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Commitments and Contingencies
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2017
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]  
Commitments and Contingencies

NOTE 8 - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

 

Microbot Israel obtained from the Israeli Innovation Authority (“IIA”) grants for participation in research and development for the years 2013 through December 31, 2017 in the total amount of approximately $1,183 and, in return, Microbot Israel is obligated to pay royalties amounting to 3% of its future sales up to the amount of the grant. The grant is linked to the exchange rate of the dollar to the New Israeli Shekel and bears interest of Libor per annum.

 

The repayment of the grants is contingent upon the successful completion of the Company’s research and development programs and generating sales. The Company has no obligation to repay these grants, if the project fails, is unsuccessful or aborted or if no sales are generated. The financial risk is assumed completely by the Government of Israel. The grants are received from the Government on a project-by-project basis.

 

Microbot Israel signed an agreement with the Technion Research and Development Foundation (“TRDF”) in June 2012 by which TRDF transferred to Microbot Israel a global, exclusive, royalty-bearing license. As partial consideration for the license, Microbot Israel shall pay TRDF royalties on net sales (between 1.5%-3%) and on sublicense income as detailed in the agreement.

  

Lease Agreements

 

In June 2016, the Company entered into an office lease agreement, with a term ending on February 28, 2018. According to the lease agreement, the monthly office lease payment is approximately $3.

 

In December 2016, the Company entered into a cars lease agreement, which will end on December 31, 2019. According to the lease agreement, the monthly car lease payment is approximately $2.5.

 

In May 2017, the Company entered into an office lease agreement effective from February 1, 2018, with a term ending on December 31, 2020. According to the lease agreement, the monthly office lease payment is approximately $14. The Company also has future minimum payments related to maintenance expenses in accordance with the lease agreements. The Company has guarantees in the amount of approximately $55 with respect to this lease agreement.

 

Compensation Liability

 

The Company incurred compensation commitments of approximately $400 to a former executive that management estimates as remote that this amount will ever be paid out and therefore is not reflected in these consolidated financial statements.

 

Contract Research Agreement

 

On January 27, 2017, the Company entered into a Contract Research Agreement (the “Research Agreement”) with The Washington University (“Washington U.”), pursuant to which the parties will collaborate to determine the effectiveness of the Company’s self-cleaning shunt.

 

The study in WU includes several phases. The first phase (initial research) was completed. The parties are in the final stage of planning the next phase, including the related various costs. Pursuant to the Research Agreement, all rights, title and interest in the data, information and results obtained or arrived at by Washington U. in the performance of its services under the Research Agreement, as well as any patentable inventions obtained or arrived at in the performance of such services, will be jointly owned by the Company and Washington U., and each will have full right to practice and grant licenses in joint inventions. Additionally, Washington U. granted to the Company: (a) a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free, fully paid-up, perpetual and irrevocable license to use and practice patentable inventions (other than joint inventions and improvements to Washington U.’s animal models) obtained or arrived at by Washington U. in the provision of its services under the Research Agreement (“University Inventions”) with respect to the self-cleaning shunt; and (b) an exclusive option to obtain an exclusive worldwide license in University Inventions, on terms to be negotiated between the parties.

 

Litigation

 

The Company is named as the defendant in a lawsuit, captioned Sabby Healthcare Master Fund Ltd. and Sabby Volatility Warrant Master Fund Ltd., Plaintiffs, against Microbot Medical Inc., Defendant, pending in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, County of New York. The complaint alleges, among other things, that the Company breached multiple representations and warranties contained in the Securities Purchase Agreement (the “SPA”) related to the June 8, 2017 equity financing of the Company (the “Financing”), of which the Plaintiffs participated. The complaint seeks rescission of the SPA and return of the Plaintiffs’ $3,375 purchase price with respect to the Financing, and damages in an amount to be determined at trial, but alleged to exceed $1 million. The parties presently are engaged in discovery.

 

Due to the early stage in the ligation process, management is unable to assess the likelihood of the claim and the amount of potential damages, if any, to be awarded. Management believes that the claims made against it are without merit and intends to vigorously defend itself against these claims. See Note 16 – Subsequent Events, below.