weight:bold;">92660</font></div></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:bottom;border-bottom:1px solid #000000;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:center;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;">(Address of principal executive offices)</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;border-bottom:1px solid #000000;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:center;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;">(Zip Code)</font></div></td></tr></table></div></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;padding-bottom:16px;text-align:left;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;">Registrant&#8217;s telephone number, including area code:</font><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;</font><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;font-weight:bold;">(949) 480-8300</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;text-indent:288px;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"></font><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;text-decoration:underline;">Not applicable</font><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;padding-bottom:24px;text-align:center;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;">(Former name or former address, if changed since last report.)</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;">Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (</font><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;text-decoration:underline;">see</font><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;">&#32;General Instruction A.2. below): </font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;">&#160;</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:11pt;"><div style="padding-left:0px;text-indent:0px;line-height:normal;padding-top:10px;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;width:91.40625%;border-collapse:collapse;text-align:left;"><tr><td colspan="2"></td></tr><tr><td width="4%"></td><td width="96%"></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:left;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;">&#61608;</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:left;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;">Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425) </font></div></td></tr></table></div></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;">&#160;</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:11pt;"><div style="padding-left:0px;text-indent:0px;line-height:normal;padding-top:10px;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;width:91.40625%;border-collapse:collapse;text-align:left;"><tr><td colspan="2"></td></tr><tr><td width="4%"></td><td width="96%"></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:left;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;">&#61608;</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:left;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;">Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12) </font></div></td></tr></table></div></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;">&#160;</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:11pt;"><div style="padding-left:0px;text-indent:0px;line-height:normal;padding-top:10px;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;width:91.40625%;border-collapse:collapse;text-align:left;"><tr><td colspan="2"></td></tr><tr><td width="4%"></td><td width="96%"></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:left;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;">&#61608;</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:left;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;">Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b)) </font></div></td></tr></table></div></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;">&#160;</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:11pt;"><div style="padding-left:0px;text-indent:0px;line-height:normal;padding-top:10px;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;width:91.40625%;border-collapse:collapse;text-align:left;"><tr><td colspan="2"></td></tr><tr><td width="4%"></td><td width="96%"></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:left;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;">&#61608;</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:left;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;">Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c)) </font></div></td></tr></table></div></div><div style="line-height:120%;padding-bottom:16px;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;padding-bottom:16px;text-align:left;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;"><br></font></div><br><div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div></div><hr style="page-break-after:always"><a name="sa3cf6d6adb1a43b8b012f9f7182cea9e"></a><div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div></div><br><div style="line-height:120%;padding-bottom:16px;text-align:left;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;padding-bottom:16px;text-align:left;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;font-weight:bold;">Item 5.02  Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers</font><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;">. </font></div><div style="line-height:120%;padding-bottom:16px;text-align:left;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;">(e)</font><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;</font><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;">On September 22, 2015, Acacia Research Group LLC (&#8220;ARG&#8221;), a Texas limited liability company and wholly-owned operating subsidiary of Acacia Research Corporation (the &#8220;Company&#8221;), entered into: </font></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt;"><tr><td style="width:72px;"></td><td></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:top"><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:11pt;padding-left:48px;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#8226;</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;"><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;">an Employment Agreement with Robert L. Harris, II, the Executive Chairman of the Company; </font></div></td></tr></table><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;padding-left:72px;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;"><br></font></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt;"><tr><td style="width:72px;"></td><td></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:top"><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:11pt;padding-left:48px;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#8226;</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;"><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;">an Employment Agreement with Matthew Vella, the Company&#8217;s Chief Executive Officer and President;</font></div></td></tr></table><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;padding-left:72px;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;"><br></font></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt;"><tr><td style="width:72px;"></td><td></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:top"><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:11pt;padding-left:48px;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#8226;</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;"><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;">an Employment Agreement with Clayton J. Haynes, the Company&#8217;s Chief Financial Officer, Sr. Vice President of Finance and Treasurer; and</font></div></td></tr></table><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;padding-left:72px;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;"><br></font></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt;"><tr><td style="width:72px;"></td><td></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:top"><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:11pt;padding-left:48px;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#8226;</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;"><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;">an Employment Agreement with Edward J. Treska, the Company&#8217;s Sr. Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary.</font></div></td></tr></table><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;padding-left:72px;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;padding-bottom:16px;text-align:left;text-indent:48px;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;">Each of the foregoing executive officers of the Company is referred to herein as a &#8220;Named Executive Officer&#8221; for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014. Each of the foregoing employment agreements is referred to herein as a &#8220;Restated Employment Agreement,&#8221; and collectively, the &#8220;Restated Employment Agreements.&#8221;  The Restated Employment Agreements supersede and amend and restate the prior employment arrangements between the Company and each Named Executive Officer.  Except as set forth below, the Named Executive Officers will continue to be eligible for the same compensation and benefits and will be subject to the same material terms and conditions as provided for in their prior employment arrangements.   </font></div><div style="line-height:120%;padding-bottom:16px;text-align:left;text-indent:48px;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;">Each Restated Employment Agreement materially modified the terms of the applicable Named Executive Officer&#8217;s prior employment arrangements as follows.  </font></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt;"><tr><td style="width:72px;"></td><td></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:top"><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:11pt;padding-left:48px;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#8226;</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;"><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;font-weight:bold;">Definition of </font><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;font-style:italic;font-weight:bold;text-decoration:underline;">Cause</font><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;font-weight:bold;">&#32;and </font><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;font-style:italic;font-weight:bold;text-decoration:underline;">Good Reason</font><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;font-weight:bold;">.   </font><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;">Each Named Executive Officer&#8217;s Restated Employment Agreement modified the definitions of </font><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;font-style:italic;text-decoration:underline;">Cause</font><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;">&#32;and </font><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;font-style:italic;text-decoration:underline;">Good Reason</font><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;">.  </font></div></td></tr></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt;"><tr><td style="width:120px;"></td><td></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:top"><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:11pt;padding-left:96px;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#9702;</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;"><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;font-style:italic;text-decoration:underline;">Cause</font><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;">&#32;is defined as (i) any act of fraud by Executive in connection with Executive&#8217;s responsibilities to ARG or any of its affiliates that is materially injurious to ARG or any of its affiliates; (ii) Executive&#8217;s conviction of a felony; (iii) a willful act by Executive that constitutes gross misconduct and is materially injurious to ARG or any of its affiliates; or (iv) Executive&#8217;s willful and material breach of a material obligation or material duty under this Agreement or the policies of ARG or any of its affiliates, which breach in the case of (iii) or (iv) is not cured within thirty (30) days after written notice thereof is received by Executive.  Executive shall be afforded an opportunity to explain and defend such actions before the Board.  </font></div></td></tr></table><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;padding-left:120px;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;"><br></font></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt;"><tr><td style="width:120px;"></td><td></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:top"><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:11pt;padding-left:96px;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#9702;</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;"><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;font-style:italic;text-decoration:underline;">Good Reason</font><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;">&#32;is defined as the occurrence of any of the following events or conditions without Executive&#8217;s written consent: a material reduction in Executive&#8217;s authority, duties or responsibilities;  a material diminution in the authority, duties, or responsibilities of the supervisor to whom Executive is required to report;  a material diminution in Executive&#8217;s Base Salary (as defined herein); or a material change in the geographic location at which Executive must perform Executive&#8217;s duties, except for reasonably required travel by ARG. Executive must provide written notice to ARG of the occurrence of any of the foregoing events or conditions without Executive&#8217;s written consent within thirty (30) days following the occurrence of such event.  ARG shall have a period of thirty (30) days to cure such event or condition (if applicable) after receipt of written notice of such event from Executive. Any voluntary termination of Executive&#8217;s employment for Good Reason following such cure period must occur no later than the date that is six (6) months following the initial occurrence of one of the foregoing events or conditions without Executive&#8217;s written consent.</font></div></td></tr></table><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;padding-left:120px;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;"><br></font></div><br><div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div></div><hr style="page-break-after:always"><a name="sa3cf6d6adb1a43b8b012f9f7182cea9e"></a><div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div></div><br><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;padding-left:72px;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;"><br></font></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt;"><tr><td style="width:72px;"></td><td></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:top"><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:11pt;padding-left:48px;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;font-weight:bold;">&#8226;</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;"><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;font-weight:bold;">Discretionary Bonus.  </font><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;">Each Named Executive Officer&#8217;s Restated Employment Agreement clarifies that the Named Executive Officer shall be eligible for discretionary quarterly bonuses, which may be made in cash, equity or a combination of cash and equity.</font></div></td></tr></table><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;padding-left:72px;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;"><br></font></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt;"><tr><td style="width:72px;"></td><td></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:top"><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:11pt;padding-left:48px;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#8226;</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;"><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;font-weight:bold;">Severance.</font><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;">&#32;&#32;Each Named Executive Officer&#8217;s Restated Employment Agreement clarifies that the Named Executive Officer shall be eligible to receive an eighteen month severance payment, as well as certain of benefits, upon termination of Executive&#8217;s employment without Cause or by Executive for Good Reason.  In addition, each Named Executive Officer&#8217;s Restated Employment Agreement contains a general release of all claims in favor of ARG as a condition to the Named Executive Officer&#8217;s receipt of any post-termination severance benefits. </font></div></td></tr></table><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;padding-left:72px;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;"><br></font></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt;"><tr><td style="width:72px;"></td><td></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:top"><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:11pt;padding-left:48px;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#8226;</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;"><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;font-weight:bold;">Section 409A of the Code.  </font><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;">Each Named Executive Officer&#8217;s Restated Employment Agreement was modified to include provisions confirming compliance with Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.</font></div></td></tr></table><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;padding-left:72px;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;"><br></font></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt;"><tr><td style="width:72px;"></td><td></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:top"><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:11pt;padding-left:48px;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#8226;</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;"><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;font-weight:bold;">Arbitration of Disputes. </font><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;">Each Named Executive Officer&#8217;s Restated Employment Agreement clarifies the types of claims for and the process of arbitration. </font></div></td></tr></table><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;padding-left:72px;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;padding-bottom:16px;text-align:left;text-indent:48px;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;">The foregoing descriptions of the Restated Employment Agreements do not purport to be complete and are qualified in their entirety by reference to the full texts of the Restated Employment Agreements, copies of which will be attached as exhibits to the Company&#8217;s next periodic report.</font><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;padding-bottom:10px;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;padding-bottom:10px;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;padding-bottom:10px;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;padding-bottom:10px;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;padding-bottom:10px;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;padding-bottom:10px;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;padding-bottom:10px;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;padding-bottom:10px;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;padding-bottom:10px;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;padding-bottom:10px;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;padding-bottom:10px;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;padding-bottom:10px;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;padding-bottom:10px;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;padding-bottom:10px;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;padding-bottom:10px;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;padding-bottom:10px;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;padding-bottom:10px;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;padding-bottom:10px;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;padding-bottom:10px;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;padding-bottom:10px;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><br><div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div></div><hr style="page-break-after:always"><a name="sa3cf6d6adb1a43b8b012f9f7182cea9e"></a><div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div></div><br><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;font-weight:bold;">SIGNATURES</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:justify;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;text-indent:48px;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"></font><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;">Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized. </font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:justify;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:justify;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:justify;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;">Date:</font><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;</font><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;">September 25, 2015</font><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;</font><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;">ACACIA RESEARCH CORPORATION</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:justify;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:justify;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;text-indent:336px;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"></font><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;">By:</font><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;</font><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;text-decoration:underline;">/s/ Matthew Vella</font><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;padding-left:384px;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;">Matthew Vella</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;padding-bottom:16px;text-align:left;padding-left:384px;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;">Chief Executive Officer </font></div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><br><div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div></div>	</body>
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