10-K: Annual report pursuant to section 13 and 15(d)
Published on March 31, 2014
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
[X] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013
or
[ ] TRANSITION REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from _____________________ to ___________________________
Commission file number 000-54652
MARATHON PATENT GROUP, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Nevada
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01-0949984
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(State or other jurisdiction of Incorporation or organization)
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(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
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2331 Mill Road, Suite 100, Alexandria, VA
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22314
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(Address of principal executive offices)
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(Zip Code)
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Registrant’s telephone number, including area code (703) 232-1701
Securities registered under Section 12(g) of the Exchange Act:
Common Stock $0.0001 par value per share
(Title of class)
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act Yes [ ] No [X ]
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Act. [ ]
Note - Checking the box above will not relieve any registrant required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act from their obligations under those Sections.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes [X] No [ ]
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes [X] No [ ]
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers in response to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendments to this From 10-K. [ ]
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer [ ] Accelerated filer [ ] Non-accelerated filer [ ] (Do not check if a smaller reporting company) Smaller reporting company [X]
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes [ ] No [X]
State the aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates computed by reference to the price at which the common equity was sold, or the average bid and asked price of such common equity, as of the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter.
As of June 30, 2013, the aggregate market value of voting stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant, based on the closing sales price of Common Stock on June 28, 2013, was approximately $18 million. As of March 28, 2014, the registrant had 5,489,593 shares of Common Stock outstanding.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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PART I
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Item 1.
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Item 1A.
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Item 2.
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Item 3.
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Item 4.
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PART II
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Item 5.
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Item 6.
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Item 7.
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Item 8.
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Item 9.
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Item 9A.
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Item 9B.
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PART III
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Item 10.
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Item 11.
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Item 12.
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Item 13.
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Item 14.
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PART IV
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Item 15.
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FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS
This Annual Report on Form 10-K and other written and oral statements made from time to time by us may contain so-called “forward-looking statements,” all of which are subject to risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as “expects,” “plans,” “will,” “forecasts,” “projects,” “intends,” “estimates,” and other words of similar meaning. One can identify them by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. These statements are likely to address our growth strategy, financial results and product and development programs. One must carefully consider any such statement and should understand that many factors could cause actual results to differ from our forward looking statements. These factors may include inaccurate assumptions and a broad variety of other risks and uncertainties, including some that are known and some that are not. No forward looking statement can be guaranteed and actual future results may vary materially.
Information regarding market and industry statistics contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K is included based on information available to us that we believe is accurate. It is generally based on industry and other publications that are not produced for purposes of securities offerings or economic analysis. We have not reviewed or included data from all sources. Forecasts and other forward-looking information obtained from these sources are subject to the same qualifications and the additional uncertainties accompanying any estimates of future market size, revenue and market acceptance of products and services. We do not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statement. As a result, investors should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements.
As used in this annual report, the terms “we”, “us”, “our”, the “Company”, “Marathon Patent Group, Inc.” and “MARA” mean Marathon Patent Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries, unless otherwise indicated.
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
Our business is to acquire patents and patent rights and to monetize the value of those assets to generate revenue and profit for the Company. We acquire patents and patent rights from their owners, who range from individual inventors to Fortune 500 companies. Part of our acquisition strategy is to acquire patents and patent rights that cover a wide-range of subject matter, which allows us to achieve the benefits of a growing diversified portfolio of assets. Generally, the assets we acquire are characterized by having large identifiable companies who are or have been using technology that infringes our patent rights. We generally monetize our portfolio of assets by initiating enforcement activities against any infringing parties with the objective of entering into a standard form of comprehensive settlement and license agreement that may include the granting of non-exclusive retroactive and future rights to use the patented technology, a covenant not to sue, a release of the party from certain claims, the dismissal of any pending litigation and other terms that are appropriate in the circumstances. Our strategy has been developed with the expectation that it will result in a long-term, diversified revenue stream for the Company.
As of December 31, 2013, we owned a patent portfolio consisting of 118 U.S. and foreign patents and 5 patent applications. During the second quarter of 2013, we began generating revenue from our patent portfolio.
We were incorporated in the State of Nevada on February 23, 2010 under the name “Verve Ventures, Inc.” On December 7, 2011, we changed our name to “American Strategic Minerals Corporation” and were primarily engaged in exploration and potential development of uranium and vanadium minerals business. During June 2012, we decided to discontinue our uranium and vanadium minerals business and engaged in the business of acquiring, renovating, and selling real estate properties located within the areas of Southern California. On November 14, 2012, we acquired all the intellectual property rights of Sampo. On November 14, 2012, we decided to discontinue our real estate business. Our principal office is located at 2331 Mill Road, Suite 100, Alexandria, VA 22314. Our telephone number is (703) 232-1701. We also have an office at 11100 Santa Monica Blvd., Suite 380, Los Angeles, CA 90025.
Industry Overview and Market Opportunity
Under U.S. law, an inventor or patent owner has the right to exclude others from making, selling or using their patented invention. Unfortunately, in the majority of cases, infringers are generally unwilling, at least initially, to negotiate or pay reasonable royalties for their unauthorized use of third-party patents and will typically fight any allegations of patent infringement. Inventors and/or patent holders, without sufficient legal, financial and/or expert technical resources to bring and continue the pursuit of legal action, may lack credibility in dealing with potential licensees and as a result, are often ignored. As a result of the common reluctance of patent infringers to negotiate and ultimately take a patent license for the use of third-party patented technologies, patent licensing and enforcement often begins with the filing of patent enforcement litigation. However, the majority of patent infringement contentions settle out of court based on the strength of the patent claims, validity, and persuasive evidence and clarity that the patent is being infringed.
Due to the relative infancy of the IP monetization industry, we believe that the absolute size of our market opportunity is very significant but difficult to quantify.
Business Model and Strategy – Overview
Our business model encompasses two main elements: (1) the identification, analysis and acquisition of patents and patent rights; and (2) the generation of revenue from the acquired patents or patent rights.
Typically, we compensate the patent seller through a cash fee paid upon the acquisition of the patents or patent rights as well as the assignment of the patents or patent rights to us or one of our operating subsidiaries. Additionally, a patent seller may also seek to receive compensation through participation in the monetization revenue generated by us from the patents or patent rights. The patent seller may also receive compensation through a combination of both cash and revenue participation.
Key Factors of Our Business Model
Diversification within the Asset Class
As of December 31, 2013, we owned 118 U.S. and foreign patents and 5 patent applications. We intend to add more patents and patent applications for the purpose of generating licensing revenues. By owning multiple patent assets, we will continue to be diversified in both the types of patents that we own as well as the frequency and size of the monetization revenue generated. This diversification prevents us from having to rely on a single patent, or patent family to generate all of our revenue. Additionally, by commencing multiple settlement and licensing campaigns with our different patent assets, we intend to generate frequent revenue events through the execution of multiple settlement and licensing agreements. Our diversification of patent assets and revenue generation allows us to avoid the binary risk that can be associated with owning a single patent asset that typically generates a single stream of licensing revenue.
Supply of Patent Acquisition Opportunities
We have worked to establish a supply of patent acquisition opportunities with patent brokers and dealers, with individual inventors and patent owners, as well as with large corporations who own patent portfolios. Service providers, such as patent prosecution and litigation attorneys and patent licensing professionals have also become key suppliers of patent opportunities. An example of a key supplier of patent opportunities is IP Navigation Group LLC (“IP Nav”). We have received a significant amount of our patent acquisition opportunities from our relationship with IP Nav. We intend to continue to add to our patent acquisition opportunities by increasing the number of third parties that we work with when reviewing potential patent acquisition opportunities. Additionally, we intend to seek opportunities to acquire patents from companies and patent owners that are in industry sectors that we have not acquired patents from in the past.
Patent Portfolio Evaluation
We follow a disciplined due diligence approach when analyzing potential patent acquisitions. Each opportunity to acquire a patent portfolio can vary based on the amount and type of patent assets, the complexity of the underlying inventions, and the analysis of the industries in which the invention is being used.
Subtleties in the language of a patent’s recorded interactions with the patent office and the evaluation of prior art and literature can make significant differences in the potential monetization revenue derived from a patent or patent portfolio. Our specialists are trained and skilled in these areas. It is important to identify potential problem areas, if any, and determine whether potential problem areas can be overcome, prior to acquiring a patent portfolio or launching an effective monetization program. We have developed processes and procedures for identifying problem areas and evaluating the strength of a patent portfolio before the decision is made to allocate resources to an acquisition or to launch an effective monetization effort
Subtleties in the language of a patent’s recorded interactions with the patent office and the evaluation of prior art and literature can make significant differences in the potential monetization revenue derived from a patent or patent portfolio. Our specialists are trained and skilled in these areas. It is important to identify potential problem areas, if any, and determine whether potential problem areas can be overcome, prior to acquiring a patent portfolio or launching an effective monetization program. We have developed processes and procedures for identifying problem areas and evaluating the strength of a patent portfolio before the decision is made to allocate resources to an acquisition or to launch an effective monetization effort.
We seek to use third-party experts in addition to our internal management team in the evaluation and due diligence of the patent assets. The combination of our management team and third-party patent attorneys, intellectual property licensing experts, and technology engineers allow us to conduct our tailored patent acquisition and evaluation processes and procedures. We may also leverage the expertise of external specialists and technology consultants. We evaluate both the types and strength of the claims of the patent as well as the file history of the patent.
Finally, prior to making a final decision to acquire a patent asset, we identify and consider potential problem areas, if any, and determine whether any potential problem areas can be overcome prior to acquiring a patent portfolio or launching an effective monetization program. Additionally, we identify potential infringers; industries within which the potential infringers exist; longevity of the patented technology; and a variety of other factors that directly impact the magnitude and potential success of a licensing and enforcement program.
Commencement of Monetization Campaign
If we complete the due diligence and have determined that the patent acquisition opportunity is worth pursuing, we may enter into final negotiations to acquire the patent assets. The owner of the patent will typically receive an upfront acquisition payment or a portion of the revenue generated from a patent portfolio’s monetization campaign or a combination of the two. Typically, we control the monetization process and use experienced patent litigation professionals on a contingency basis to reduce the potentially high costs associated with patent litigation.
Our due diligence process may also identify potential infringers who are using the acquired patent assets in an unauthorized manner. We generate, or have had others generate on our behalf, presentations that identify the potentially infringing technologies. Furthermore, we present an analysis of the claims of our patents and demonstrate how they apply to companies we believe are using our technologies in their products or services in an unauthorized manner. These presentations can take place in a non-adversarial business setting but can also occur through the litigation process, if necessary.
Our Products and Services
We acquire patents and patent rights from patent holders and work to maximize the value of those patents holdings by conducting and managing monetization campaigns. Some patent holders tend to have limited internal resources and/or expertise to effectively address the unauthorized use of their patented technologies or they simply make the strategic business decision to outsource their intellectual property licensing. Generally, we, or an operating subsidiary, acquires patents or patent rights in exchange for an upfront cash payment or for a percentage of our operating subsidiary's gross recoveries from the monetization campaigns involving the acquired patents or a combination of the two.
Competition
We expect to encounter significant competition from others seeking to acquire interests in intellectual property assets and monetize such assets. This includes an increase in the number of competitors seeking to acquire the same or similar patents and technologies that we may seek to acquire. Most of our competitors have much longer operating histories, and significantly greater financial and human resources than we do. Entities such as Vringo, Inc. (NYSE MKT: VRNG), VirnetX Holding Corp (NYSE MKT: VHC), Acacia Research Corporation (NASDAQ: ACTG), RPX Corporation (NASDAQ: RPXC), and others presently market themselves as being in the business of creating, acquiring, licensing or leveraging the value of intellectual property assets. We expect others to enter the market as the true value of patents and other intellectual property is increasingly recognized and validated. In addition, competitors may seek to acquire the same or similar patents and technologies that we may seek to acquire, making it more difficult and expensive for us to acquire, to monetize and to generate value form those assets.
We also compete with venture capital firms, strategic corporate buyers and various industry leaders for patents and patent rights acquisitions and enforcement opportunities. Most of these competitors have substantially greater financial and human resources than we do. As the market matures, we may find more companies entering the market to pursue similar opportunities, which may reduce our market share in one or more technology industries that we currently rely upon to generate future revenue.
Intellectual Property and Patent Rights
Our intellectual property is primarily comprised of issued patents and pending patents, other patent rights, trade secrets, patented know-how, copyrights and technological innovation.
The Company’s patent portfolio includes 118 issued U.S. and foreign patents, and 5 patent applications. The portfolio covers a wide range of industries and technologies, including the following:
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Patents describing collaborative systems that entail centralized communication methods for storing information and pushing notifications to group participants;
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Patents that provide the right to practice specific transactional data processing, telecommunications, network and database inventions, including financial transactions;
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Patents that enable multicasting on Internet protocol networks;
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Patents relating to performance enhancement features and enabling technology within switching communication terminal equipment, and in Private Branch Exchanges (PBXs) in a communication network;
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Patents relating to a wide range of technologies including processor architecture in the mobile device marketplace;
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Patents relating to process automation in the production and resource planning space (ERP) although the patents and their associated claims show a clear relationship with other fields of use;
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Patents that cover key enabling wireless technologies including the transfer of active session among devices and web content transformation into formats compatible with destination devices;
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Patents related to the automotive and related industries in the areas of occupant restraint and safety systems as well as automotive centric communications methodologies including sensing and detection technologies; and
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Patents related to frame relay technologies.
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Patent Enforcement Litigation
In the normal course of our business of patent monetization, it is generally necessary for us to initiate litigation in order to commence the process of protecting our patent rights. Such activities are expected to lead to a monetization event. Accordingly, we are, and in the future expect to become, a party to ongoing patent enforcement related litigation alleging infringement by various third parties of certain of the patented technologies owned and/or controlled by us. Litigation is commenced by and managed through the subsidiary that owns the related portfolio of patents or patent rights. In connection with our enforcement activities, we are currently involved in multiple patent infringement cases. As of December 31, 2013, the Company has in suit a total of 57 active defendants, 31 in the District of Delaware, 2 in the Eastern District of Virginia and 24 in the Eastern District of Texas.
Research and Development
We have not expended funds for research and development costs.
Employees
As of December 31, 2013, we had five (5) full-time employees and one (1) part-time employee. We believe our employee relations to be good.
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
There are numerous and varied risks, known and unknown, that may prevent us from achieving our goals. If any of these risks actually occur, our business, financial condition or results of operation may be materially adversely affected. In such case, the trading price of our common stock could decline and investors could lose all or part of their investment.
Risks Related to Our Company
We have changed the focus of our business to acquiring patents and patent rights and monetizing the value of those assets through enforcement campaigns that are expected to generate revenue. We may not be able to successfully monetize the patents that we acquire and thus we may fail to realize all of the anticipated benefits of such acquisitions.
There is no assurance that we will be able to continue to successfully acquire, develop or monetize our patent portfolio. The acquisition of patents could fail to produce anticipated benefits or we could have other adverse effects that we do not currently foresee. Failure to successfully monetize our patents would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
In addition, the acquisition of patent portfolios is subject to a number of risks, including, but not limited to the following:
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There is a significant time lag between acquiring a patent portfolio and recognizing revenue from those patent assets. During that time lag, substantial amounts of costs are likely to be incurred that could have a negative effect on our results of operations, cash flows and financial position; and
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The monetization of a patent portfolio will be a time consuming and expensive process that may disrupt our operations. If our monetization efforts are not successful, our results of operations could be harmed. In addition, we may not achieve anticipated synergies or other benefits from such acquisition.
We may encounter unforeseen difficulties with our business or operations in the future that may deplete our capital resources more rapidly than anticipated. As a result, we may be required to obtain additional working capital in the future through public or private debt or equity financings, borrowings or otherwise. If we are required to raise additional working capital in the future, such financing may be unavailable to us on favorable terms, if at all, or may be dilutive to our existing stockholders. If we fail to obtain additional working capital, as and when needed, such failure could have a material adverse impact on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
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Therefore, there is no assurance that the monetization of our patent portfolios will generate enough revenue to recoup our investment.
We are presently reliant exclusively on the patent assets we acquired from other companies. If we are unable to monetize such assets and generate revenue and profit through those assets or by other means, there is a significant risk that our business would fail.
At the commencement of our current line of business in 2012, we acquired a portfolio of patent assets from Sampo IP LLC (“Sampo”), a company affiliated with our Chief Executive Officer, Douglas Croxall, from which we have generated revenue from enforcement activities and for which we plan to continue to generate enforcement related revenue. On April 16, 2013, we acquired a patent from Mosaid Technologies Incorporated, a Canadian corporation. On April 22, 2013, we acquired a foundational patent portfolio through a merger between CyberFone Acquisition Corp., a Texas corporation and our wholly owned subsidiary and CyberFone Systems LLC, a Texas limited liability company (“CyberFone Systems”). In June 2013, in connection with the closing of a licensing agreement with Siemens Technology, we acquired a patent portfolio from that company. In September 2013, we acquired a portfolio from TeleCommunication Systems and an additional portfolio from Intergraph Corporation. In October 2013, we acquired a patent portfolio from TT IP, LLC. In December 2013, in connection with a licensing agreement with Zhone, we acquired a portfolio of patents from that company. Also, in December 2013, we acquired a patent portfolio from Delphi Technologies, Inc. We plan to generate revenues from our acquired patent portfolios. However, if our efforts to generate revenue from these assets fail, we will have incurred significant losses and may be unable to acquire additional assets. If this occurs, our business would likely fail.
Failure to effectively manage our growth could place strains on our managerial, operational and financial resources and could adversely affect our business and operating results.
Our growth has placed, and is expected to continue to place, a strain on our managerial, operational and financial resources and systems. Further, as our subsidiary companies’ businesses grow, we will be required to continue to manage multiple relationships. Any further growth by us or our subsidiary companies, or an increase in the number of our strategic relationships, may place additional strain on our managerial, operational and financial resources and systems. Although we may not grow as we expect, if we fail to manage our growth effectively or to develop and expand our managerial, operational and financial resources and systems, our business and financial results would be materially harmed.
We initiate legal proceedings against potentially infringing companies in the normal course of our business and we believe that extended litigation proceedings would be time-consuming and costly, which may adversely affect our financial condition and our ability to operate our business.
To monetize our patent assets, we generally initiate legal proceedings against likely infringing companies, pursuant to which we may allege that such companies infringe on one or more of our patents. Our viability could be highly dependent on the outcome of the litigation, and there is a risk that we may be unable to achieve the results we desire from such litigation, which failure would substantially harm our business. In addition, the defendants in the litigations are likely to be much larger than us and have substantially more resources than we do, which could make our litigation efforts more difficult.
We anticipate that these legal proceedings may continue for several years and may require significant expenditures for legal fees and other expenses. Disputes regarding the assertion of patents and other intellectual property rights are highly complex and technical. Once initiated, we may be forced to litigate against others to enforce or defend our patent rights or to determine the validity and scope of other party’s patent rights. The defendants or other third parties involved in the lawsuits in which we are involved may allege defenses and/or file counterclaims in an effort to avoid or limit liability and damages for patent infringement. If such defenses or counterclaims are successful, they may preclude our ability to derive monetization revenue from the patents. A negative outcome of any such litigation, or one or more claims contained within any such litigation, could materially and adversely impact our business. Additionally, we anticipate that our legal fees and other expenses will be material and will negatively impact our financial condition and results of operations and may result in our inability to continue our business.
We may seek to internally develop additional new inventions and intellectual property, which would take time and be costly. Moreover, the failure to obtain or maintain intellectual property rights for such inventions would lead to the loss of our investments in such activities.
Part of our business may in the future include the internal development of new inventions or intellectual property that we will seek to monetize. However, this aspect of our business would likely require significant amounts of capital and would take time to achieve. Such activities could also distract our management team from its present business initiatives, which could have a material and adverse effect on our business. There is also the risk that such initiatives may not yield any viable new inventions or technology, which would lead to a loss of our investments in time and resources in such activities.
In addition, even if we are able to internally develop new inventions, in order for those inventions to be viable and to compete effectively, we would need to develop and maintain, and we would be heavily reliant upon, a proprietary position with respect to such inventions and intellectual property. However, there are significant risks associated with any such intellectual property we may develop principally including the following:
• patent applications we may file may not result in issued patents or may take longer than we expect to result in issued patents;
• we may be subject to interference proceedings;
• we may be subject to opposition proceedings in the U.S. or foreign countries;
• any patents that are issued to us may not provide meaningful protection;
• we may not be able to develop additional proprietary technologies that are patentable;
• other companies may challenge patents issued to us;
• other companies may have independently developed and/or patented (or may in the future independently develop and patent) similar or alternative technologies, or duplicate our technologies;
• other companies may design around technologies we have developed; and
• enforcement of our patents would be complex, uncertain and very expensive.
We cannot be certain that patents will be issued as a result of any future patent applications, or that any of our patents, once issued, will provide us with adequate protection from competing products. For example, issued patents may be circumvented or challenged, declared invalid or unenforceable, or narrowed in scope. In addition, since publication of discoveries in scientific or patent literature often lags behind actual discoveries, we cannot be certain that we will be the first to make our additional new inventions or to file patent applications covering those inventions. It is also possible that others may have or may obtain issued patents that could prevent us from commercializing our products or require us to obtain licenses requiring the payment of significant fees or royalties in order to enable us to conduct our business. As to those patents that we may acquire, our continued rights will depend on meeting any obligations to the seller and we may be unable to do so. Our failure to obtain or maintain intellectual property rights for our inventions would lead to the loss of our investments in such activities, which would have a material adverse effect on us.
Moreover, patent application delays could cause delays in recognizing revenue from our internally generated patents and could cause us to miss opportunities to license patents before other competing technologies are developed or introduced into the market.
Our future success depends on our ability to expand our organization to match the growth of our subsidiaries.
As our operating subsidiaries grow, the administrative demands upon us and our operating subsidiaries will grow, and our success will depend upon our ability to meet those demands. These demands include increased accounting, management, legal services, staff support, and general office services. We may need to hire additional qualified personnel to meet these demands, the cost and quality of which is dependent in part upon market factors outside of our control. Further, we will need to effectively manage the training and growth of our staff to maintain an efficient and effective workforce, and our failure to do so could adversely affect our business and operating results.
Potential acquisitions may present risks, and we may be unable to achieve the financial or other goals intended at the time of any potential acquisition.
Our future growth depends, in part, on our ability to acquire patented technologies, patent portfolios, or companies holding such patented technologies and patent portfolios. Accordingly, we have engaged in acquisitions to expand our patent portfolios and we intend to continue to explore such acquisitions. Such acquisitions are subject to numerous risks, including the following:
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our inability to enter into a definitive agreement with respect to any potential acquisition, or if we are able to enter into such agreement, our inability to consummate the potential acquisition;
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difficulty integrating the operations, technology and personnel of the acquired entity;
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our inability to achieve the anticipated financial and other benefits of the specific acquisition;
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difficulty in maintaining controls, procedures and policies during the transition and monetization process;
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diversion of our management’s attention from other business concerns; and
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failure of our due diligence process to identify significant issues, including issues with respect to patented technologies and patent portfolios, and other legal and financial contingencies.
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If we are unable to manage these risks effectively as part of any acquisition, our business could be adversely affected.
Our revenues are unpredictable, and this may harm our financial condition.
From November 12, 2012 to the present, our operating subsidiaries have executed our business strategy of acquiring patent portfolios and accompanying patent rights and monetizing the value of those assets. At December 31, 2013, on a consolidated basis, our operating subsidiaries ownd or controlled the rights to over 118 patent assets, which include U.S. patents and certain foreign counterparts, covering technologies used in a wide variety of industries. These acquisitions continue to expand and diversify our revenue generating opportunities. However, due to the nature of our patent monetization business and uncertainties regarding the amount and timing of the receipt of funds from the monetization of our patent assets resulting in part from uncertainties regarding the outcome of enforcement actions, rates of adoption of our patented technologies, outlook for the businesses for defendants, and certain other factors, our revenues may vary substantially from quarter to quarter, which could make our business difficult to manage, adversely affect our business and operating results, cause our quarterly results to fall below market expectations and adversely affect the market price of our common stock.
Our patent monetization cycle is lengthy and costly, and our marketing, legal and sales efforts may be unsuccessful.
We expect our operating subsidiaries to incur significant marketing, legal and sales expenses prior to entering into monetization events that generate revenue for the Company. We will also spend considerable resources educating defendants on the benefits of a settlement with us that may include as one component a non-exclusive license for future use of our patent rights. As such, we may incur significant losses in any particular period before any associated revenue stream begins.
If our efforts to convince defendants of the benefits of a settlement arrangement are unsuccessful, we may need to continue with the litigation process or other enforcement action to protect our patent rights and to realize revenue from those rights. We may also need to litigate to enforce the terms of some existing agreements, protect our trade secrets, or determine the validity and scope of the proprietary rights of others. Enforcement proceedings are typically protracted and complex. The costs are typically substantial, and the outcomes are unpredictable. Enforcement actions will divert our managerial, technical, legal and financial resources from business operations.
Our exposure to uncontrollable outside influences, including new legislation, court rulings or actions by the United States Patent and Trademark Office, could adversely affect our patent monetization activities and results of operations.
Our patent acquisition and monetization business is subject to numerous risks from outside influences, including the following:
New legislation, regulations or rules related to obtaining patents or enforcing patents could significantly increase our operating costs and reduce our revenue.
Our operating subsidiaries acquire patents with enforcement opportunities and spend substantial amounts of resources to enforce those patents. If new legislation, regulations or rules are implemented either by Congress, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, or USPTO, or the courts that impact the patent application process, the patent enforcement process or the rights of patent holders, such changes could materially and negatively affect our revenue and expenses and, therefore, our company. Recently, United States patent laws were amended with the enactment of the Leahy-Smith America Invents Act, or the America Invents Act, which took effect on March 16, 2013. The America Invents Act includes a number of significant changes to U.S. patent law. In general, the legislation attempts to address issues surrounding the enforceability of patents and the increase in patent litigation by, among other things, establishing new procedures for patent litigation. For example, the America Invents Act changes the way that parties may be joined in patent infringement actions, increasing the likelihood that such actions will need to be brought against individual allegedly-infringing parties by their respective individual actions or activities. In addition, the America Invents Act enacted a new inter-partes review (“IPR”) process at the USPTO which can be used by defendants, and other individuals and entities, to separately challenge the validity of any patent. At this time, it is not clear what, if any, impact the America Invents Act will have on the operation of our patent monetization and enforcement business. However, the America Invents Act and its implementation could increase the uncertainties and costs surrounding the enforcement of our patented technologies, which could have a material adverse effect on our business and financial condition.
In addition, the U.S. Department of Justice, or the DOJ, has conducted reviews of the patent system to evaluate the impact of patent assertion entities on industries in which those patents relate. It is possible that the findings and recommendations of the DOJ could impact the ability to effectively monetize and enforce standards-essential patents and could increase the uncertainties and costs surrounding the enforcement of any such patented technologies. Also, the Federal Trade Commission, or FTC, has published its intent to initiate a proposed study under Section 6(b) of the Federal Trade Commission Act to evaluate the patent assertion practice and market impact of Patent Assertion Entities, or PAEs. The FTC’s notice and request for public comment relating to the PAE study appeared in the Federal Register on October 3rd, 2013. It is anticipated that the Company, including its subsidiaries, will be subject to this FTC study which would require the collection of certain information as detailed in notice published by the FTC. It is expected that the results of the PAE study by the FTC will be provided to Congress and other agencies, such as the DOJ, who could take action, including legislative proposals, based on the results of the study.
Finally, new rules regarding the burden of proof in patent enforcement actions could substantially increase the cost of our enforcement actions and new standards or limitations on liability for patent infringement could negatively impact our revenue derived from such enforcement actions.
Changes in patent law could adversely impact our business.
Patent laws may continue to change and may alter the historically consistent protections afforded to owners of patent rights. Such changes may not be advantageous for us and may make it more difficult to obtain adequate patent protection to enforce our patents against infringing parties. Increased focus on the growing number of patent-related lawsuits may result in legislative changes that increase our costs and related risks of asserting patent enforcement actions. For instance, the United States House of Representatives passed a bill that would require non-practicing entities that bring patent infringement lawsuits to pay legal costs of the defendants, if the lawsuits are unsuccessful and certain standards are not met.
Trial judges and juries often find it difficult to understand complex patent enforcement litigation, and as a result, we may need to appeal adverse decisions by lower courts in order to successfully enforce our patent rights.
It is difficult to predict the outcome of patent enforcement litigation at the trial level. It is often difficult for juries and trial judges to understand complex, patented technologies and, as a result, there is a higher rate of successful appeals in patent enforcement litigation than more standard business litigation. Such appeals are expensive and time consuming, resulting in increased costs and delayed revenue. Although we diligently pursue enforcement litigation, we cannot predict with significant reliability the decisions that may be made by juries and trial courts.
More patent applications are filed each year resulting in longer delays in getting patents issued by the USPTO.
Certain of our operating subsidiaries hold and continue to acquire pending patents. We have identified a trend of increasing patent applications each year, which we believe is resulting in longer delays in obtaining approval of pending patent applications. The application delays could cause delays in monetizing such patents to generate revenue from those assets and could cause us to miss opportunities to license patents before other competing technologies are developed or introduced into the market.
Federal courts are becoming more crowded and, as a result, patent enforcement litigation is taking longer.
Our patent enforcement actions are almost exclusively prosecuted in federal court. Federal trial courts that hear our patent enforcement actions also hear criminal cases. Criminal cases always take priority over our actions. As a result, it is difficult to predict the length of time it will take to complete an enforcement action. Moreover, we believe there is a trend in increasing numbers of civil lawsuits and criminal proceedings before federal judges and, as a result, we believe that the risk of delays in our patent enforcement actions will have a greater effect on our business in the future unless this trend changes.
Any reductions in the funding of the USPTO could have an adverse impact on the cost of processing pending patent applications and the value of those pending patent applications.
The assets of our operating subsidiaries consist of patent portfolios, including pending patent applications before the USPTO. The value of our patent portfolio is dependent, in part, on the issuance of patents in a timely manner, and any reductions in the funding of the USPTO could negatively impact the value of our assets. Further, reductions in funding from Congress could result in higher patent application filing and maintenance fees charged by the USPTO, causing an unexpected increase in our expenses.
Our acquisitions of patent assets may be time consuming, complex and costly, which could adversely affect our operating results.
Acquisitions of patent or other intellectual property assets, which are and will be critical to our business plan, are often time consuming, complex and costly to consummate. We may utilize many different transaction structures in our acquisitions and the terms of such acquisition agreements tend to be heavily negotiated. As a result, we expect to incur significant operating expenses and may be required to raise capital during the negotiations even if the acquisition is ultimately not consummated. Even if we are able to acquire particular patent assets, there is no guarantee that we will generate sufficient revenue related to those patent assets to offset the acquisition costs. While we will seek to conduct sufficient due diligence on the patent assets we are considering for acquisition, we may acquire patent assets from a seller who does not have proper title to those assets. In those cases, we may be required to spend significant resources to defend our ownership interest in the patent assets and, if we are not successful, our acquisition may be invalid, in which case we could lose part or all of our investment in the assets.
We may also identify patent or other patent rights assets that cost more than we are prepared to spend with our own capital resources. We may incur significant costs to organize and negotiate a structured acquisition that does not ultimately result in an acquisition of any patent assets or, if consummated, proves to be unprofitable for us. These higher costs could adversely affect our operating results and, if we incur losses, the value of our securities will decline.
In addition, we may acquire patents and technologies that are in the early stages of adoption in the commercial, industrial and consumer markets. Demand for some of these technologies will likely be untested and may be subject to fluctuation based upon the rate at which our companies may adopt our patented technologies in their products and services. As a result, there can be no assurance as to whether technologies we acquire or develop will have value that we can monetize.
In certain acquisitions of patent assets, we may seek to defer payment or finance a portion of the acquisition price. This approach may put us at a competitive disadvantage and could result in harm to our business.
We have limited capital and may seek to negotiate acquisitions of patent or other intellectual property assets where we can defer payments or finance a portion of the acquisition price. These types of debt financing or deferred payment arrangements may not be as attractive to sellers of patent assets as receiving the full purchase price for those assets in cash at the closing of the acquisition. As a result, we might not compete effectively against other companies in the market for acquiring patent assets, many of whom have substantially greater cash resources than we have. In addition, any failure to satisfy any debt repayment obligations that we may incur, may result in adverse consequences to our operating results.
Any failure to maintain or protect our patent assets could significantly impair our return on investment from such assets and harm our brand, our business and our operating results.
Our ability to operate our business and compete in the patent market largely depends on the superiority, uniqueness and value of our acquired patent assets. To protect our proprietary rights, we rely on and will rely on a combination of patent, trademark, copyright and trade secret laws, confidentiality agreements with our employees and third parties, and protective contractual provisions. No assurances can be given that any of the measures we undertake to protect and maintain the value of our assets will have any measure of success.
Following the acquisition of patent assets, we will likely be required to spend significant time and resources to maintain the effectiveness of those assets by paying maintenance fees and making filings with the United States Patent and Trademark Office. We may acquire patent assets, including patent applications that require us to spend resources to prosecute such patent applications with the United States Patent and Trademark Office. Further, there is a material risk that patent related claims (such as, for example, infringement claims (and/or claims for indemnification resulting therefrom), unenforceability claims, or invalidity claims) will be asserted or prosecuted against us, and such assertions or prosecutions could materially and adversely affect our business. Regardless of whether any such claims are valid or can be successfully asserted, defending such claims could cause us to incur significant costs and could divert resources away from our core business activities.
Despite our efforts to protect our intellectual property rights, any of the following or similar occurrences may reduce the value of our intellectual property:
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our patent applications, trademarks and copyrights may not be granted and, if granted, may be challenged or invalidated;
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issued trademarks, copyrights, or patents may not provide us with any competitive advantages when compared to potentially infringing other properties;
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our efforts to protect our intellectual property rights may not be effective in preventing misappropriation of our technology; or
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our efforts may not prevent the development and design by others of products or technologies similar to or competitive with, or superior to those we acquire and/or prosecute.
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Moreover, we may not be able to effectively protect our intellectual property rights in certain foreign countries where we may do business in the future or from which competitors may operate. If we fail to maintain, defend or prosecute our patent assets properly, the value of those assets would be reduced or eliminated, and our business would be harmed.
Weak global economic conditions may cause infringing parties to delay entering into settlement and licensing agreements, which could prolong our litigation and adversely affect our financial condition and operating results.
Our business plan depends significantly on worldwide economic conditions and the United States and world economies have recently experienced weak economic conditions. Uncertainty about global economic conditions poses a risk as businesses may postpone spending in response to tighter credit, negative financial news and declines in income or asset values. This response could have a material adverse effect on the willingness of parties infringing on our assets to enter into settlements or other revenue generating agreements voluntarily. Entering into such agreements is critical to our business plan, and our failure to do so could cause material harm to our business.
If we are unable to adequately protect our patent assets, we may not be able to compete effectively.
Our ability to compete depends in part upon the strength of the patents and patent rights that we own or may hereafter acquire in our technologies, brands and content. We rely on a combination of U.S. and foreign patents, copyrights, trademark, trade secret laws and other types of agreements to establish and protect our patent, intellectual property and proprietary rights. The efforts we take to protect our patents, intellectual property and proprietary rights may not be sufficient or effective at stopping unauthorized use of our patents, intellectual property and proprietary rights. In addition, effective trademark, patent, copyright and trade secret protection may not be available or cost-effective in every country in which our services are made available. There may be instances where we are not able to fully protect or utilize our patent and other intellectual property in a manner that maximizes competitive advantage. If we are unable to protect our patent assets and intellectual property and proprietary rights from unauthorized use, the value of those assets may be reduced, which could negatively impact our business. Our inability to obtain appropriate protections for our intellectual property may also allow competitors to enter our markets and produce or sell the same or similar products. In addition, protecting our patents and patent rights is expensive and diverts critical managerial resources. If any of the foregoing were to occur, or if we are otherwise unable to protect our intellectual property and proprietary rights, our business and financial results could be adversely affected.
If we are forced to resort to legal proceedings to enforce our intellectual property rights, the proceedings could be burdensome and expensive. In addition, our patent rights could be at risk if we are unsuccessful in, or cannot afford to pursue, those proceedings. We also rely on trade secrets and contract law to protect some of our patent rights and proprietary technology. We will enter into confidentiality and invention agreements with our employees and consultants. Nevertheless, these agreements may not be honored and they may not effectively protect our right to our un-patented trade secrets and know-how. Moreover, others may independently develop substantially equivalent proprietary information and techniques or otherwise gain access to our trade secrets and know-how.
Risks Relating to Our Common Stock
Our management will be able to exert significant influence over us to the detriment of minority stockholders.
Our executive officers and directors beneficially own approximately 15.64% of our outstanding common stock as of March 28, 2014. These stockholders, if they act together, will be able to exert significant influence on our management and affairs and all matters requiring stockholder approval, including significant corporate transactions. This concentration of ownership may have the effect of delaying or preventing our change in control and might affect the market price of our common stock.
Exercise of warrants will dilute stockholders’ percentage of ownership.
We have issued options and warrants to purchase our common stock to our officers, directors, consultants and certain shareholders. In the future, we may grant additional stock options, warrants and convertible securities. The exercise or conversion of stock options, warrants or convertible securities will dilute the percentage ownership of our other stockholders. The dilutive effect of the exercise or conversion of these securities may adversely affect our ability to obtain additional capital. The holders of these securities may be expected to exercise or convert them when we would be able to obtain additional equity capital on terms more favorable than these securities.
We may fail to qualify for continued trading on the OTCQB, which could make it more difficult for investors to sell their shares.
Our common stock is quoted on the OTCQB. There can be no assurance that trading of our common stock on such market will be sustained. In the event that our common stock fails to qualify for continued inclusion, our common stock could thereafter only be quoted on the “pink sheets.” Under such circumstances, shareholders may find it more difficult to dispose of, or to obtain accurate quotations, for our common stock, and our common stock would become substantially less attractive to certain purchasers such as financial institutions, hedge funds and other similar investors.
Our common stock may be affected by limited trading volume and price fluctuations, which could adversely impact the value of our common stock.
There has been limited trading in our common stock and there can be no assurance that an active trading market in our common stock will either develop or be maintained. Our common stock has experienced, and is likely to experience in the future, significant price and volume fluctuations, which could adversely affect the market price of our common stock without regard to our operating performance. In addition, we believe that factors such as quarterly fluctuations in our financial results and changes in the overall economy or the condition of the financial markets could cause the price of our common stock to fluctuate substantially. These fluctuations may also cause short sellers to periodically enter the market in the belief that we will have poor results in the future. We cannot predict the actions of market participants and, therefore, can offer no assurances that the market for our common stock will be stable or appreciate over time.
Our stock price may be volatile.
The market price of our common stock is likely to be highly volatile and could fluctuate widely in price in response to various factors, many of which are beyond our control, including the following:
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changes in our industry;
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competitive pricing pressures;
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our ability to obtain working capital financing;
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additions or departures of key personnel;
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sales of our common stock;
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our ability to execute our business plan;
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operating results that fall below expectations;
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loss of any strategic relationship;
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regulatory developments; and
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economic and other external factors.
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In addition, the securities markets have from time to time experienced significant price and volume fluctuations that are unrelated to the operating performance of particular companies. These market fluctuations may also materially and adversely affect the market price of our common stock.
We have never paid nor do we expect in the near future to pay dividends.
We have never paid cash dividends on our capital stock and do not anticipate paying any cash dividends on our common stock for the foreseeable future. Investors should not rely on an investment in us if they require income generated from dividends paid on our capital stock. Any income derived from our common stock would only come from rise in the market price of our common stock, which is uncertain and unpredictable.
Offers or availability for sale of a substantial number of shares of our common stock may cause the price of our common stock to decline.
If our stockholders sell substantial amounts of our common stock in the public market upon the expiration of any statutory holding period, under Rule 144, or issued upon the exercise of outstanding warrants, it could create a circumstance commonly referred to as an "overhang" and in anticipation of which the market price of our common stock could fall. The existence of an overhang, whether or not sales have occurred or are occurring, also could make more difficult our ability to raise additional financing through the sale of equity or equity-related securities in the future at a time and price that we deem reasonable or appropriate. The shares of our restricted common stock will be freely tradable upon the earlier of: (i) effectiveness of a registration statement covering such shares and (ii) the date on which such shares may be sold without registration pursuant to Rule 144 (or other applicable exemption) under the Securities Act.
Because we became public by means of a reverse merger, we may not be able to attract the attention of major brokerage firms.
There may be risks associated with us becoming public through a “reverse merger.” Securities analysts of major brokerage firms may not provide coverage of us since there is no incentive to brokerage firms to recommend the purchase of our common stock. No assurance can be given that brokerage firms will, in the future, want to conduct any secondary offerings on our behalf.
Investor relations activities, nominal “float” and supply and demand factors may affect the price of our stock.
We expect to utilize various techniques such as non-deal road shows and investor relations campaigns in order to create investor awareness for us. These campaigns may include personal, video and telephone conferences with investors and prospective investors in which our business practices are described. We may provide compensation to investor relations firms and pay for newsletters, websites, mailings and email campaigns that are produced by third-parties based upon publicly-available information concerning us. We do not intend to review or approve the content of such analysts’ reports or other materials based upon analysts’ own research or methods. Investor relations firms should generally disclose when they are compensated for their efforts, but whether such disclosure is made or complete is not under our control. In addition, investors in us may, from time to time, also take steps to encourage investor awareness through similar activities that may be undertaken at the expense of the investors. Investor awareness activities may also be suspended or discontinued which may impact the trading market our common stock.
The SEC and FINRA enforce various statutes and regulations intended to prevent manipulative or deceptive practices in connection with the purchase or sale of any security and carefully scrutinize trading patterns and company news and other communications for false or misleading information, particularly in cases where the hallmarks of “pump and dump” activities may exist, such as rapid share price increases or decreases. We, and our shareholders may be subjected to enhanced regulatory scrutiny due to the small number of holders who initially will own the registered shares of our common stock publicly available for resale, and the limited trading markets in which such shares may be offered or sold which have often been associated with improper activities concerning penny-stocks, such as the OTC Bulletin Board or the OTCQB Marketplace (Pink OTC) or pink sheets. Until such time as our restricted shares are registered or available for resale under Rule 144, there will continue to be a small percentage of shares held by a small number of investors, many of whom acquired such shares in privately negotiated purchase and sale transactions, which will constitute the entire available trading market. The Supreme Court has stated that manipulative action is a term of art connoting intentional or willful conduct designed to deceive or defraud investors by controlling or artificially affecting the price of securities. Often times, manipulation is associated by regulators with forces that upset the supply and demand factors that would normally determine trading prices. Since only a small percentage of our shares of outstanding common stock will initially be available for trading and will be held by a small number of individuals and entities, the supply of our common stock for sale will be extremely limited for an indeterminate length of time, which could result in higher bids, asks or sales prices than would otherwise exist. Securities regulators have often cited factors such as thinly-traded markets, small numbers of holders, and awareness campaigns as hallmarks of claims of price manipulation and other violations of law when combined with manipulative trading, such as wash sales, matched orders or other manipulative trading timed to coincide with false or touting press releases. There can be no assurance that our or third-parties’ activities, or the small number of potential sellers or small percentage of stock in the “float,” or determinations by purchasers or holders as to when or under what circumstances or at what prices they may be willing to buy or sell stock will not artificially impact (or would be claimed by regulators to have affected) the normal supply and demand factors that determine the price of the stock.
Our common stock is subject to the “penny stock” rules of the SEC, which makes transactions in our stock cumbersome and may reduce the value of an investment in our stock.
Due to its trading range during the last 12 months, our common stock may be considered a “Penny Stock”. The Securities and Exchange Commission has adopted Rule 15g-9 which generally defines "penny stock" to be any equity security that has a market price (as defined) less than $5.00 per share or an exercise price of less than $5.00 per share, subject to certain exceptions. Our securities are covered by the penny stock rules, which impose additional sales practice requirements on broker-dealers who sell to persons other than established customers and "accredited investors". The term "accredited investor" refers generally to institutions with assets in excess of $5,000,000 or individuals with a net worth in excess of $1,000,000 or annual income exceeding $200,000 or $300,000 jointly with their spouse. The penny stock rules require a broker-dealer, prior to a transaction in a penny stock not otherwise exempt from the rules, to deliver a standardized risk disclosure document in a form prepared by the SEC which provides information about penny stocks and the nature and level of risks in the penny stock market. The broker-dealer also must provide the customer with current bid and offer quotations for the penny stock, the compensation of the broker-dealer and its salesperson in the transaction and monthly account statements showing the market value of each penny stock held in the customer's account. The bid and offer quotations, and the broker-dealer and salesperson compensation information, must be given to the customer orally or in writing prior to effecting the transaction and must be given to the customer in writing before or with the customer's confirmation. In addition, the penny stock rules require that prior to a transaction in a penny stock not otherwise exempt from these rules; the broker-dealer must make a special written determination that the penny stock is a suitable investment for the purchaser and receive the purchaser's written agreement to the transaction. These disclosure requirements may have the effect of reducing the level of trading activity in the secondary market for the stock that is subject to these penny stock rules. Consequently, these penny stock rules may affect the ability of broker-dealers to trade our securities. We believe that the penny stock rules discourage investor interest in and limit the marketability of our common stock. The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, or FINRA, has adopted sales practice requirements which may also limit a stockholder's ability to buy and sell our stock. In addition to the "penny stock" rules described above, FINRA has adopted rules that require that in recommending an investment to a customer, a broker-dealer must have reasonable grounds for believing that the investment is suitable for that customer. Prior to recommending speculative low priced securities to their non-institutional customers, broker-dealers must make reasonable efforts to obtain information about the customer's financial status, tax status, investment objectives and other information. Under interpretations of these rules, FINRA believes that there is a high probability that speculative low priced securities will not be suitable for at least some customers. FINRA requirements make it more difficult for broker-dealers to recommend that their customers buy our common stock, which may limit investors’ ability to buy and sell our stock and have an adverse effect on the market for our shares.
If we lose key personnel or are unable to attract and retain additional qualified personnel, we may not be able to successfully manage our business and achieve our objectives.
We believe our future success will depend upon our ability to retain our key management, including Doug Croxall, our Chief Executive Officer. We may not be successful in attracting, assimilating and retaining our employees in the future. The loss of Mr. Croxall would have a material adverse effect on our operations. We have entered into an amendment to the employment agreement with Mr. Croxall, which extends the term of his employment agreement to November 2017. We are competing for employees against companies that are more established than we are and have the ability to pay more cash compensation than we do. As of the date hereof, we have not experienced problems hiring employees.
If we fail to establish and maintain an effective system of internal control, we may not be able to report our financial results accurately and timely or to prevent fraud. Any inability to report and file our financial results accurately and timely could harm our reputation and adversely impact the trading price of our common stock.
Effective internal control is necessary for us to provide reliable financial reports and prevent fraud. If we cannot provide reliable financial reports or prevent fraud, we may not be able to manage our business as effectively as we would if an effective control environment existed, and our business and reputation with investors may be harmed. As a result, our small size and any future internal control deficiencies may adversely affect our financial condition, results of operation and access to capital. We have not performed an in-depth analysis to determine if historical un-discovered failures of internal controls exist, and may in the future discover areas of our internal control that need improvement.
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
We lease approximately 200 square feet of office space at 2331 Mill Road, Suite 100, Alexandria, VA 22314. The lease is on a month-to-month term and provides for a monthly rent of $175.
We lease approximately 1,732 square feet of office space at 11100 Santa Monica Blvd., Suite 380, Los Angeles, California, 90025. The lease term commenced on October 1, 2013 and ends April 30, 2014 and provides for a monthly rent of $3,290. In October 2013, we entered into a new seven year lease for this office space that commences on May 1, 2014. The lease terms provide for an initial monthly base rent of $5,300 plus the payment of certain operating expenses.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
In the normal course of our business of patent monetization, it is generally necessary for us to initiate litigation in order to commence the process of protecting our patent rights. Such activities are expected to lead to a monetization event. Accordingly, we are, and in the future expect to become, a party to ongoing patent enforcement related litigation alleging infringement by various third parties of certain of the patented technologies owned and/or controlled by us. Litigation is commenced by and managed through the subsidiary that owns the related portfolio of patents or patent rights. In connection with our enforcement activities, we are currently involved in multiple patent infringement cases. As of December 31, 2013, the Company has in suit a total of 57 active defendants, 31 in the District of Delaware, 2 in the Eastern District of Virginia and 24 in the Eastern District of Texas.
Other than ordinary routine litigation incidental to the business, we know of no material, active or pending legal proceedings against us, nor are we involved as a plaintiff in any material proceedings or pending litigation. There are no proceedings in which any of our directors, officers or affiliates, or any registered beneficial shareholder are an adverse party or has a material interest adverse to us.
ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES.
None.
PART II
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES.
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Market Information
Our common stock is currently quoted on the OTCQB under the symbol “MARA”. Previously, our common stock was quoted on the OTC Bulletin Board under the symbol “AMSC”. Because we are quoted on the OTCQB, our securities may be less liquid, receive less coverage by security analysts and news media, and, therefore, may reflect lower prices than might otherwise be obtained if the shares were listed on a national securities exchange.
The following table sets forth the high and low bid quotations for our common stock as reported for the periods indicated. Where applicable, the prices set forth below give retroactive effect to the Reverse Split effectuated on July 18, 2013.
High
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Low
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Fiscal 2014 | ||||||||
First quarter through March 28, 2014 | $ | 7.39 | $ | 5.55 | ||||
Fiscal 2013 | ||||||||
First Quarter
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$ | 11.05 | $ | 3.38 | ||||
Second Quarter
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6.50 | 3.90 | ||||||
Third Quarter
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7.94 | 4.16 | ||||||
Fourth Quarter
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6.80 | 4.42 | ||||||
Fiscal 2012
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First Quarter
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- | - | ||||||
Second Quarter
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$ | 14.95 | $ | 6.50 | ||||
Third Quarter
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13.13 | 3.77 | ||||||
Fourth Quarter
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13.00 | 6.63 |
Holders
As of March 28, 2014, there were 59 holders of record of 5,489,593 shares of the Company's common stock.
Dividends
The Company has not paid any cash dividends to date and does not anticipate or contemplate paying dividends in the foreseeable future. It is the present intention of management to utilize all available funds for the development of the Company's business.
Securities Authorized for Issuance under Equity Compensation Plans
2012 Equity Incentive Plan
The following table gives information about the Company’s common stock that may be issued upon the exercise of options granted to employees, directors and consultants under its 2012 Equity Incentive Plan as of December 31, 2013, after giving effect to the Reverse Split. On August 1, 2012, our board of directors and stockholders adopted the 2012 Equity Incentive Plan, pursuant to which 769,231 shares of our common stock are reserved for issuance as awards to employees, directors, consultants, advisors and other service providers, after giving effect to the Reverse Split.
Equity Compensation Plan Information
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Plan category
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Number of securities to
be issued upon exercise
of outstanding options,
warrants and rights
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Weighted-average
exercise price of
outstanding options,
warrants and rights
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Number of securities
remaining available for
future issuance under
equity compensation
plans (excluding
securities reflected in
column (a)
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Equity compensation plans approved by security holders
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676,538
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$
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5.79
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92,693
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Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders
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803,846 |
$
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5.88 | - | ||||||
Total
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1,480,384
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$
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5.85
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92,693
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Recent sales of unregistered securities
On January 28, 2013, we issued to our Chief Financial Officer and Secretary, Mr. John Stetson a ten (10) year option to purchase an aggregate of 38,462 shares of our common stock with an exercise price of $6.50 per share, subject to adjustment, which shall vest in three (3) equal annual installments on the beginning on the first annual anniversary of the date of his employment agreement. The issuance of these securities was deemed to be exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, by virtue of Section 4(2) thereof, as a transaction by an issuer not involving a public offering.
On March 1, 2013, we issued to our then Chief Technology Officer, Mr. Nathaniel Bradley, and Chief Operating Officer, Mr. James Crawford, five (5) year stock options to purchase an aggregate of 115,385 shares of our common stock with an exercise price of the options is $11.05 which shall vest in twenty-four (24) equal installments on each monthly anniversary of March 1, 2013. The issuance of these securities was deemed to be exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, by virtue of Section 4(2) thereof, as a transaction by an issuer not involving a public offering.
On March 8, 2013, we issued to our directors, Mr. Craig Nard and Mr. William Rosellini, five (5) year stock options to purchase an aggregate of 15,385 shares of common stock pursuant to the terms of their independent director agreements. The exercise price of the options is $6.50 per share and shall vest as follows: 33% the first anniversary hereof; 33% on the second anniversary and 34% on the third anniversary. The issuance of these securities was deemed to be exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, by virtue of Section 4(2) thereof, as a transaction by an issuer not involving a public offering.
On April 22, 2013, CyberFone Acquisition Corp., entered into the CyberFone Merger Agreement with CyberFone Systems, TechDev and Spangenberg Foundation. Pursuant to the terms of the Merger Agreement, CyberFone Systems merged with and into CyberFone Acquisition Corp with CyberFone Systems surviving the merger as our wholly owned subsidiary. We (i) issued 461,538 shares of common stock to the CyberFone Sellers (the “CyberFone Merger Shares”), (ii) paid the CyberFone Sellers $500,000 cash and (iii) issued a $500,000 promissory note to TechDev (the “TechDev Note”). The TechDev Note is non-interest bearing and becomes due June 22, 2013, subject to acceleration in the event of default. We may prepay the TechDev Note at any time without premium or penalty. The transaction did not involve any underwriters, underwriting discounts or commissions, or any public offering. The issuance of these securities was deemed to be exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, by virtue of Section 4(2) thereof, as a transaction by an issuer not involving a public offering.
On May 31, 2013, we sold an aggregate of 1,153,844 units representing gross proceeds of $6,000,000 to certain accredited investors pursuant to a securities purchase agreement, among which, 999,998 units representing $5,200,000 were funded. Each unit was subscribed for a purchase price of $5.20 per unit and consists of: (i) one share of our common stock, and (ii) a three (3) year warrant to purchase one-half share of our common stock at an exercise price of $6.50 per share, subject to adjustment upon the occurrence of certain events such as stock splits and stock dividends and similar events. The warrants contain limitations on the holders’ ability to exercise the warrants in the event such exercise causes the holder to beneficially own in excess of 9.99% of our issued and outstanding common stock. The Company paid placement agent fees of $170,000 to two broker-dealers in connection with the sale of the units of which $30,000 was previously paid by us as a retainer. On July 29, 2013, we converted legal fees of $29,620 into 5,696 units. In July 2013, two investors who had subscribed for an aggregate of 153,846 units for an aggregate purchase price of $800,000 assigned their subscriptions to other investors. The investors each funded their subscriptions and such units were issued in August 2013. The above referenced securities were offered and sold in reliance on the exemption from registration afforded by Section 4(2) and Regulation D (Rule 506) under the Securities Act and corresponding provisions of state securities laws.
On June 11, 2013, we granted options to purchase 15,385 shares of common stock exercisable at $5.33 post-split per share to a consultant for legal services. The options shall vest pro rata monthly over the following 24 month period. The issuance of these securities was deemed to be exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 by virtue of Section 4(2) thereof, as a transaction by an issuer not involving a public offering.
On June 11, 2013, we issued options to purchase 176,923 shares of common stock and 96,154 shares of restricted stock to certain officers and directors. The options are exercisable at $5.265 per share. The issuance of these securities was deemed to be exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 by virtue of Section 4(2) thereof, as a transaction by an issuer not involving a public offering.
On June 19, 2013, we issued options to purchase 61,538 shares of our common stock to certain employees, including 38,462 options to Mr. James Crawford, the Company’s Chief Operating Officer. The stock options have an exercise price of $4.94 per share. The options issued to Mr. Crawford are conditioned upon the cancellation of the stock options granted to him on March 1, 2013 under his employment agreement. The issuance of these securities was deemed to be exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 by virtue of Section 4(2) thereof, as a transaction by an issuer not involving a public offering.
On July 24, 2013, our Board of Directors approved the issuance of 67,308 shares to two consultants in consideration for consulting services. Our Board of Directors also approved the issuance of issuance of options to purchase an aggregate of 67,307 shares of our common stock to certain consultants in consideration for consulting services. The options shall vest 33%, 33% and 34% on each annual anniversary of the date of issuance. The issuance of these securities was deemed to be exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 by virtue of Section 4(2) thereof, as a transaction by an issuer not involving a public offering.
On July 30, 2013, we issued 13,462 shares of our common stock to a consultant in consideration for consulting services, of which 7,692 shares of common stock vested immediately and the remaining 23,077 shares of common stock shall vest in increments of 1,923 at the end of each month over a 12 month period. The issuance of these securities was deemed to be exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, by virtue of Section 4(2) thereof, as a transaction by an issuer not involving a public offering.
On July 30, 2013, we issued 23,077 shares of common stock to a consultant in consideration for consulting services. The issuance of these securities was deemed to be exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, by virtue of Section 4(2) thereof, as a transaction by an issuer not involving a public offering.
On July 25, 2013, we issued 4,380 shares of our common stock pursuant to a conversion of $30,000 cash payment owed to certain legal service provider, based on the $6.85 closing price as of July 25, 2013. The issuance of these securities was deemed to be exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 by virtue of Regulation S, as a transaction made outside of the United States.
On August 19, 2013, we issued options to purchase an aggregate of 303,846 shares of common stock to two consultants in consideration for their services as members of our Advisory Board. The options shall vest 33%, 33% and 34% on each annual anniversary of the date of issuance. The issuance of these securities was deemed to be exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 by virtue of Section 4(2) thereof, as a transaction by an issuer not involving a public offering.
On October 15, 2013, we entered into a patent purchase agreement with TT IP, LLC, a Texas limited liability company, pursuant to which we acquired a patent portfolio for 150,000 shares of our common stock. The shares are subject to a forfeiture right for our benefit in the event that no enforcement action is effected by the lapse of the enforcement period. The issuance of these securities was deemed to be exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 by virtue of Section 4(2) thereof, as a transaction by an issuer not involving a public offering.
On November 11, 2013, we entered into a consulting agreement with Kairix Analytics, Ltd., an Ohio limited liability company (“Kairix”), pursuant to which we granted options to acquire 300,000 shares of common stock to Kairix in exchange for services. The options vest 33% on the first anniversary of the agreement; 33% on the second anniversary of the agreement; and 34% on the third anniversary of the agreement. The issuance of these securities was deemed to be exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 by virtue of Section 4(2) thereof, as a transaction by an issuer not involving a public offering.
On November 18, 2013, we granted our Chief Executive Officer, Doug Croxall, ten year stock options to purchase an aggregate of 100,000 shares of our common stock, with a strike price of $5.93 per share (representing the closing price on the date of grant), vesting in twenty-four (24) equal installments on each monthly anniversary of the date of grant. The issuance of these securities was deemed to be exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 by virtue of Section 4(2) thereof, as a transaction by an issuer not involving a public offering.
On November 18, 2013, we entered into an executive employment agreement with Richard Raisig (“Raisig Agreement”) pursuant to which Mr. Raisig would serve as our Chief Financial Officer. As part of the consideration, we agreed to grant Mr. Raisig ten year stock options to purchase an aggregate of 115,000 shares of Common Stock, with a strike price of $5.70 per share, vesting in twenty-four (24) equal installments on each monthly anniversary of the date of the Raisig Agreement. The issuance of these securities was deemed to be exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 by virtue of Section 4(2) thereof, as a transaction by an issuer not involving a public offering.
On November 18, 2013, we entered into a consulting agreement with Jeff Feinberg (“Feinberg Agreement”), pursuant to which we agreed to grant Mr. Feinberg a Restricted Stock Unit for 100,000 shares of our restricted common stock; 50% of which vests on the one-year anniversary of the Feinberg Agreement and the remaining 50% of which vests on the second year anniversary of the Feinberg Agreement. The issuance of these securities was deemed to be exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 by virtue of Section 4(2) thereof, as a transaction by an issuer not involving a public offering.
* All of the above share amounts are adjusted for our 1-for-13 Reverse Split effectuated on July 18, 2013.
Recent Repurchases of Securities
None.
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
We are a smaller reporting company as defined by Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and are not required to provide the information under this item.
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Business of the Company
Our business is to acquire patents and patent rights and to monetize the value of those assets to generate revenue and profit for the Company. We acquire patents and patent rights from their owners, who range from individual inventors to Fortune 500 companies. Part of our acquisition strategy is to acquire patents and patent rights that cover a wide-range of subject matter, which allows us to achieve the benefits of a growing diversified portfolio of assets. Generally, the assets we acquire are characterized by having large identifiable companies who are or have been using technology that infringes our patent rights. We generally monetize our portfolio of assets by initiating enforcement activities against any infringing parties with the objective of entering into a standard form of comprehensive settlement and license agreement that may include the granting of non-exclusive retroactive and future rights to use the patented technology, a covenant not to sue, a release of the party from certain claims, the dismissal of any pending litigation and other terms that are appropriate in the circumstances. Our strategy has been developed with the expectation that it will result in a long-term, diversified revenue stream for the Company.
Recent Developments
Reverse Split
On May 31, 2013, shareholders holding a majority of our outstanding voting capital approved a reverse stock split of our issued and outstanding common stock by a ratio of not less than one-for-five and not more than one-for-fifteen at any time prior to April 30, 2014, with the exact ratio to be set at a whole number within this range as determined by our Board of Directors in its sole discretion.
On July 18, 2013, we filed a certificate of amendment to our Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation with the Secretary of State of the State of Nevada in order to effectuate a reverse stock split of our issued and outstanding common stock, par value $0.0001 per share on a one (1) for thirteen (13) basis (the “Reverse Split”). The Reverse Split became effective with the FINRA at the open of business on July 22, 2013. As a result of the Reverse Stock Split, every thirteen shares of our pre-reverse split common stock will be combined and reclassified into one share of our common stock. No fractional shares of common stock will be issued as a result of the Reverse Split. Stockholders who otherwise would be entitled to a fractional share shall receive the next highest number of whole shares.
Throughout this Annual Report, each instance which refers to a number of shares of our common stock, refers to the number of shares of common stock after giving effect to the Reverse Split, unless otherwise indicated.
Private Placement
On May 31, 2013, we sold an aggregate of 1,153,844 units representing gross proceeds of $6,000,000 to certain accredited investors pursuant to a securities purchase agreement, among which, 999,998 units representing $5,200,000 were funded. Each unit was subscribed for a purchase price of $5.20 per unit and consists of: (i) one share of our common stock, and (ii) a three (3) year warrant to purchase one half share of our common stock at an exercise price of $6.50 per share, subject to adjustment upon the occurrence of certain events such as stock splits and stock dividends and similar events. The warrants contain limitations on the holders’ ability to exercise the warrants in the event such exercise causes the holder to beneficially own in excess of 9.99% of our issued and outstanding common stock. The Company paid placement agent fees of $170,000 to two broker-dealers in connection with the sale of the units of which $30,000 was previously paid by us as a retainer. On July 29, 2013, we converted legal fees of $29,620 into 5,696 units. In August 2013, two investors who had subscribed for an aggregate of 153,846 units for an aggregate purchase price of $800,000 on May 31, 2013 assigned their subscriptions to other investors. Such other investors each funded their subscriptions and such additional units were issued. Additionally, we paid placement agent fees of $35,029 and legal fees of $42,375 in connection with the sale of units.
CyberFone Acquisition
On April 22, 2013, CyberFone Acquisition Corp. (“CyberFone Acquisition Corp.”), a Texas corporation and our newly formed wholly owned subsidiary entered into a merger agreement (the “CyberFone Merger Agreement”) with CyberFone Systems LLC, a Texas limited liability company (“CyberFone Systems”), TechDev Holdings LLC (“TechDev”) and The Spangenberg Family Foundation for the Benefit of Children’s Healthcare and Education (“Spangenberg Foundation”). TechDev and Spangenberg Foundation owned 100% of the membership interests of CyberFone Systems (collectively, the ‘CyberFone Sellers”).
CyberFone Systems owns a foundational patent portfolio that includes claims that provide specific transactional data processing, telecommunications, network and database inventions, including financial transactions. The portfolio, which has a large and established licensing base, consists of ten United States patents and 27 foreign patents and one patent application. The patent rights that cover digital communications and data transaction processing are foundational to certain applications in the wireless, telecommunications, financial and other industries. IP Nav, a company founded by Erich Spangenberg and associated with the CyberFone Sellers will continue to support and manage the portfolio of patents and retain a contingent participation interest in all recoveries. IP Nav provides patent monetization and support services under an existing agreement with CyberFone Systems.
Pursuant to the terms of the CyberFone Merger Agreement, CyberFone Systems merged with and into CyberFone Acquisition Corp with CyberFone Systems surviving the merger as our wholly owned subsidiary. We (i) issued 461,538 post-split (6,000,000 pre-split) shares of common stock to the CyberFone Sellers, (ii) paid the CyberFone Sellers $500,000 cash and (iii) issued a $500,000 promissory note to TechDev (the “Note”). On June 21, 2013, we paid $500,000 to TechDev in satisfaction of the note.
Patent Acquisitions
On April 16, 2013, the Company through its subsidiary, Relay IP, Inc. acquired a US patent for $350,000.
On June 4, 2013, in connection with the closing of a settlement and license agreement, the Company agreed to settle and release a certain defendant for past and future use of the Company’s patents. The defendant agreed to assign and transfer 3 US patents and rights valued at $1,000,000 in lieu of an additional cash payment, which amount has been included in the Company’s revenue during the year ended December 31, 2013.
In September 2013, the Company acquired 14 US patents for a total purchase price of $1,100,000.
On November 13, 2013, the Company acquired four patents for 150,000 shares of the Company’s common stock, which the Company valued at $718,500 based on the fair market value of the stock issued.
On December 16, 2013, the Company acquired certain patents from Delphi Technologies, Inc. for $1,700,000 pursuant to a Patent Purchase Agreement entered into on October 31, 2013 and Amended on December 16, 2013.
On December 22, 2013, in connection with a settlement and license agreement, the Company agreed to settle and release another defendant for past and future use of the Company’s patents, whereby the defendant agreed to assign and transfer 2 U.S. patents and rights to the Company. The Company valued the two patents at an aggregate of $700,000 and included that amount in revenue during the year ended December 31, 2013.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
The discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based upon our financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. On an on-going basis, we evaluate our estimates based on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.
Management believes the following critical accounting policies affect the significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of the financial statements.
Principles of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and present the financial statements of the Company and our wholly-owned and majority owned subsidiaries. In the preparation of our consolidated financial statements, intercompany transactions and balances are eliminated.
Use of Estimates and Assumptions
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Significant estimates made by management include, but are not limited to, the assumptions used to calculate fair value of warrants granted, common stock issued for services, common stock issued in connection with an option agreement, common stock issued for acquisition of patents.
Revenue Recognition
The Company recognizes revenue in accordance with ASC Topic 605, “Revenue Recognition.” Revenue is recognized when (i) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, (ii) all obligations have been substantially performed, (iii) amounts are fixed or determinable and (iv) collectability of amounts is reasonably assured.
The Company considers the revenue generated from a settlement and licensing agreement as one unit of accounting under ASC 605-25, “Multiple-Element Arrangements” as the delivered items do not have value to customers on a standalone basis, there are no undelivered elements and there is no general right of return relative to the license. Under ASC 605-25, the appropriate recognition of revenue is determined for the combined deliverables as a single unit of accounting and revenue is recognized upon delivery of the final elements, including the license for past and future use and the release.
Also, due to the fact that the settlement element and license element for past and future use are the Company’s major central business, the Company presents these two elements as one revenue category in its statement of operations. The Company does not expect to provide licenses that do not provide some form of settlement or release.
Accounting for Acquisitions
In the normal course of its business, the Company makes acquisitions of patent assets and may also make acquisitions of businesses. With respect to each such transaction, the Company evaluates facts of the transaction and follows the guidelines prescribed in accordance with ASC 805 – Business Combinations to determine the proper accounting treatment for each such transaction and then records the transaction in accordance with the conclusions reached in such analysis. The Company performs such analysis with respect to each material acquisition within the consolidated group of entities.
Intangible Assets
Intangible assets include patents purchased and patents acquired in lieu of cash in licensing transactions. The patents purchased are recorded based on the cost to acquire them and patents acquired in lieu of cash are recorded at their fair market value. The costs of these assets are amortized over their remaining useful lives. Useful lives of intangible assets are periodically evaluated for reasonableness and the assets are tested for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may no longer be recoverable.
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
In accordance with ASC 350-30-65, “Intangibles - Goodwill and Others”, the Company assesses the impairment of identifiable intangibles whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. Factors the Company considers to be important which could trigger an impairment review include the following: (1) significant underperformance relative to expected historical or projected future operating results; (2) significant changes in the manner of use of the acquired assets or the strategy for the overall business; and (3) significant negative industry or economic trends.
When the Company determines that the carrying value of intangibles may not be recoverable based upon the existence of one or more of the above indicators of impairment and the carrying value of the asset cannot be recovered from projected undiscounted cash flows, the Company records an impairment charge.
The Company measures any impairment based on a projected discounted cash flow method using a discount rate determined by management to be commensurate with the risk inherent in the current business model. Significant management judgment is required in determining whether an indicator of impairment exists and in projecting cash flows.
Impairment of Long-lived Assets
The Company accounts for the impairment or disposal of long-lived assets according to the ASC 360 “Property, Plant and Equipment”. The Company continually monitors events and changes in circumstances that could indicate that the carrying amounts of long-lived assets, including mineral rights, may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to the estimated future net undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. When necessary, impaired assets are written down to their estimated fair value based on the best information available. Estimated fair value is generally based on either appraised value or measured by discounting estimated future cash flows. Considerable management judgment is necessary to estimate discounted future cash flows. Accordingly, actual results could vary significantly from such estimates. The Company recognizes an impairment loss when the sum of expected undiscounted future cash flows is less than the carrying amount of the asset.
Stock-based Compensation
Stock-based compensation is accounted for based on the requirements of the Share-Based Payment Topic of ASC 718 which requires recognition in the consolidated financial statements of the cost of employee and director services received in exchange for an award of equity instruments over the period the employee or director is required to perform the services in exchange for the award (presumptively, the vesting period). The ASC also requires measurement of the cost of employee and director services received in exchange for an award based on the grant-date fair value of the award.
Pursuant to ASC Topic 505-50, for share-based payments to consultants and other third-parties, compensation expense is determined at the “measurement date.” The expense is recognized over the vesting period of the award. Until the measurement date is reached, the total amount of compensation expense remains uncertain. The Company initially records compensation expense based on the fair value of the award at the reporting date.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In April 2013, the FASB ASU 2013-07, “Presentation of Financial Statements: Topic Liquidation Basis of Accounting”. ASU 2013-07 requires an entity to prepare its financial statements using the liquidation basis of accounting when liquidation is imminent. Liquidation is considered imminent when the likelihood is remote that the organization will return from liquidation and either: (a) a plan for liquidation is approved by the person or persons with the authority to make such a plan effective and the likelihood is remote that the execution of the plan will be blocked by other parties; or (b) a plan for liquidation is being imposed by other forces. ASU 2013-07 will be effective for the Company beginning on January 1, 2014. The Company does not expect the adoption of ASU 2013-07 to have a material impact on its financial position, results of operations nor cash flows.
In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-11, "Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists." ASU 2013-11 provides guidance on the presentation of unrecognized tax benefits related to any disallowed portion of net operating loss carryforwards, similar tax losses, or tax credit carryforwards, if they exist. ASU 2013-11 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2013. The adoption of ASU 2013-11 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
There were other updates recently issued, most of which represented technical corrections to the accounting literature or application to specific industries and are not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
Results of Operations
Introduction
The Company’s operations changed substantially in 2013 from the prior years. During late 2012, the Company acquired the assets of a patent acquisition and monetization company, hired new executive management experienced in that business and commenced the patent acquisition and monetization activities as the business of the Company. Concurrently with establishing the patent acquisition and monetization business, the Company discontinued all of its prior businesses and took steps to wind down those operations, which steps were completed in the third quarter of 2013. Throughout 2013 and subsequently, the Company’s continuing business and only business was the patent acquisition and monetization business. The Company’s business activities in 2013 resulted in the Company recording revenue of $3,418,371 for the year; the acquisition of CyberFone and its patent portfolio; the acquisition of an additional seven patent portfolios; and raising $5,777,596 in new capital. The Company ended the year with a patent portfolio of 118 U.S. and foreign patents and 5 patent applications; an active acquisition and monetization business; and a cash balance of $3,610,262.
As a result of the changes in the Company’s business in late 2012, the results of operations described below for continuing operations reflect the patent acquisition and monetization business and the results from discontinued operations reflect the results from the Company’s prior businesses separately.
Results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012
Revenue. Revenue increased by $3,418,371 to $3,418,371 in the year ended December 31, 2013 compared to no revenue in the prior year. The increase resulted from the company generating revenue in the patent monetization business that was entered into in late 2012 and therefore did not generate revenue in that year. The $3,418,371 in revenue in 2013 is comprised of cash based revenue of $1,718,371 and non-cash revenue of $1,700,000. The non-cash revenue is the value of patents acquired by the Company in lieu of cash in two transactions that closed during the year.
Direct costs of revenue. Direct costs of revenue increased by $957,040 in the year ended December 31, 2013 compared to no direct costs of revenue in the prior year. Direct costs of revenue include contingent payments to patent enforcement legal costs, patent enforcement advisors and inventors. Direct costs of revenue also includes various non-contingent costs associated with enforcing the Company’s patent rights and otherwise in developing and entering into settlement and licensing agreements that generate the Company’s revenue. Such costs include other legal fees and expenses, consulting fees, data management costs and other costs.
Amortization of patents. Amortization of patents increased by $1,029,372 to $1,038,505 in the year ended December 31, 2013 from $8,773 in the comparable year 2012. When the Company acquires patents and patent rights, the Company capitalizes those assets and amortizes the costs over the remaining useful lives of the assets. The increase for the year ended December 31, 2013 over 2012 primarily reflects the amortization of patent assets acquired by the Company during that year. In 2012, only one patent portfolio was acquired.
Compensation and related taxes. Compensation expense increased by $320,591 to $2,997,053 in the year ended December 31, 2013 compared to $2,676,462 in the prior year. Compensation expense includes cash compensation and related payroll taxes and benefits, and also non-cash compensation. The increase in total compensation costs for the year ended December 31, 2013 reflected an increase in the cash compensation of $1,273,296, which increase was largely offset by a reduction in non-cash compensation of $952,705 in the year ended December 31, 2013 compared to the prior year. The increase in cash compensation primarily reflects an increase in headcount to six in the year ended December 31, 2013 from two in the prior year. The reduction in non-cash compensation reflects a lower level of non-cash compensation for employees in 2013 from that in the prior year, which had included a higher level of non-cash compensation for executives who have since terminated. Non-cash compensation for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 was $1,493,512 and $2,446,217 respectively.
Consulting fees. Consulting fees decreased by $1,140,458 to $901,686 for the year ended December 31, 2013 compared to $2,042,144 in the year ended December 31, 2012. Consulting fees include both cash and non-cash related consulting fees primarily for investor relations and public relations services but also for other consulting services. The decrease in consulting fees in the year ended December 31, 2013 compared to the prior year was due entirely to a decrease in non-cash consulting fees. Non-cash consulting fees for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 were $613,303 and $1,791,882 respectively.
Professional fees. Professional fees increased by $145,090 to $655,202 in the year ended December 31, 2013 compared to $510,112 in the year ended December, 31, 2012. Professional fees primarily reflect the costs of professional outside accounting fees, legal fees and audit fees. The increase in professional fees for the year ended December 31, 2013 over that of the prior year are predominately related to professional outside accounting fees and audit fees resulting from a substantially higher level of activity in the Company’s continuing patent acquisition and monetization operations and also a higher level of activity as a public company. For the year ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, professional fees included stock based compensation of $59,620 and $198,287 respectively.
General and administrative. General and administrative expenses increased by $240,867 to $544,338 in the year ended December 31, 2013 compared to $303,471 in the prior year. General and administrative expenses reflect the other operating costs of the Company and include travel, certain public relations costs and other expenses related to being a public company, rent and other expenses incurred to support the operations of the Company. The increase in general and administrative costs in the year ended December 31, 2013 over those of the prior year resulted from increased rent, internet access, telephone and other operating expenses during the year ended December 31, 2013 over that of the prior year.
Operating loss from continuing operations. The operating loss from continuing operations decreased by $1,865,509 to $3,675,453 in 2013 from $5,540,962 in 2012 as a result of the increase in revenue during 2013, which more than off-setting the increase in operating expenses in 2013 over that of 2012.
Other income (expenses). Other income (expenses) decreased by $125,000 to zero in 2013 from $125,000 in 2012. The other income in 2012 was a non-recurring consulting fee received by the Company that was not related to the Company’s continuing business activities.
Realized loss other than temporary decline – marketable securities available for sale. The realized loss in this category decreased by $73,681 in 2013 to $38,819 from $112,500 in 2012, reflecting a lower level of sales of marketable securities due in part to a lower level of Company investment in marketable securities available for sale during 2013. The lower level of such securities reflects the Company’s current operating plan that does not include investing in marketable securities as a significant part of that plan.
Interest income and interest expense. Interest income increased by $574 as a result of higher average cash balances during 2013 compared to those in 2012. Interest expense increased by $922 as a result of higher financing costs related to operating expenses.
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax. In 2013, the Company realized income from discontinued operations of $263,460 compared to a loss from discontinued operations in 2012 of $1,410,671. The income in 2013 reflects a higher level of income from concluding the disposition of the discontinued operations over the estimated net realizable value of those assets when the decision to discontinue them was made in the prior year.
Net loss attributable to non-controlling interest. The loss attributable to non-controlling interest decreased by $10,496 to zero in the year ended December 31, 2013 from $10,496 in the prior year as a result of there being no operational activity occurring in that subsidiary during 2013.
Loss attributable to Marathon Patent Group, Inc. The loss attributable to Marathon Patent Group, Inc. decreased by $3,477,477 to $3,450,335 in the year ended December 31, 2013 from $6,927,812 in the prior year. The decrease resulted from the increase in revenue plus the reduction in the loss from discontinued operations more than off-setting the increase in operating expenses plus the net increase in other expenses.
Loss per common share, basic and diluted. The Company reported a decrease in the net loss per share of $1.74 to $.75 for the year ended December 31, 2013 from $2.49 in the prior year. The decrease in the net loss per share reflected both the beneficial effect of the decrease in the net loss attributable to Marathon Patent Group, Inc. plus the beneficial effect of an increase in the weighted-average number of shares outstanding to 4,604,193 from 2,787,593. The increase in the number of weighted-average shares outstanding reflects increases in shares outstanding resulting from shares issued in connection with certain non-cash compensation arrangements plus the issuance of new shares in connection with the Company’s private placement financing.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
At December 31, 2013, the Company’s cash and cash equivalents balances totaled $3,610,262 compared to $2,354,169 at December 31, 2012. The increase in the cash balances of $1,256,093 resulted primarily from cash received during the year from cash based revenue recorded in the year plus the net funds from financings exceeding the increase in cash operating expenses for the year. Other balance sheet changes also contributed to the change in cash.
During the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company raised net proceeds of $5,777,596 from the sale of equity securities in a private placement.
Net working capital increased by $1,452,509 to $3,853,834 at December 31, 2013 from $2,401,325 at December 31, 2012. The increase in net working capital resulted primarily from the aggregate increase in cash receipts from cash based revenue plus net proceeds of financing plus an increase in net accounts receivable of $270,000 plus an increase in prepaid expenses of $712,598 more than off-setting an increase in accounts payable and accruals of $697,787.
Cash used in operating activities increased by $258,066 to $1,519,470 in the year ended December 31, 2013 from $1,261,404 in the prior year. The full benefit of a reduction in net loss of $3,477,477 from 2012 to 2013, which included an increase in amortization expense of $1,029,732 and reduction in non-cash stock based compensation and consulting fees, was more than offset by increased non-cash revenue and other operating items for a net increase in cash used of $258,066.
Cash used in investing activities increased by $1,144,463 to $3,002,033 in the year ended December 31, 2013 from $1,860,570 in the prior year. The increase is primarily due to an increase in cash used for the acquisition of patents and also the acquisition of CyberFone during the year ended December 31, 2013.
Cash provided by financing activities increased by $430,605 to $5,777,596 for the year ended December 31, 2013 from $5,346,991 in the prior year. The increase resulted from the reduction in cash used for the repayment of notes, which occurred in 2012, reduced in part by a lower level of proceeds from the sale of common stock sold in 2013 as compared to 2012.
Management believes that the balance of cash and cash equivalents of $3,610,262 at December 31, 2013 is sufficient to continue to fund the Company’s current operations at least through March 2015. However, the Company’s operations are subject to various risks and there is no assurance that changes in the operations of the Company will not require the Company to raise additional cash sooner than planned in order to continue uninterrupted operations. In that event, the Company would seek to raise additional capital from the sale of the Company’s securities, from borrowing or from other sources. Should the Company seek to raise capital from the issuances of its securities, such transactions would be subject to the risks of the market for the Company’s securities at the time.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
None.
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
We are a smaller reporting company as defined by Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and are not required to provide the information under this item.
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
MARATHON PATENT GROUP, INC.
(FORMERLY AMERICAN STRATEGIC MINERALS CORPORATION)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2013
Index to Financial Statements
F-2
|
|
F-3
|
|
F-4
|
|
F-5
|
|
F-6
|
|
F-7
|
|
F-8 to F-33
|
|
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors
Marathon Patent Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries
(Formerly American Strategic Minerals Corporation)
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Marathon Patent Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries (the "Company") (Formerly American Strategic Minerals Corporation) as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive loss, changes in stockholders' equity, and cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly we express no such opinion. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Marathon Patent Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries (Formerly American Strategic Minerals Corporation) as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
/s/ KBL, LLP
New York, New York
March 31, 2014
MARATHON PATENT GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
(FORMERLY AMERICAN STRATEGIC MINERALS CORPORATION )
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
December 31, 2013
|
December 31, 2012
|
|||||||
ASSETS
|
||||||||
Current assets:
|
||||||||
Cash
|
$ | 3,610,262 | $ | 2,354,169 | ||||
Accounts receivable - net
|
270,000 | - | ||||||
Marketable securities - available for sale securities
|
6,250 | 12,500 | ||||||
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
|
752,931 | 40,333 | ||||||
Assets of discontinued operations - current portion
|
- | 82,145 | ||||||
Total current assets
|
4,639,443 | 2,489,147 | ||||||
Other assets:
|
||||||||
Property and equipment, net
|
13,640 | - | ||||||
Intangible assets, net
|
6,157,659 | 492,152 | ||||||
Goodwill
|
2,144,488 | - | ||||||
Assets of discontinued operations - long term portion
|
- | 1,035,570 | ||||||
Total other assets
|
8,315,787 | 1,527,722 | ||||||
Total Assets
|
$ | 12,955,230 | $ | 4,016,869 | ||||
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
|
||||||||
Current liabilities:
|
||||||||
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
|
$ | 754,945 | $ | 57,158 | ||||
Liabilities of discontinued operations
|
30,664 | 30,664 | ||||||
Total liabilities
|
785,609 | 87,822 | ||||||
Stockholders' Equity:
|
||||||||
Preferred stock, $.0001 par value, 50,000,000 shares authorized: none issued and outstanding
|
- | - | ||||||
Common stock, ($.0001 par value; 200,000,000 shares authorized; 5,489,593 and 3,503,565 issued and outstanding at December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012
|
549 | 352 | ||||||
Additional paid-in capital
|
22,673,287 | 10,976,325 | ||||||
Accumulated other comprehensive loss - marketable securities available for sale
|
(6,250 | ) | - | |||||
Accumulated deficits
|
(10,487,469 | ) | (7,037,134 | ) | ||||
Total Marathon Patent Group, Inc. equity
|
12,180,117 | 3,939,543 | ||||||
Non-controlling interest in subsidiary
|
(10,496 | ) | (10,496 | ) | ||||
Total stockholders' equity
|
12,169,621 | 3,929,047 | ||||||
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
|
$ | 12,955,230 | $ | 4,016,869 | ||||
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
MARATHON PATENT GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
(FORMERLY AMERICAN STRATEGIC MINERALS CORPORATION )
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
For the year ended
|
For the year ended
|
|||||||
December 31, 2013
|
December 31, 2012
|
|||||||
Revenue
|
$ | 3,418,371 | $ | - | ||||
Operating expenses
|
||||||||
Direct costs of revenue
|
957,040 | - | ||||||
Amortization of patents
|
1,038,505 | 8,773 | ||||||
Compensation and related taxes
|
2,997,053 | 2,676,462 | ||||||
Consulting fees
|
901,686 | 2,042,144 | ||||||
Professional fees
|
655,202 | 510,112 | ||||||
General and administrative
|
544,338 | 303,471 | ||||||
Total operating expenses
|
7,093,824 | 5,540,962 | ||||||
Operating loss from continuing operations
|
(3,675,453 | ) | (5,540,962 | ) | ||||
Other income (expenses)
|
||||||||
Other income
|
- | 125,000 | ||||||
Realized loss other than temporary decline - available for sale | (38,819 | ) | (112,500 | ) | ||||
Interest income
|
1,552 | 978 | ||||||
Interest expense
|
(1,075 | ) | (153 | ) | ||||
Total other income (expenses)
|
(38,342 | ) | 13,325 | |||||
Loss from continuing operations before provision for income taxes | (3,713,795 | ) | (5,527,637 | ) | ||||
Provision for income taxes
|
- | - | ||||||
Loss from continuing operations
|
(3,713,795 | ) | (5,527,637 | ) | ||||
Discontinued operations:
|
||||||||
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax
|
263,460 | (1,410,671 | ) | |||||
Net loss
|
(3,450,335 | ) | (6,938,308 | ) | ||||
Less: Net loss attributable to non-controlling interest
|
- | 10,496 | ||||||
Net loss attributable to Marathon Patent Group, Inc.
|
$ | (3,450,335 | ) | $ | (6,927,812 | ) | ||
Loss per common share, basic and diluted:
|
||||||||
Loss from continuing operations
|
$ | (0.81 | ) | $ | (1.98 | ) | ||
Loss from discontinued operations
|
0.06 | (0.51 | ) | |||||
$ | (0.75 | ) | $ | (2.49 | ) | |||
WEIGHTED AVERAGE COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING - Basic and Diluted
|
4,604,193 | 2,787,593 |
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
MARATHON PATENT GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
(FORMERLY AMERICAN STRATEGIC MINERALS CORPORATION )
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
For the year ended
|
For the year ended
|
|||||||
December 31, 2013
|
December 31, 2012
|
|||||||
Net loss attributable to Marathon Patent Group, Inc.
|
$ | (3,450,335 | ) | $ | (6,927,812 | ) | ||
Other comprehensive loss: | ||||||||
Unrealized loss on investment securities, available for sale
|
(6,250 | ) | - | |||||
Comprehensive loss attributable to Marathon Patent Group, Inc.
|
$ | (3,456,585 | ) | $ | (6,927,812 | ) |
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
MARATHON PATENT GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
(FORMERLY AMERICAN STRATEGIC MINERALS CORPORATION )
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Common Stock
$0.0001 Par Value
|
Additional
Paid-in
|
Accumulated
|
Accumulated
Other
|
Non-Controlling
|
Total
Stockholders'
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||
Shares
|
Amount
|
Capital
|
Deficit
|
Income
|
Interest
|
Equity (Deficit)
|
||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at January 1, 2012
|
769,231 | $ | 77 | $ | 4,923 | $ | (109,322 | ) | $ | - | $ | - | $ | (104,322 | ) | |||||||||||||
Recapitalization of the Company
|
576,923 | 58 | 3,342 | - | - | - | 3,400 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Common stock issued for cash
|
1,034,613 | 103 | 6,511,862 | - | - | - | 6,511,965 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Common stock issued for advance payable
|
15,385 | 2 | 99,998 | - | - | - | 100,000 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Common stock issued for legal services
|
28,846 | 3 | 164,997 | - | - | - | 165,000 | |||||||||||||||||||||
- | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Common stock issued pursuant to an option agreement
|
769,231 | 77 | 923 | - | - | - | 1,000 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Common stock issued for compensation
|
6,401 | 1 | 33,286 | - | - | - | 33,287 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Common stock issued for exercise of warrants on a cashless basis
|
345,756 | 35 | (35 | ) | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||||
- | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Common stock issued for acquisition of patents
|
711,538 | 71 | 854 | - | - | - | 925 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Stock-based compensation in connection with warrants granted to employees and consultants
|
- | - | 4,238,100 | - | - | - | 4,238,100 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Cancellation of common stock in connection with rescission agreement
|
(754,359 | ) | (75 | ) | (131,925 | ) | - | - | - | (132,000 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
Proceeds from disgorgement of former officer short swing profits
|
- | - | 50,000 | - | - | - | 50,000 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Net loss
|
- | - | - | (6,927,812 | ) | - | (10,496 | ) | (6,938,308 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2012
|
3,503,565 | 352 | 10,976,325 | (7,037,134 | ) | - | (10,496 | ) | 3,929,047 | |||||||||||||||||||
Common stock issued for cash
|
1,158,654 | 115 | 5,777,481 | - | - | - | 5,777,596 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Common stock issued in the acquisition of Cyberfone
|
461,538 | 46 | 2,279,954 | - | - | - | 2,280,000 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Common stock issued for the acquisition of patents
|
150,000 | 15 | 718,485 | - | - | - | 718,500 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Common stock issued for legal services
|
10,076 | 1 | 59,619 | - | - | - | 59,620 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Common stock issued for services
|
205,760 | 20 | 1,051,215 | - | - | 1,051,235 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Stock based compensation in connection with warrants issued to employees and consultants
|
- | - | 117,796 | - | - | - | 117,796 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Stock based compensation in connection with a restricted stock unit issued to a consultant
|
- | - | 570,000 | - | - | - | 570,000 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Stock based compensation in connection with options issued to employees and consultants
|
- | - | 1,122,412 | - | - | - | 1,122,412 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive loss - marketable securities available for sale
|
- | - | - | - | (6,250 | ) | - | (6,250 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
Net loss
|
- | - | - | (3,450,335 | ) | - | - | (3,450,335 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2013
|
5,489,593 | $ | 549 | $ | 22,673,287 | $ | (10,487,469 | ) | $ | (6,250 | ) | $ | (10,496 | ) | $ | 12,169,621 |
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
MARATHON PATENT GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
(FORMERLY AMERICAN STRATEGIC MINERALS CORPORATION )
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
For the year ended
|
For the year ended
|
|||||||
December 31, 2013
|
December 31, 2012
|
|||||||
Cash flows from operating activities:
|
||||||||
Net loss attributable to Marathon Patent Group, Inc.
|
$ | (3,450,335 | ) | $ | (6,927,812 | ) | ||
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:
|
||||||||
Depreciation
|
3,360 | - | ||||||
Amortization of patents
|
1,038,505 | 8,773 | ||||||
Amortization of prepaid expense in connection with the issuance of common stock issued for prepaid services
|
269,086 | - | ||||||
Stock based compensation on warrants
|
117,796 | 2,723,162 | ||||||
Stock based compensation on options granted
|
1,122,412 | 1,514,938 | ||||||
Stock based compensation on common stock issuances
|
609,980 | - | ||||||
Common stock issued for services
|
59,620 | 198,287 | ||||||
Non-controlling interest
|
- | (10,496 | ) | |||||
Non-cash revenue
|
(1,700,000 | ) | - | |||||
Non-cash loss -securities available for sale
|
6,250 | - | ||||||
Non-cash other (income) loss
|
- | (125,000 | ) | |||||
Gain on sale of assets- securities available for sale
|
(168,216 | ) | - | |||||
Realized loss - securities available for sale
|
38,819 | 112,500 | ||||||
Impairment of mineral rights
|
- | 1,256,000 | ||||||
Impairment of assets of discontinued operations
|
- | 30,248 | ||||||
Changes in operating assets and liabilities
|
||||||||
Accounts receivable
|
(270,000 | ) | - | |||||
Assets of discontinued operations - current portion
|
82,145 | (62,145 | ) | |||||
Prepaid expenses
|
29,571 | (36,933 | ) | |||||
Assets of discontinued operations - long term portion
|
- | 3,915 | ||||||
Increase in other comprehensive income
|
(6,250 | ) | - | |||||
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
|
697,787 | 53,159 | ||||||
Net cash used in operating activities
|
(1,519,470 | ) | (1,261,404 | ) | ||||
Cash flows from investing activities:
|
||||||||
Acquisition of mineral rights
|
- | (325,000 | ) | |||||
Acquisition of patents
|
(3,150,000 | ) | (500,000 | ) | ||||
Note receivable - related party
|
- | (147,708 | ) | |||||
Collection on note receivable - related party
|
- | 147,708 | ||||||
Purchase of property and equipment
|
(17,000 | ) | - | |||||
Proceeds received from the sale of marketable securities
|
129,397 | - | ||||||
Sale of real estate property (discontinued operations)
|
1,052,320 | 576,477 | ||||||
Acquisition of real estate property
|
- | (1,366,627 | ) | |||||
Acquisition of CyberFone
|
(1,000,000 | ) | - | |||||
Capitalized cost related to improvements of real estate property (discontinued operations)
|
(16,750 | ) | (245,420 | ) | ||||
Net cash used in investing activities
|
(3,002,033 | ) | (1,860,570 | ) | ||||
Cash flows from financing activities:
|
||||||||
Proceeds from the issuance of a note in connection with acquisition of patents
|
500,000 | - | ||||||
Payment on note payable
|
- | (930,000 | ) | |||||
Payment on note payable - related party
|
- | (152,974 | ) | |||||
Payment on note payable in connection with the acquisition of patents
|
(500,000 | ) | - | |||||
Payment in connection with the cancellation of stock and rescission agreement
|
- | (132,000 | ) | |||||
Proceeds from disgorgement of former officer short swing profits
|
- | 50,000 | ||||||
Proceeds from sale of common stock, net of issuance costs
|
5,777,596 | 6,511,965 | ||||||
Net cash provided by financing activities
|
5,777,596 | 5,346,991 | ||||||
Net increase in cash
|
1,256,093 | 2,225,017 | ||||||
Cash at beginning of period
|
2,354,169 | 129,152 | ||||||
Cash at end of period
|
$ | 3,610,262 | $ | 2,354,169 | ||||
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
|
||||||||
Cash paid for:
|
||||||||
Interest
|
$ | 1,075 | $ | 153 | ||||
Income taxes
|
$ | - | $ | - | ||||
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF NON-CASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
|
||||||||
|
||||||||
Issuance of common stock for advances payable
|
$ | - | $ | 100,000 | ||||
Assumption of prepaid assets upon exercise of option agreement
|
$ | - | $ | 43,157 | ||||
Assumption of accounts payable upon exercise of option agreement
|
$ | - | $ | 30,664 | ||||
Issuance of a note payable in connection with an option agreement
|
$ | - | $ | 930,000 | ||||
Issuance of common stock in connection with an option agreement
|
$ | - | $ | 1,000 | ||||
Common stock issued for acquisition of patents
|
$ | 718,500 | $ | 925 | ||||
Common stock issued in connection with the acquisition of Cyberfone Systems, LLC
|
$ | 2,280,000 | $ | - | ||||
Common stock issued for prepaid services
|
$ | 441,247 | $ | - | ||||
Acquisition of patents in connection with a non-cash settlement
|
$ | 1,700,000 | $ | - |
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
MARATHON PATENT GROUP, INC.
(FORMERLY AMERICAN STRATEGIC MINERALS CORPORATION)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2013
NOTE 1 - ORGANIZATION AND DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS
Organization
Marathon Patent Group, Inc. (the “Company”), formerly American Strategic Minerals Corporation, was incorporated under the laws of the State of Nevada on February 23, 2010.
Our business is to acquire patents and patent rights and to monetize the value of those assets to generate revenue and profit for the Company. We acquire patents and patent rights from their owners, who range from individual inventors to Fortune 500 companies. Part of our acquisition strategy is to acquire patents and patent rights that cover a wide-range of subject matter, which allows us to achieve the benefits of a growing diversified portfolio of assets. Generally, the assets we acquire are characterized by having large identifiable companies who are or have been using technology that infringes on our patent rights. We generally monetize our portfolio of assets by initiating enforcement activities against any infringing parties with the objective of entering into a standard form of comprehensive settlement and license agreement that may include the granting of non-exclusive retroactive and future rights to use the patented technology, a covenant not to sue, a release of the party from certain claims, the dismissal of any pending litigation and other terms that are appropriate in the circumstances. Our strategy has been developed with the expectation that it will result in a long-term, diversified revenue stream for the Company.
On December 7, 2011, the Company changed its name to “American Strategic Minerals Corporation” from “Verve Ventures, Inc.”, and increase the Company’s authorized capital to 200,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, and 50,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.0001 per share. During June 2012, the Company discontinued its exploration and potential development of uranium and vanadium minerals business. In November 2012, the Company discontinued its real estate business.
On August 1, 2012, the shareholders holding a majority of the Company’s voting capital voted in favor of (i) changing the name of the Company to “Fidelity Property Group, Inc.” and (ii) the adoption the 2012 Equity Incentive Plan and reserving 10,000,000 shares of common stock for issuance thereunder (the “2012 Plan”). The board of directors of the Company (the “Board of Directors”) approved the name change and the adoption of the 2012 Plan on August 1, 2012. The Company did not file an amendment to its Articles of Incorporation with the Secretary of State of Nevada and subsequently abandoned the decision to adopt the “Fidelity Property Group, Inc.” name.
MARATHON PATENT GROUP, INC.
(FORMERLY AMERICAN STRATEGIC MINERALS CORPORATION)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2013
On October 1, 2012, the shareholders holding a majority of the Company’s voting capital had voted and authorized the Company to (i) change the name of the Company to Marathon Patent Group, Inc. (the “Name Change”) and (ii) effectuate a reverse stock split of the Company’s common stock by a ratio of 3-for-2 (the “Reverse Split”) within one year from the date of approval of the stockholders of the Company. The Board of Directors approved the Name Change and the Reverse Split on October 1, 2012. The Board of Directors determined the name “Marathon Patent Group, Inc.” better reflects the long-term strategy in exploring other opportunities and the identity of the Company going forward. On February 15, 2013, the Company filed the Certificate of Amendment with the Secretary of State of the State of Nevada in order to effectuate the Name Change. On May 31, 2013, shareholders of record holding a majority of the outstanding voting capital of the Company approved a reverse stock split of the Company’s issued and outstanding common stock by a ratio of not less than one-for-five and not more than one-for-fifteen at any time prior to April 30, 2014, with such ratio to be determined by the Company’s Board of Directors, in its sole discretion. On June 24, 2013, the reverse stock split ratio of one (1) for thirteen (13) basis was approved by the Board of Directors. On July 18, 2013, the Company filed a certificate of amendment to its Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation with the Secretary of State of the State of Nevada in order to effectuate a reverse stock split of the Company’s issued and outstanding common stock, par value $0.0001 per share on a one (1) for thirteen (13) basis. All share and per share values for all periods presented in the accompanying consolidated financial statements are retroactively restated for the effect of the reverse stock split.
On January 26, 2012, the Company entered into a Share Exchange Agreement (the “Exchange Agreement”) with American Strategic Minerals Corporation, a Colorado corporation (“Amicor”) and the shareholders of Amicor (the “Amicor Shareholders”). Upon closing of the transaction contemplated under the Exchange Agreement (the “Share Exchange”), on January 26, 2012, the Amicor Shareholders transferred all of the issued and outstanding capital stock of Amicor to the Company in exchange for an aggregate of 769,231 post-split (10,000,000 pre-split) shares of the common stock of the Company. The Share Exchange caused Amicor to become a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company.
Additionally, as further consideration for entering into the Exchange Agreement, certain Amicor Shareholders received ten-year warrants to purchase an aggregate of 461,538 post-split (6,000,000 pre-split) shares of the Company’s common stock with an exercise price of $6.50 post-split ($0.50 pre-split) per share. Prior to acquisition by the Company, Amicor owned certain mining and mineral rights.
Amicor, formerly Nuclear Energy Corporation, was incorporated under the laws of the State of Colorado on April 30, 2011. Amicor owns mining leases of federal unpatented mining claims and leases private lands in the states of Utah and Colorado for the purpose of exploration and potential development of uranium and vanadium minerals.
Prior to the Share Exchange, the Company was a shell company with no business operations.
The Share Exchange was accounted for as a reverse-merger and recapitalization. Amicor was the acquirer for financial reporting purposes and the Company was the acquired company. Consequently, the assets and liabilities and the operations reflected in the historical financial statements prior to the Share Exchange were those of Amicor and were recorded at the historical cost basis of Amicor, and the consolidated financial statements after completion of the Share Exchange included the assets and liabilities of the Company and Amicor, historical operations of Amicor and operations of the Company from the closing date of the Share Exchange.
On June 11, 2012, the Company terminated various leases related to its uranium mining claims (the “Claims”), consisting of: the Cutler King Property (3 unpatented mining claims); “Centennial-Sun Cup” (42 unpatented mining claims); “Bull Canyon” (2 unpatented mining claims); “Martin Mesa” (51 unpatented mining claims); “Avalanche/Ajax” (8 unpatented mining claims) and “Home Mesa” (9 unpatented mining claims). The Company had acquired the Claims through the acquisition of Amicor on January 26, 2012. The decision by the Company to terminate these leases followed changes in management and direction of the Company, a review of the uranium market, and the timing and costs expected to pursue the business.
MARATHON PATENT GROUP, INC.
(FORMERLY AMERICAN STRATEGIC MINERALS CORPORATION)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2013
On June 11, 2012, the Company entered into a rescission agreement (the “Rescission Agreement”) with Amicor, and the Amicor Shareholders. Each of the Amicor Shareholders had previously received shares of the Company’s common stock (and certain of the Amicor Shareholders also received warrants to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock) (collectively, the “Shareholder Securities”) pursuant to the Rescission Agreement. Each of the Amicor Shareholders, with the exception of one, agreed to return the Shareholder Securities to the Company for cancellation and to enter into joint mutual releases with the Company. Furthermore, pursuant to the terms of the Rescission Agreement, George Glasier resigned from his position as President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Company; Kathleen Glasier resigned from her position as Secretary of the Company, Michael Moore resigned from his position as Chief Operating Officer and Vice President of the Company and each of David Andrews and Kyle Kimmerle resigned from their position as a director of the Company. As a result of the foregoing, the Company cancelled 754,359 post-split (9,806,667 pre-split) shares of the Company’s common stock and 369,231 post-split (4,800,000 pre-split) warrants and terminated the mining leases entered into with the Amicor Shareholders. Additionally, the Company paid an aggregate of $132,000 to Amicor Shareholders upon the execution of the Rescission Agreement.
Under the terms of the Rescission Agreement, upon Mr. Glasier’s resignation, the Company’s employment agreement with Mr. Glasier was terminated and all options, warrants and rights to acquire any shares of the Company’s common stock, whether vested or unvested, were terminated as of the date of the Rescission Agreement. Additionally, under the terms of the Rescission Agreement, the Company’s lease for certain office space, dated as of January 26, 2012 with Silver Hawk Ltd., an entity owned and controlled by George Glasier and Kathleen Glasier, was terminated.
On June 11, 2012, the Company and Pershing Gold Corporation (“Pershing”) exercised its right under the Option Agreement executed in January 2012, through the assignment of Pershing’s wholly owned subsidiary, Continental Resources Acquisition Sub, Inc. (“Acquisition Sub”). As a result of the assignment, Acquisition Sub became a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company and the Company acquired all of Pershing’s uranium assets.
On November 14, 2012, the Company entered into a Share Exchange Agreement (the "Sampo Exchange Agreement") with Sampo IP LLC, a Virginia limited liability company ("Sampo"), a company that owns a portfolio of patents, and the members of Sampo (the "Sampo Members"). Upon closing of the transaction contemplated under the Sampo Exchange Agreement (the "Sampo Share Exchange"), on November 14, 2012, the Sampo Members (6 members) transferred all of the issued and outstanding membership interests of Sampo to the Company in exchange for an aggregate of 711,538 post-split (9,250,000 pre-split) shares of the common stock of the Company. Additionally, the Company made a cash payment to Sampo of $500,000 pursuant to the terms of the Sampo Exchange Agreement.
Upon the closing of the Sampo Share Exchange, Mark Groussman resigned as the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and John Stetson resigned as the Company’s President and Chief Operating Officer and simultaneously with the effectiveness of the Sampo Share Exchange, Doug Croxall was appointed as the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chairman and John Stetson was appointed as the Company’s Chief Financial Officer and Secretary. LVL Patent Group LLC, of which Mr. Croxall is the Chief Executive Officer, and John Stetson, were former members of Sampo and received 307,692 post-split (4,000,000 pre-split) and 38,462 post-split (500,000 pre-split) shares of the Company’s common stock, respectively, in connection with the Sampo Share Exchange.
MARATHON PATENT GROUP, INC.
(FORMERLY AMERICAN STRATEGIC MINERALS CORPORATION)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2013
On March 6, 2013, the Company entered into an Asset Purchase Agreement (the “Augme Agreement”) with Augme Technologies (“Seller”) whereby Seller agreed to sell to the Company certain office equipment, data, documentation, and business information related to the Seller’s business and assign agreements and prospective clients and business opportunities to the Company. In consideration for the assets and assigned agreements, the Company paid $10,000 at closing and provides litigation assistance as defined in the Agreement. As additional consideration, the Company also entered into a 2 year Service Agreement (the “Service Agreement”) with the Seller whereby the Seller shall engage the Company to provide consulting services including patent litigation matters, sale, license involving the Seller’s intellectual property and general consulting services to continue the Seller’s business operations. The Company recorded the $10,000 payment which was primarily attributable to property and equipment. Additionally, the Company assumed an office lease agreement that expired in July 2013.
On April 16, 2013, the Company through its subsidiary, Relay IP, Inc. acquired a US patent for $350,000.
On April 22, 2013, CyberFone Acquisition Corp. (“Acquisition Corp.”), a Texas corporation and newly formed wholly owned subsidiary of the Company entered into a merger agreement (the “CyberFone Agreement”) with CyberFone Systems LLC, a Texas limited liability company (“CyberFone Systems”), TechDev Holdings LLC (“TechDev”) and The Spangenberg Family Foundation for the Benefit of Children’s Healthcare and Education (“Spangenberg Foundation”). TechDev and Spangenberg Foundation owned 100% of the membership interests of CyberFone Systems (collectively, the “CyberFone Sellers”). In the transaction, the Company acquired 10 US patents, 27 foreign patents and 1 patent pending from CyberFone Systems valued at $1,135,512 (see note 3).
On May 6, 2013, in connection with the closing of a settlement and license agreement, the Company agreed to settle and release a certain defendant for past and future use of the Company’s patents. The defendant agreed to assign and transfer 3 US patents and rights valued at $1,000,000 in lieu of an additional cash payment, which amount has been included in the Company’s revenue during the year ended December 31, 2013.
In September 2013, the Company acquired 14 US patents for a total purchase price of $1,100,000.
On November 13, 2013, the Company acquired four patents for 150,000 shares of the Company’s common stock, which the Company valued at $718,500 based on the fair market value of the stock issued.
On December 16, 2013, the Company acquired certain patents from Delphi Technologies, Inc. for $1,700,000 pursuant to a Patent Purchase Agreement entered into on October 31, 2013 and Amended on December 16, 2013.
On December 22, 2013, in connection with a settlement and license agreement, the Company agreed to settle and release another defendant for past and future use of the Company’s patents, whereby the defendant agreed to assign and transfer 2 US patents and rights to the Company. The Company valued the two patents at an aggregate of $700,000 and included that amount in revenue during the year ended December 31, 2013.
Going Concern in Prior Years
Prior to 2013, the Company’s independent auditor’s determined that there was substantial doubt about the ability of the Company to continue as a going concern and issued an audit opinion reflecting that assessment. The key reasons for their conclusion included the fact that the Company had changed businesses several times in a short period; lacked management experience in the businesses; was unable to generate revenue from these businesses and, generally, was not able to show that the Company was capable of a sustained, revenue generating business and the capital sufficient to sustain operations.
MARATHON PATENT GROUP, INC.
(FORMERLY AMERICAN STRATEGIC MINERALS CORPORATION)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2013
The Company made the decision to discontinue its prior businesses and focus on the patent acquisition and monetization business. In late 2012, the Company acquired certain patent assets and hired new management with experience and a track record in the patent acquisition and licensing business. Management immediately implemented its plan for acquiring patents and patent rights and enforcing those rights to generate revenue and profit. During 2013, the Company continued to execute on its plan throughout the year by acquiring eight additional patent portfolios, generating a total of $3.4 million in revenue including cash revenue of $1.7 million; raising $5.8 million in new equity capital; establishing a reasonable level of liquidity in the Company’s stock and completed its management team to support sustained growth and revenue generation. Due to the positive changes in the operations of the Company, the Company’s ability to meet the requirements for sustained operations and its cash position at December 31, 2013, the Company’s independent auditors have determined that issuing an opinion with a going concern uncertainty is no longer needed and, therefore, have issued an unqualified opinion on the Company’s financial statement s for the year ended December 31, 2013 with no uncertainty.
NOTE 2 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“US GAAP”) and present the consolidated financial statements of the Company and its wholly owned and majority owned subsidiaries as of December 31, 2013. In the preparation of consolidated financial statements of the Company, intercompany transactions and balances are eliminated.
Development Stage Company in Prior Years
Prior to 2013, the Company was a development stage company in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 915,” Development Stage Entities.” During that time, the prior management spent time organizing the business, developing plans, working to raise capital and undertook limited activities in several different businesses but did not generate revenue or profits from those businesses and did not build a significant, sustainable level of operations in any particular business.
In November 2012, the situation changed with the Company by making the decision to enter the business of acquiring patents and patent rights and monetizing the value of those assets through a plan of engaging in multiple enforcement campaigns, acquired an initial portfolio of patents, hired new executive management experienced in the patent monetization business, and commenced operations in that business. During 2013, the Company continued to execute its plan, acquired eight additional portfolios, including two from its enforcement activities, generated revenue from that business in each of the last three quarters aggregating to $3,418,371 (including the value of the two portfolios from its enforcement activities), built out its management team for sustained operations, and raised $5,777,506 of new capital. As a result of this operating performance, management believes that during the fourth quarter of 2013, the Company emerged from being a development stage company and became an established company. Accordingly, the financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2013 are presented as those of an operating company.
MARATHON PATENT GROUP, INC.
(FORMERLY AMERICAN STRATEGIC MINERALS CORPORATION)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2013
Use of Estimates and Assumptions
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with US GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Significant estimates made by management include, but are not limited to, the assumptions used to calculate fair value of warrants and options granted, common stock issued for services, and common stock issued in connection with an option agreement and common stock issued for the acquisition of patents.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
The Company considers all highly liquid debt instruments and other short-term investments with maturity of three months or less, when purchased, to be cash equivalents. The Company maintains cash and cash equivalent balances at one financial institution that is insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. The Company’s account at this institution is insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation ("FDIC") up to $250,000. For the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company’s bank balances exceeded the FDIC insurance limit. To reduce its risk associated with the failure of such financial institution, the Company evaluates at least annually the rating of the financial institution in which it holds deposits.
Accounts Receivable
The Company has a policy of reserving for accounts based on its best estimate of the amount of probable credit losses in its existing accounts receivable. The Company periodically reviews its accounts receivable to determine whether an allowance is necessary based on an analysis of past due accounts and other factors that may indicate that the realization of an account may be in doubt. Account balances deemed to be uncollectible are charged to the bad debt expense after all means of collection have been exhausted and the potential for recovery is considered remote. At December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company had recorded an allowance for bad debts in the amount of $57,050 and $0, respectively. Net accounts receivable at December 31, 2013 and 2012, were $270,000 and $0, respectively.
Concentration of Revenue and Geographic Area
Revenue from the Company’s patent enforcement activities is considered United States revenue as any payments for licenses included in that revenue are for United States operations irrespective of the location of the licensee's or licensee's parent home domicile. As of December 31, 2013, two customers accounted for 100% of the Company’s net accounts receivable. Revenues from two customers accounted for approximately 55% of the Company’s revenue for the year ended December 31, 2013. There were no revenues in 2012.
Revenue Recognition
The Company recognizes revenue in accordance with ASC Topic 605, “Revenue Recognition”. Revenue is recognized when (i) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, (ii) all obligations have been substantially performed, (iii) amounts are fixed or determinable and (iv) collectability of amounts is reasonably assured.
The Company considers the revenue generated from its settlement and licensing agreements as one unit of accounting under ASC 605-25, “Multiple-Element Arrangements” as the delivered items do not have value to customers on a standalone basis, there are no undelivered elements and there is no general right of return relative to the license. Under ASC 605-25, the appropriate recognition of revenue is determined for the combined deliverables as a single unit of accounting and revenue is recognized upon delivery of the final elements, including the license for past and future use and the release.
MARATHON PATENT GROUP, INC.
(FORMERLY AMERICAN STRATEGIC MINERALS CORPORATION)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2013
Also, due to the fact that the settlement element and license element for past and future use are the Company’s major central business, the Company presents these two elements as one revenue category in its statement of operations. The Company does not expect to provide licenses that do not provide some form of settlement or release. Revenue from patent enforcement activities accounted for 100% of the Company’s revenues for the year ended December 31, 2013.
Prepaid Expenses
Prepaid expenses of $752,931 and $40,333 at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, consist primarily of costs paid for future services that will occur within a year. Prepaid expenses include prepayments in cash and in equity instruments for investor relations public relations services, business advisory, other consulting and prepaid insurance, all of which assets are being amortized over the terms of their respective agreements.
Marketable Securities
Marketable securities that the Company invests in publicly traded equity securities and are generally restricted for sale under Federal securities laws. The Company’s policy is to liquidate securities received when market conditions are favorable for sale. Since these securities are often restricted, the Company is unable to liquidate them until the restriction is removed. Pursuant to ASC Topic 320, “Investments –Debt and Equity Securities” the Company’s marketable securities have a readily determinable and active quoted price, such as from NASDAQ, NYSE Euronext, the Over the Counter Bulletin Board, and the OTC Markets Group.
Available for sale securities are carried at fair value, with changes in unrealized gains or losses are recognized as an element of comprehensive income based on changes in the fair value of the security. Once liquidated, realized gains or losses on the sale of marketable securities - available for sale, are reflected in the net income (loss) for the period in which the security was liquidated.
Related Party Transaction
Parties are considered to be related to the Company if the parties, directly or indirectly, through one or more intermediaries, control, are controlled by, or are under common control with the Company. Related parties also include principal owners of the Company, its management, members of the immediate families of principal owners of the Company and its management and other parties with which the Company may deal if one party controls or can significantly influence the management or operating policies of the other to an extent that one of the transacting parties might be prevented from fully pursuing its own separate interests. The Company discloses all related party transactions.
On November 14, 2012, upon the closing of the Sampo Share Exchange, LVL Patent Group LLC, in which Mr. Croxall, our Chief Executive Officer, was also the Chief Executive Officer of LVL Patent Group LLC. and John Stetson, were former members of Sampo, received 307,692 and 38,461 shares of the Company’s common stock, respectively, in connection with the Sampo Share Exchange.
MARATHON PATENT GROUP, INC.
(FORMERLY AMERICAN STRATEGIC MINERALS CORPORATION)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2013
Comprehensive Income
Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2011-05 amends Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Codification Topic 220 on comprehensive income (1) to eliminate the current option to present the components of other comprehensive income (loss) in the statement of changes in equity, and (2) to require presentation of net income (loss) and other comprehensive income (loss) (and their respective components) either in a single continuous statement or in two separate but consecutive statements. These amendments do not alter any current recognition or measurement requirements in respect of items of other comprehensive income. The amendments in this Update are to be applied prospectively.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The Company adopted FASB ASC 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures” (“ASC 820”), for assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis. ASC 820 establishes a common definition for fair value to be applied to existing US GAAP that require the use of fair value measurements, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosure about such fair value measurements. The adoption of ASC 820 did not have an impact on the Company’s financial position or operating results, but did expand certain disclosures. ASC 820 defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Additionally, ASC 820 requires the use of valuation techniques that maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. These inputs are prioritized below:
Level 1:
|
Observable inputs such as quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities
|
|||
Level 2:
|
Observable market-based inputs or unobservable inputs that are corroborated by market data
|
|||
Level 3:
|
Unobservable inputs for which there is little or no market data, which require the use of the reporting entity’s own assumptions.
|
Investment measured at fair value on a recurring basis at December 31, 2013:
Fair Value Measurements Using:
|
||||||||||||
|
Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets
(Level 1)
|
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
|
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
|
|||||||||
|
||||||||||||
Marketable securities – available for sale, net of discount for effect of market illiquidity.
|
$
|
-
|
$
|
-
|
$
|
6,250
|
MARATHON PATENT GROUP, INC.
(FORMERLY AMERICAN STRATEGIC MINERALS CORPORATION)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2013
Investment measured at fair value on a recurring basis at December 31, 2012:
Fair Value Measurements Using:
|
||||||||||||
Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets
(Level 1)
|
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
|
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
|
||||||||||
Marketable securities – available for sale, net of discount for effect of the lack of registration of the securities
|
$ | - | $ | - | $ | 12,500 |
At December 31, 2013, the Company classifies the investments in marketable securities available for sale as Level 3, adjusted for the effect of market illiquidity. The securities could not readily be resold by the Company without adversely affecting the market price of the security. At December 31, 2012, the Company classified the investments in marketable securities available for sale as Level 3, adjusted for the lack of registration of the securities under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) or the availabilities of an exemption from the registration requirements under the Securities Act. Until such time as the securities are registered or until such restriction otherwise lapses, the Company is unable to sell them in the market. Unrealized gains or losses on marketable securities available for sale are recognized as an element of comprehensive income based on changes in the fair value of the security. Once liquidated, realized gains or losses on the sale of marketable securities available for sale are reflected in our net income for the period in which the security was liquidated.
The carrying amounts reported in the balance sheet for cash, accounts receivable, prepaid expenses, accounts payable, and accrued expenses, approximate their estimated fair market value based on the short-term maturity of these assets and liabilities..
In addition, FASB ASC 825-10-25 “Fair Value Option” was effective for January 1, 2008. ASC 825-10-25 expands opportunities to use fair value measurements in financial reporting and permits entities to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value.
The Company has recorded unrealized loss of $6,250 as an element of comprehensive income during the year ended December 31, 2013.
In July 2013, the Company assigned its rights and interest in a mining lease agreement to an unrelated company. In consideration for the assignment of lease agreement, the unrelated company issued 1,293,967 of its shares (the “Unrelated Company Shares”) to the Company. At the time of issuance, the Company valued the Unrelated Company Shares and recorded the cost of investment at the fair market value (based on the sale of its shares in a private placement) of the shares at $0.13 per share or $168,216 and was recorded as a gain from sale of assets of discontinued operations (see Note 4) during the year ended December 31, 2013. In September 2013, the Company sold the Unrelated Company Shares and generated proceeds of $129,397. The decrease in fair value of $38,819 has been recorded as a realized loss in the statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2013.
Accounting for Acquisitions
In the normal course of its business, the Company makes acquisitions of patent assets and may also make acquisitions of businesses. With respect to each such transaction, the Company evaluates facts of the transaction and follows the guidelines prescribed in accordance with ASC 805 – Business Combinations to determine the proper accounting treatment for each such transaction and then records the transaction in accordance with the conclusions reached in such analysis. The Company performs such analysis with respect to each material acquisition within the consolidated group of entities.
MARATHON PATENT GROUP, INC.
(FORMERLY AMERICAN STRATEGIC MINERALS CORPORATION)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2013
Income Taxes
The Company accounts for income taxes pursuant to the provision of ASC 740-10, “Accounting for Income Taxes” which requires, among other things, an asset and liability approach to calculating deferred income taxes. The asset and liability approach requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the carrying amounts and the tax bases of assets and liabilities. A valuation allowance is provided to offset any net deferred tax assets for which management believes it is more likely than not that the net deferred asset will not be realized.
The Company follows the provision of the ASC 740-10 related to Accounting for Uncertain Income Tax Position. When tax returns are filed, it is highly certain that some positions taken would be situated upon examination by the taxing authorities, while others are subject to uncertainty about the merits of the position taken or the amount of the position that would be ultimately sustained. In accordance with the guidance of ASC 740-10, the benefit of a tax position is recognized in the financial statements in the period during which, based on all available evidence, management believes it is most likely that not that the position will be sustained upon examination, including the resolution of appeals or litigation processes, if any. Tax positions taken are not offset or aggregated with other positions.
Tax positions that meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold are measured as the largest amount of tax benefit that is more than 50 percent likely of being realized upon settlement with the applicable taxing authority. The portion of the benefits associated with tax positions taken that exceeds the amount measured as described above should be reflected as a liability for uncertain tax benefits in the accompanying balance sheet along with any associated interest and penalties that would be payable to the taxing authorities upon examination. The Company believes its tax positions are all highly certain of being upheld upon examination. As such, the Company has not recorded a liability for uncertain tax benefits.
The Company has adopted ASC 740-10-25 Definition of Settlement, which provides guidance on how an entity should determine whether a tax position is effectively settled for the purpose of recognizing previously unrecognized tax benefits and provides that a tax position can be effectively settled upon the completion and examination by a taxing authority without being legally extinguished. For tax position considered effectively settled, an entity would recognize the full amount of tax benefit, even if the tax position is not considered more likely that not to be sustained based solely on the basis of its technical merits and the statute of limitations remains open. The federal and state income tax returns of the Company are subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service and state taxing authorities, generally for three years after they were filed.
Basic and Diluted Net Loss per Share
Net loss per common share is calculated in accordance with ASC Topic 260: Earnings Per Share (“ASC 260”). Basic loss per share is computed by dividing net loss by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. The computation of diluted net loss per share does not include dilutive common stock equivalents in the weighted average shares outstanding as they would be anti-dilutive. As of December 31, 2013, the Company has 708,260 warrants outstanding and 1,338,076 common stock purchase options outstanding, all of which were excluded from the computation of diluted shares outstanding as they would have had an anti-dilutive impact on the Company’s net loss per share computation. In addition, as of December 31, 2013, the Company has outstanding a Restricted Stock Unit (“RSU”) for 100,000 shares of common stock, which RSU is also not included in the computation of basic and diluted net loss per share.
MARATHON PATENT GROUP, INC.
(FORMERLY AMERICAN STRATEGIC MINERALS CORPORATION)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2013
The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted loss per share:
For the year ended
December 31, 2013
|
For the year ended
December 31, 2012
|
|||||||
Numerator:
|
||||||||
Loss from continuing operations
|
$ | (3,713,795 | ) | $ | (5,527,637 | ) | ||
Income (loss) from discontinued operations
|
$ | 263,460 | $ | (1,410,671 | ) | |||
Denominator:
|
||||||||
Denominator for basic and diluted loss per share (weighted-average shares)
|
4,604,193 | 2,787,593 | ||||||
Income (loss) per common share, basic and diluted:
|
||||||||
Loss from continuing operations
|
$ | (0.81 | ) | $ | (1.98 | ) | ||
Income (loss) from discontinued operations
|
$ | 0.06 | $ | (0.51 | ) |
Intangible Assets
Intangible assets include patents purchased and patents acquired in lieu of cash in licensing transactions. The patents purchased are recorded based on the cost to acquire them and patents acquired in lieu of cash are recorded at their fair market value. The costs of these assets are amortized over their remaining useful lives. Useful lives of intangible assets are periodically evaluated for reasonableness and the assets are tested for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may no longer be recoverable.
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
In accordance with ASC 350-30-65, “Intangibles - Goodwill and Others”, the Company assesses the impairment of identifiable intangibles whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. Factors the Company considers to be important which could trigger an impairment review include the following:
1.
|
Significant underperformance relative to expected historical or projected future operating results;
|
|
2.
|
Significant changes in the manner of use of the acquired assets or the strategy for the overall business; and
|
|
3.
|
Significant negative industry or economic trends.
|
When the Company determines that the carrying value of intangibles may not be recoverable based upon the existence of one or more of the above indicators of impairment and the carrying value of the asset cannot be recovered from projected undiscounted cash flows, the Company records an impairment charge.
MARATHON PATENT GROUP, INC.
(FORMERLY AMERICAN STRATEGIC MINERALS CORPORATION)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2013
The Company measures any impairment based on a projected discounted cash flow method using a discount rate determined by management to be commensurate with the risk inherent in the current business model. Significant management judgment is required in determining whether an indicator of impairment exists and in projecting cash flows.
Impairment of Long-lived Assets
The Company accounts for the impairment or disposal of long-lived assets according to the ASC 360 “Property, Plant and Equipment”. The Company continually monitors events and changes in circumstances that could indicate that the carrying amounts of long-lived assets, including mineral rights, may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to the estimated future net undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. When necessary, impaired assets are written down to their estimated fair value based on the best information available. Estimated fair value is generally based on either appraised value or measured by discounting estimated future cash flows. Considerable management judgment is necessary to estimate discounted future cash flows. Accordingly, actual results could vary significantly from such estimates. The Company recognizes an impairment loss when the sum of expected undiscounted future cash flows is less than the carrying amount of the asset. The Company recorded impairment charges on its long-lived assets of $0 during the year ended December 31, 2013 and $1,256,000 during the year ended December 31, 2012, which impairment charge was included in loss from discontinued operations.
Stock-based Compensation
Stock-based compensation is accounted for based on the requirements of the Share-Based Payment Topic of ASC 718, which requires recognition in the consolidated financial statements of the cost of employee and director services received in exchange for an award of equity instruments over the period the employee or director is required to perform the services in exchange for the award (presumptively, the vesting period). The ASC also requires measurement of the cost of employee and director services received in exchange for an award based on the grant-date fair value of the award.
Pursuant to ASC Topic 505-50, for share-based payments to consultants and other third-parties, compensation expense is determined at the “measurement date.” The expense is recognized over the vesting period of the award. Until the measurement date is reached, the total amount of compensation expense remains uncertain. The Company initially records compensation expense based on the fair value of the award at the reporting date.
Mineral Property Acquisition and Exploration Costs
Costs of lease, exploration, carrying and retaining unproven mineral lease properties were expensed as incurred. The Company expensed all mineral exploration costs as incurred. Such expenses are included in the loss from discontinued operations and prior periods have been restated in the Company’s financial statements and related footnotes to conform to this presentation. In June 2012, the Company discontinued its exploration stage gold and minerals business and currently does not hold any mining claims.
MARATHON PATENT GROUP, INC.
(FORMERLY AMERICAN STRATEGIC MINERALS CORPORATION)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2013
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In April 2013, the FASB ASU 2013-07, “Presentation of Financial Statements: Topic Liquidation Basis of Accounting”. ASU 2013-07 requires an entity to prepare its financial statements using the liquidation basis of accounting when liquidation is imminent. Liquidation is considered imminent when the likelihood is remote that the organization will return from liquidation and either: (a) a plan for liquidation is approved by the person or persons with the authority to make such a plan effective and the likelihood is remote that the execution of the plan will be blocked by other parties; or (b) a plan for liquidation is being imposed by other forces. ASU 2013-07 will be effective for the Company beginning on January 1, 2014. The Company does not expect the adoption of ASU 2013-07 to have a material impact on its financial position, results of operations nor cash flows.
In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-11, "Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists." ASU 2013-11 provides guidance on the presentation of unrecognized tax benefits related to any disallowed portion of net operating loss carryforwards, similar tax losses, or tax credit carryforwards, if they exist. ASU 2013-11 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2013. The adoption of ASU 2013-11 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
There were other updates recently issued, most of which represented technical corrections to the accounting literature or application to specific industries and are not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
NOTE 3 – ACQUISITION
On April 22, 2013, Acquisition Corp., a Texas corporation and newly formed wholly owned subsidiary of the Company entered into a merger agreement with CyberFone Systems, TechDev and Spangenberg Foundation. TechDev and Spangenberg Foundation owned 100% of the membership interests of CyberFone Systems.
CyberFone Systems owns a foundational patent portfolio that includes claims that provide specific transactional data processing, telecommunications, network and database inventions, including financial transactions. The portfolio consists of ten United States patents and 27 foreign patents and one patent pending. The patent rights that cover digital communications and data transaction processing are foundational to certain applications in the wireless, telecommunications, financial and other industries. IP Navigation Group LLC (“IP Nav”), a Company founded by Erich Spangenberg and associated with the CyberFone Sellers will continue to support and manage the portfolio of patents and retain a contingent participation interest in all recoveries. IP Nav provides patent monetization and support services under an existing agreement with CyberFone Systems.
Pursuant to the terms of the CyberFone Merger Agreement, CyberFone Systems merged with and into Acquisition Corp with CyberFone Systems surviving the merger as the wholly owned subsidiary of the Company (the “Merger”). The Company (i) issued 461,538 post-split (6,000,000 pre-split) shares of common stock to the CyberFone Sellers (the “Merger Shares”), (ii) paid the CyberFone Sellers $500,000 cash and (iii) issued a $500,000 promissory note to TechDev (the “Note”). The Company valued these common shares at the fair market value on the date of grant at $4.94 post-split ($0.38 pre-split) per share or $2,280,000. The Note was non-interest bearing and was due on June 22, 2013, subject to acceleration in the event of default. The Company may prepay the Note at any time without premium or penalty. On June 21, 2013, we paid $500,000 to TechDev in satisfaction of the note. The transaction resulted in a business combination and caused CyberFone Systems to become a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company.
MARATHON PATENT GROUP, INC.
(FORMERLY AMERICAN STRATEGIC MINERALS CORPORATION)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2013
In addition to the payments described above, within 30 days following the end of each calendar quarter (commencing with the first full calendar quarter following the calendar quarter in which CyberFone Systems recovers $4 million from licensing or enforcement activities related to the patents), CyberFone Systems will be required to pay out a certain percentage of such recoveries.
The Company accounted for the acquisition utilizing the purchase method of accounting in accordance with ASC 805 “Business Combinations.” The Company is the acquirer for accounting purposes and CyberFone Systems is the acquired company. Accordingly, the Company applied push–down accounting for the transaction and adjusted to fair value all of the assets and liabilities directly on the financial statements of the subsidiary.
The net purchase price paid by the Company was allocated to assets acquired and liabilities assumed on the records of the Company as follows:
Intangible assets
|
$
|
1,135,512
|
||
Goodwill
|
2,144,488
|
|||
Net purchase price
|
$
|
3,280,000
|
Unaudited pro forma results of continuing operations data as if the business combination of the Company and the subsidiary had occurred on January 1, 2012 and as if the same number of shares of common stock had been issued in that transaction are as follows:
For the year ended December 31, 2013
|
For the year ended December 31, 2012
|
|||||||
Pro forma revenues
|
$
|
9,318,371
|
$
|
8,184,950
|
||||
Pro forma income (loss) from operations
|
(809,760
|
) |
(2,376,224
|
)
|
||||
Pro forma net income (loss)
|
(848,102
|
) |
(2,362,899
|
)
|
||||
Pro forma income (loss) per share
|
$
|
(0.18
|
) |
$
|
(0.73
|
)
|
||
Pro forma diluted income (loss) per share
|
$
|
(0.18
|
) |
$
|
(0.73
|
)
|
Pro forma data does not purport to be indicative of the results that would have been obtained had these events actually occurred and is not intended to be a projection of future results.
NOTE 4 - DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
During June 2012, the Company decided to discontinue its exploration and potential development of uranium and vanadium minerals business and prior periods have been restated in the Company’s subsequent consolidated financial statements and related footnotes to conform to this presentation. Additionally, in November 2012, the Company decided to discontinue its real estate business and intends to sell and dispose its remaining real estate holdings during fiscal 2013. The Company is now engaged solely in the acquisition of patents and patent rights and the monetization of those rights through both the prosecution and licensing of its own patent portfolios and the acquisition of additional patents or partnering with others in the enforcement of their patent rights.
The remaining assets and liabilities of discontinued operations are presented in the balance sheet under the caption “Assets and Liabilities of discontinued operation" and relates to the discontinued operations of both the uranium and vanadium minerals business and real estate business. The carrying amounts of the major classes of these assets and liabilities are summarized as follows:
MARATHON PATENT GROUP, INC.
(FORMERLY AMERICAN STRATEGIC MINERALS CORPORATION)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2013
December 31,
2013
|
December 31,
2012
|
|||||||
Assets:
|
||||||||
Deposits in real estate under contract
|
$ | - | $ | 82,145 | ||||
- | - | |||||||
Real estate held for sale
|
- | 1,035,570 | ||||||
Assets of discontinued operations
|
$ | - | $ | 1,117,715 | ||||
Liabilities:
|
||||||||
Accounts payables and accrued expenses
|
30,664 | 30,664 | ||||||
Liabilities of discontinued operations
|
$ | 30,664 | $ | 30,664 |
The following table indicates selected financial data of the Company’s discontinued operations of its uranium and vanadium minerals business and real estate business.
For the year ended December 31, 2013
|
For the year ended December 31, 2012
|
|||||||
Revenues – real estate
|
$
|
1,270,916
|
$
|
724,090
|
||||
Cost of sales – real estate
|
(1,064,320
|
)
|
(576,126
|
) | ||||
Gross profit
|
206,596
|
147,964
|
||||||
Operating and other non-operating expenses
|
(111,352
|
)
|
(1,558,635
|
) | ||||
Gain on sale of assets of discontinued operations
|
168,216
|
-
|
||||||
Income (loss) from discontinued operations
|
$
|
263,460
|
$
|
(1,410,671
|
)
|
Deposits
Deposits at December 31, 2013 and 2012 were $0 and $82,145, respectively, which consist of earnest money deposits in connection with real estate properties under contract and were included in assets of discontinued operations – current portion.
Real estate held for sale
Real estate held for sale consisted of residential properties located in Southern California. Real estate held for sale was initially recorded at the lower of cost or estimated fair market value less the estimated cost to sell. After acquisition, costs incurred relating to the development and improvements of property are capitalized to the extent they do not cause the recorded value to exceed the net realizable value, whereas costs relating to holding and disposition of the property are expensed as incurred. After acquisition, real estate held for sale was analyzed periodically for changes in fair values and any subsequent write down is charged to impairment losses on real estate properties. Whenever events or changes in circumstances suggest that the carrying amount may not be recoverable, management assessed the recoverability of its real estate by comparing the carrying amount with its fair value. The process involved in the determination of fair value requires estimates as to future events and market conditions. This estimation process may assume that the Company has the ability to dispose of its real estate properties in the ordinary course of business based on management’s present plans and intentions. If management determines that the carrying value of a specific real estate investment is impaired, a write-down is recorded as a charge to current period operations. The evaluation process was based on estimates and assumptions and the ultimate outcome may be different.
MARATHON PATENT GROUP, INC.
(FORMERLY AMERICAN STRATEGIC MINERALS CORPORATION)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2013
The Company determined that the carrying value of the remaining real estate properties does not exceed the net realizable value and thus did not consider it necessary to record any impairment charges of real estate held for sale at December 31, 2013. The Company sold all the remaining real estate properties generating gross profit of $206,596 during the year ended December 31, 2013, which is included in income (loss) from discontinued operations. As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, real estate held for sale, which includes capitalized improvements, were $0 and $1,035,570, respectively, and were included in assets of discontinued operations – long term.
NOTE 5 – INTANGIBLE ASSETS
Intangible assets include patents purchased and patents acquired in lieu of cash in licensing transactions. Patents purchased are recorded based at their acquisition cost and patents acquired in lieu of cash are recorded at their fair market value. Intangible assets consisted of the following:
December 31, 2013
|
December 31, 2012
|
Weighted average
amortization period
(years)
|
|||||||
Patents
|
$
|
7,204,937
|
$
|
500,925
|
3.78
|
||||
Less: accumulated amortization
|
(1,047,278
|
) |
(8,773
|
) | |||||
$
|
6,157,659
|
$
|
492,152
|
Intangible assets are comprised of patents with estimated useful lives between approximately 1 to 11 years. Once placed in service, the Company amortizes the costs of intangible assets over their estimated useful lives on a straight-line basis. Costs incurred to acquire patents, including legal costs, are also capitalized as long-lived assets and amortized on a straight-line basis with the associated patent. Amortization of patents is included as an operating expense as reflected in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. The Company assesses fair market value for any impairment to the carrying values. As of December 31, 2013 and 2012 management concluded that there was no impairment to the acquired assets.
Amortization expense for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 was $1,038,505 and $8,773, respectively. Future amortization of current intangible assets, net is as follows:
2014
|
$
|
1,719,105
|
||
2015
|
1,484,209
|
|||
2016
|
944,035
|
|||
2017
|
639,626
|
|||
2018
|
379,691
|
|||
2019 and thereafter
|
990,993
|
|||
Total
|
$
|
6,157,659
|
On April 16, 2013, the Company through its subsidiary, Relay IP, Inc. acquired a US patent for $350,000. On April 22, 2013, the Company acquired 10 US patents, 27 foreign patents and 1 patent pending from CyberFone Systems valued at $1,135,512 (see note 3). In September 2013, the Company acquired 14 US patents for a total purchase price of $1,100,000. On November 13, 2013, the Company acquired four patents for 150,000 shares of the Company’s common stock, which the Company valued at $718,500 based on the fair market value of the stock issued. On December 16, 2013, the Company acquired certain patents from Delphi Technologies, Inc. for $1,700,000 pursuant to a Patent Purchase Agreement entered into on October 31, 2013 and Amended on December 16, 2013.
MARATHON PATENT GROUP, INC.
(FORMERLY AMERICAN STRATEGIC MINERALS CORPORATION)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2013
In connection with a settlement and license agreement dated June 4, 2013, the Company agreed to settle and release a certain defendant for past and future use of the Company’s patents. The defendant agreed to assign and transfer 3 US patents and rights valued at $1,000,000 in lieu of an additional cash payment, which amount has been included in the Company’s revenue during the year ended December 31, 2013.
In connection with a settlement and license agreement dated December 22, 2013, the Company agreed to settle and release another defendant for past and future use of the Company’s patents, whereby the defendant agreed to assign and transfer 2 US patents and rights to the Company. The Company valued the two patents at an aggregate of $700,000 and included that amount in revenue during the year ended December 31, 2013.
NOTE 6 - STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
On December 7, 2011, the Company increased its authorized capital to 200,000,000 shares of common stock from 75,000,000 shares, changed the par value to $0.0001 per share from $.001 per share, and authorized new 50,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.0001 per share.
On June 24, 2013, the reverse stock split ratio of one (1) for thirteen (13) basis was approved by the Board of Directors. On July 18, 2013, the Company filed a certificate of amendment to its Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation with the Secretary of State of the State of Nevada in order to effectuate a reverse stock split of the Company’s issued and outstanding common stock, par value $0.0001 per share on a one (1) for thirteen (13) basis. All share and per share values for all periods presented in the accompanying consolidated financial statements are retroactively restated for the effect of the reverse stock split.
Common Stock
In April 2013, the Company sold an aggregate of 2,404 post-split (31,250 pre-split) units with gross proceeds to the Company of $25,000 to a certain accredited investor pursuant to a subscription agreement. Each unit was sold for a purchase price of $10.40 post-split ($0.80 pre-split) per unit and consists of: (i) two shares of the Company’s common stock (4,808 post-split common stock) and (ii) a five-year warrant to purchase an additional share of common stock (2,404 post- split warrants) at an exercise price of $7.80 post-split ($0.60 pre-split) per share, subject to adjustment upon the occurrence of certain events such as stock splits and dividends. The warrants may be exercised on a cashless basis.
On April 17, 2013, the Company executed a consulting agreement with a consultant pursuant to a 12 month consulting agreement for business advisory services. Pursuant to the terms of the agreement, the consultant shall receive a retainer of $5,000 per month. Additionally, the Company shall issue to the consultant 30,769 post-split (400,000 pre-split) shares of common stock of which 7,692 post-split (100,000 pre-split) shares vest immediately and the remaining 23,077 post-split (300,000 pre-split) shares will vest over a 12 month period. In June 2013, the Company issued 11,538 shares for services rendered and valued these common shares at the fair market value on the date of grant at approximately $5.03 per share or $58,000. In third quarter of 2013, the Company issued an aggregate of 5,769 shares of common stock in connection with this consulting agreement. The Company valued the shares at the fair market value on the date of grant at approximately $6.00 per share or $34,480.