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Commitments and Contingencies
9 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Commitment and Contingencies    
Commitments and Contingencies

(10)Commitment and Contingencies

Litigation

On August 6, 2021, Cowen and Company, LLC filed a complaint against ReShape, as successor in interest to Obalon Therapeutics, in the Supreme Court of the State of New York based on an alleged breach of contract arising out of Cowen’s prior engagement as Obalon’s financial advisor. The complaint alleges that Cowen is entitled to be paid a $1.35 million fee in connection with ReShape’s merger with Obalon under the terms of Cowen’s engagement agreement with Obalon. The complaint also sought reimbursement of Cowen’s attorneys’ fees and interest in connection with its claim. On May 11, 2023, the Supreme Court of the State of New York issued the final judgement in favor of Cowen & Company in the amount of $1.35 million, plus interest at the statutory rate of 9% per annum from June 16, 2021 until judgement is paid in full, and reimbursement of $675,000 of Cowen’s attorneys’ fees, with $275,000 to be paid upfront, $200,000 paid after six months and $200,000 paid after 12 months. As of September 30, 2024, the Company has paid the judgement, interest and legal fees in full.

The Company is not aware of any pending or threatened litigation against it that could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, operating results or financial condition, other than what was disclosed above. The medical device industry in which the Company operates is characterized by frequent claims and litigation, including claims regarding patent and other intellectual property rights as well as improper hiring practices. As a result, the Company may be involved in various legal proceedings from time to time.

Product Liability Claims

The Company is exposed to product liability claims that are inherent in the testing, production, marketing, and sale of medical devices. Management believes any losses that may occur from these matters are adequately covered by insurance, and the ultimate outcome of these matters will not have a material effect on the Company’s financial position or results of operations. The Company is not currently a party to any product liability litigation and is not aware of any pending or threatened product liability litigation that is reasonably possible to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, operating results or financial condition.

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Commitments and Contingencies

Employee Arrangements and Other Compensation

Certain members of management are entitled to severance benefits payable upon termination following a change in control, which would approximate $0.8 million at December 31, 2023. The Company also has agreements with certain employees to pay bonuses based on targeted performance criteria. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, approximately $15 thousand and $0.3 million, respectively, was accrued for performance bonuses, which is included in accrued liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets.

Purchase Commitments

The Company generally purchases its products and accessories from a limited group of third-party suppliers through purchase orders. The Company had $0.9 million of inventory open purchase orders as of December 31, 2023, for orders being issued to supplies for which the Company has not received the goods or services and which are expected to be fulfilled within one year. These purchase commitments were made to secure better pricing and to ensure the Company will have the necessary inventory to meet anticipated near term demand. Although open purchase orders are considered enforceable and legally binding, the Company may be able to cancel, reschedule, or adjust requirements prior to supplier fulfillment.

Litigation

On August 6, 2021, Cowen and Company, LLC filed a complaint against ReShape, as successor in interest to Obalon Therapeutics, in the Supreme Court of the State of New York based on an alleged breach of contract arising out of Cowen’s prior engagement as Obalon’s financial advisor. The complaint alleges that Cowen is entitled to be paid a $1.35 million fee in connection with ReShape’s merger with Obalon under the terms of Cowen’s engagement agreement with Obalon. The complaint also sought reimbursement of Cowen’s attorneys’ fees and interest in connection with its claim. On May 11, 2023, the Supreme Court of the State of New York issued the final judgement in favor of Cowen & Company in the amount of $1.35 million, plus interest at the statutory rate of 9% per annum from June 16, 2021 until judgement is paid in full, and reimbursement of $675,000 of Cowen’s attorneys’ fees, with $275,000 to be paid upfront, $200,000 paid after six months and $200,000 paid after 12 months. As of December 31, 2023, the Company has paid the $1.35 million judgement, including related interest, and first $275,000 installment of Cowen’s attorneys’ fees. At December 31, 2023, $200 thousand of attorneys’ fees were included as accrued expenses.

The Company is not aware of any pending or threatened litigation against it that could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, operating results or financial condition, other than what was disclosed above. The medical device industry in which the Company operates is characterized by frequent claims and litigation, including claims regarding patent and other intellectual property rights as well as improper hiring practices. As a result the Company may be involved in various legal proceedings from time to time.

Product Liability Claims

The Company is exposed to product liability claims that are inherent in the testing, production, marketing and sale of medical devices. Management believes any losses that may occur from these matters are adequately covered by insurance, and the ultimate outcome of these matters will not have a material effect on the Company’s financial position or results of operations. The Company is not currently a party to any product liability litigation and is not aware of any pending or threatened product liability litigation that could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, operating results or financial condition.