Note 16 - Contingencies

12 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2016

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block]

(16)	Contingencies

May 31, 2016,

G. Thomas Hazelton, Jr. was terminated by Applied Optical Systems, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of OCC (“AOS”) for Cause as defined both in his employment agreement dated

October 31, 2009

(the “Employment Agreement”) and also in the Stock Purchase Agreement dated

October 31, 2009

by and among OCC, as buyer, and G. Thomas Hazelton, Jr. (“Hazelton”) and Daniel Roehrs (“Roehrs”), as sellers.

OCC acquired AOS from Hazelton and Roehrs pursuant to the terms of the SPA. In addition to its claims under the Employment Agreement, OCC also has asserted claims of indemnification against Hazelton under the SPA related to alleged unlawful actions by Hazelton and Roehrs.

As a result, OCC has not paid Hazelton any severance compensation and does not intend to pay Hazelton any of the minimum earn out amount (a maximum amount of

$470,665

payable on

January 31, 2017

under the terms of the SPA) that otherwise would have been owed to Hazelton, but for Hazelton’s termination for Cause and OCC’s indemnification claims under the SPA.

As a result of this dispute, OCC and AOS filed suit against Hazelton on

September 9, 2016

in state court in Roanoke City, Virginia. Hazelton has filed suit against OCC and AOS on

September 7, 2016

in state court in Collin County, Texas.

Additionally, OCC, AOS, and Centric Solutions LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of OCC (“Centric Solutions”) have filed suit against Roehrs, William DiBella (“DiBella”) (a former employee of Centric Solutions), and Rosenberger CDS, LLC and Rosenberger North America (together, “Rosenberger”) on

September 20, 2016

in state court in Roanoke County, Virginia, in connection with related alleged unlawful actions by Roehrs, DiBella and Rosenberger.

At this time, OCC does not believe any of these disputes or the litigation resulting therefrom will have a material adverse effect on OCC.

From time to time, the Company is involved in other various claims, legal actions and regulatory reviews arising in the ordinary course of business. In the opinion of management, the ultimate disposition of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or liquidity.