HYDROGENICS CORP
F-1/A, EX-10.18, 2000-09-25
MOTORS & GENERATORS
Previous: HYDROGENICS CORP, F-1/A, EX-10.17, 2000-09-25
Next: HYDROGENICS CORP, F-1/A, EX-10.19, 2000-09-25



<PAGE>   1
                                                                   EXHIBIT 10.18

                  RESEARCH AGREEMENT FOR A COOPERATIVE PROJECT

     BETWEEN                       UNIVERSITE DU QUEBEC A TROIS-RIVIERES, a
                                   corporate body legally constituted,
                                   represented jointly by Mr. Gilles BEAUDRY,
                                   Dean of Advanced Studies & Research and
                                   Andre BROUSSEAU, Vice-Rector & Secretary
                                   General; duly mandated to this effect,
                                   hereinafter referred to as

                                                   THE UNIVERSITY

     AND                           HYDROGENICS CORPORATION, a corporate body
                                   legally constituted represented by Boyd
                                   TAYLOR duly mandated to this effect,
                                   hereinafter referred to as

                                                    THE COMPANY

     AND                           Dr. Tapan K. BOSE, Director of the Hydrogen
                                   Research Institute, Department of Physics,
                                   Faculty of Science and Engineering,
                                   Universite du Quebec a Trois-Rivieres,
                                   hereinafter identified in this agreement as

                                             THE PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

     PREAMBLE

     Whereas THE UNIVERSITY and THE COMPANY wish to jointly support a research
     project in hydrogen energy.

     Whereas THE COMPANY has received approval ( October 17, 1996 ) from the
     Department of Natural Resources Canada hereinafter referred to as the
5    CONTRIBUTOR, for a cost shared grant within the program designated as
     "Hydrogen Energy R&D", for a project designated as "Developmental
     Prototype of a Hybrid Power Source for Arctic Communications - Hydrogen
     Thermoelectric / Fuel Cell (HTEF) Generator".

     See Appendix IV - Signed copy of the Department of Natural Resources
10                     October 17, 1996 contribution agreement.

     See Appendix V - Copy of the contribution grant application submitted to
                      Department of Natural Resources, titled "Development
                      Prototype of a Hybrid Power Source for Arctic
                      Communications Hydrogen Thermoelectric / Fuel Cell (HTEF)
15                    Generator"
<PAGE>   2
                                                                    Page 2 of 19
                    Research Agreement Hydrogenics / Hydrogen Research Institute

     Therefore, the mentioned parties agree to the following:

     CLAUSE 1.- RESEARCH PROJECT

     THE COMPANY agrees to subsidise together with THE CONTRIBUTOR the research
     program proposed.

     THE UNIVERSITY shall execute itself, in Quebec for the benefit of THE
5    COMPANY and in compliance with the provision under CLAUSE 8. - COMMERCIAL
     EXPLOITATION RIGHTS, the work related to the project and appoints
     Professor Tapan K. BOSE, Director of the Hydrogen Research Institute,
     Department of Physics of the Faculty of Science and Engineering as THE
     PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR. The said research work described in Appendix I
10   will start after the signature of the present agreement.

     CLAUSE 2.- PROGRESS REPORTS

     THE UNIVERSITY and THE PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR agree to submit to THE
     COMPANY a copy of any scientific report that shall be produced within the
     context of the project or any other reports required by THE CONTRIBUTOR in
     compliance with the administrative rules of the grant.

     CLAUSE 3.- DURATION OF THE AGREEMENT

15   Notwithstanding the official signing date of this document, this
     agreement shall become effective the 1st day of October 1996. The
     research portion of the agreement, involving the services of THE
     UNIVERSITY, will run for a six month period ending March 31, 1997, as per
     the CONTRIBUTOR's contract. The Royalty agreement between THE COMPANY and
20   THE UNIVERSITY shall remain in effect until the earlier of the termination
     by notice in accordance with provisions of this Agreement, or until
     September 30, 2006, ten (10) years from the effective start date of the
     Agreement.

     CLAUSE 4.- BUDGET AND MODES OF PAYMENT

     THE COMPANY shall provide THE UNIVERSITY with a total sum of $ 30,542
     ( see appendix V for details of project cash flow ) in Canadian dollars.
25   THE UNIVERSITY shall invoice monthly on the first of each month the
     COMPANY for the work performed in the month preceding the invoice, and
     will include a report on the progress achieved in the period covered by the
     invoice. THE COMPANY will then invoice THE CONTRIBUTOR for both THE
     COMPANY'S and THE UNIVERSITY'S claimable work by the fifteenth of each
30   month. Upon receiving payment from THE CONTRIBUTOR on this invoicing, THE
     COMPANY will pay THE UNIVERSITY. This payment sequence will also apply to
     any end-of-contract holdbacks, typically 10%, that THE CONTRIBUTOR may
     impose on the project.

     If requested by the COMPANY, an expense account certified by the Head
35   Accountant of THE UNIVERSITY, or its representative, shall be supplied to
     THE COMPANY at the end of the agreement. It is understood that all
     documents

<PAGE>   3
                                                                    Page 3 of 19
                    Research Agreement Hydrogenics / Hydrogen Research Institute

     pertaining to the project related expenditures remain the property of THE
     UNIVERSITY; they may however be consulted as needed during THE UNIVERSITY's
     office hours.

     CLAUSE 5. - EQUIPMENT OWNERSHIP

     The prototype demonstrator or article resulting from this research
 5   project remain the property of the COMPANY. Equipment and/or materials
     purchased by the COMPANY for purposes relating to the project remain the
     property of the COMPANY. Similarly, equipment and/or materials purchased
     by the UNIVERSITY for purposes relating to the project remain the property
     of THE UNIVERSITY.

     CLAUSE 6. - EXCHANGE OF CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION

10   THE COMPANY and THE UNIVERSITY may participate in a co-operative exchange
     of confidential information in order to facilitate work relative to the
     project and this agreement. THE COMPANY and THE UNIVERSITY shall take all
     reasonable precautions to protect and prevent any inadvertent disclosure
     of this information, To this effect, access to confidential information
15   shall be limited to personnel of THE COMPANY or of THE UNIVERSITY on a
     "need-to-know" basis. Each party must also take proper precautions so as to
     prevent and protect the disclosure of information to any third party.

     All personnel (researchers, technicians, research professionals or others)
     with access to confidential information on the activities pertaining to the
20   execution of this project must sign a confidentiality agreement, a model of
     which being attached to this agreement (Appendix II).

     Unless under written authorisations, the conditions of this agreement,
     which relate to this project, are confidential.

     CLAUSE 7. - PUBLICATION AND PUBLICITY

     If the UNIVERSITY wishes to publish on or make publicity or advertising
25   on any part of the whole of the project, written approval to do so has to
     be obtained from the COMPANY.

     CLAUSE 8. - COMMERCIAL EXPLOITATION RIGHTS

     8.1.      Commercial exploitation of the results and the intellectual
               property

                 The results and the intellectual property include, but are not
                 restricted to, the patents, the technical information, the
                 know-how, the copyrights, the models, the patterns, the
                 drawings, the specifications, the prototypes, the inventions
30               improvements and/or discoveries developed within the context
                 of the said project and that are not public property.

                 This agreement specifically acknowledges that THE COMPANY is
                 and shall remain owner of all rights on intellectual property
                 and patents arising from the said research project.


<PAGE>   4
                                                                    Page 4 of 19
                    Research Agreement Hydrogenics / Hydrogen Research Institute

                THE COMPANY reserves the right of first refusal for the
                commercial exploitation of the results and the intellectual
                property specific to this research agreement.

                However, in recognition of the UNIVERSITY's work, THE COMPANY
 5              agrees to grant 4% of the total sales generated by the product,
                a Hybrid Power Source for Arctic Communications, which a second
                prototype was developed under this project, as stipulated in the
                terms and conditions of commercial exploitation of Appendix II.

       The amount paid to the UNIVERSITY is separate to the 2% of revenue
       payable to the THE CONTRIBUTOR( See Appendix IV; Department of Natural
       Resources Contribution Agreement , Item # 6.).

       8.2.   Patents

                THE UNIVERSITY, THE COMPANY and THE PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
10              accept with the agreement herein to act promptly in the
                preparation, filing and prosecution of any new patent
                applications and, if necessary, to all actions relative to
                counterfeiting. Additionally, THE UNIVERSITY and THE PRINCIPAL
                INVESTIGATOR agree to act promptly in the signing of all
                documents required to proceed with the preparation and the
15              filing of patent applications.

                The parties agree to keep each other informed of any possible
                developments arising from the research. Notwithstanding the
                preceding, THE COMPANY has a right of final decision in the
                matter of patent applications, filing and protection when
20              assuming financial responsibility.

                This agreement does not grant any rights to Intellectual
                Property produced or obtained by a Party independently of the
                Project before or after the Project starts. If a Party needs
                such Intellectual Property to perform work in the course of the
25              Project, a license for that limited purpose is granted by this
                agreement and terminates at the end of the Project, but any
                other license must be negotiated.

                For the purpose of this Agreement, "Intellectual Property" is
                defined as all rights to inventions, patents, copyright
                material, trade secrets, and proprietary information. "Arising
30              Intellectual Property" is Intellectual Property that is
                developed in the Project. "Commercial Exploitation" is to use,
                reproduce, and modify Intellectual Property, and to manufacture,
                use, and sell articles embodying or made by use of Intellectual
                Property.

       8.3.   Use and disclosure of the results and the intellectual property by
              THE UNIVERSITY and THE PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

                THE COMPANY recognizes the role of THE UNIVERSITY in teaching,
                training and research. With respect to such role, and inasmuch
35              as adequate measures of protection have been taken, THE
                UNIVERSITY shall be allowed to use the results and the
                intellectual property as a tool for teaching, research and
                publications within the normal context of diffusion of
                knowledge, this including the publication of master and doctoral
                thesis

40              For its part, THE UNIVERSITY understands that the disclosure of
                technical information could cause the loss of a commercial value
                on any


<PAGE>   5
                                                                    Page 5 of 19
                    Research Agreement Hydrogenics / Hydrogen Research Institute

                product hereof and/or the research. For this reason, THE
                UNIVERSITY shall inform THE COMPANY of any expected disclosure
                of information pertaining to this project by submitting a copy
                of the text(s) at least forty-five (45) days before the
 5              submission of publication of articles, abstracts, and/or
                conference proceedings. If THE COMPANY does not oppose to such
                disclosure in writing within thirty (30) days following receipt
                of the text(s), THE UNIVERSITY may disclose the information. In
                the event of opposition by THE COMPANY, the reasons for such
                opposition must be expressed in writing and both parties will
10              cooperate to find additional measures to protect and/or prevent
                such a disclosure that would result in loss of commercial value
                for the data. In the event of an unsolved conflict between the
                parties, the COMPANIES decision will be deemed as final.


       CLAUSE 9.- MODIFICATIONS TO THE AGREEMENT

       The written consent of both parties is required to do any change and/or
15     modification or to cancel any condition or terms of this agreement.

       CLAUSE 10.- CIRCUMSTANCES BEYOND CONTROL

       No party may be held responsible to the other party for any defect or
       delay in the execution of the program causes by circumstances beyond
       their control including, but not limited to, natural disasters, fires,
       work strikes, or any governmental measures, the latter including
20     intervention by the Quebec or Ontario Securities Commission.

       CLAUSE 11. - INTEGRALITY OF THE AGREEMENT

       This agreement, including the appendices, constitutes the contract in its
       entirety between the parties and replaces any prior agreements,
       contracts, propositions, representations, negotiation, or oral or written
       agreements previously entered into by the parties hereto. The agreement
       may only be subsequently altered or modified by an instrument in writing,
25     signed by the parties, which expressly states the intention of affecting
       this Agreement.

       In the case of inconsistency between the statement of work and
       deliverables and the rest of this agreement, the rest of this agreement
       prevails. No forbearance by a Party implies any broader, continuing, or
30     future forbearance. If a court finds part of this agreement invalid, the
       remainder is valid in accordance with its most reasonable interpretation.
       This agreement does not create a relationship of agency, employment,
       partnership or joint venture.


       CLAUSE 12. - ANNULMENT

       In the event of default, one of the hereto mentioned parties may
       terminate this agreement with a ninety (90)-day written notice to the
       other party. If the party in default refuses or neglects to correct its
35     inadequacies, the annulment shall be effective at the expiration or the
       ninety (90)-day limit.


<PAGE>   6
                                                                    Page 6 of 19
                    Research Agreement Hydrogenics / Hydrogen Research Institute

       CLAUSE 13. - ANNULMENT FOR OTHER REASONS

       Notwithstanding the arrangements of CLAUSE 12. - ANNULMENT, either of the
       parties may withdraw from this agreement if one of the following
       conditions exists:

       a)     the Hydrogen Research Institute ceases to exist.

       b)     the CONTRIBUTOR terminates his contribution to the project.

 5     c)     THE UNIVERSITY is no longer able to realize or meet the objectives
       of the project.

       In the event that this clause is applied, a party must give a ninety
       (90)-day written notice to the other party in order to allow sufficient
       time to discuss the best possible course of action in invalidating this
10     project and to protect the results acquired to date.

       CLAUSE 14. - NOTICE

       All written communication between the parties in accordance with this
       agreement shall be addressed as follows:

        For THE COMPANY         Mr. Boyd TAYLOR
                                Director
                                Hydrogenics Corporation
                                180 Geary Avenue
                                Toronto, ON
                                Canada M6H 2B9

        For THE UNIVERSITY:     Professor T. K. BOSE
                                Director
                                Hydrogen Research Institute
                                Universite du Quebec a Trois-Rivieres
                                (UQTR)
                                3351 boulevard des Forges, C.P.500
                                Trois-Rivieres, QC
                                CANADA G9A 5H7

       Any change of address by one of the parties must be communicated to the
15     other party by registered mail.

       All written communication sent by one party to the other shall be
       considered valid and in accordance with this agreement it delivered in
       one of the following manners: acknowledged, registered or personal
       delivery.


       CLAUSE 15. - JURIDICAL RELATIONS

       It is understood and agreed that nothing in the present agreement shall
20     be interpreted as constituting a relation of mandatory agent between THE
       COMPANY and THE UNIVERSITY.
<PAGE>   7
                                                                    Page 7 of 19

                    Research Agreement Hydrogenics / Hydrogen Research Institute

              CLAUSE 16. - UPHOLDING OF THE AGREEMENT

              Any clause found to be illegal shall not result in cancellation of
              this agreement and the remainder of this agreement shall continue
              with complete authority.

              CLAUSE 17. - ARBITRATION

              The parties agree to negotiate all disputes arising from this
              Agreement in good faith after receiving written notification of
       5      the existence of a dispute from any party.


              If a dispute arising out of this Agreement cannot be settled
              amicably through negotiation, then the parties agree that either
              party may submit the dispute to mediation as administered by the
              Arbitration and Mediation Institute of Canada Inc. upon written
              notice to the other party. The cost of mediation shall be bourne
       10     equally by the parties. See Appendix IV Clause 23 for a similar
              arrangement between THE COMPANY and THE CONTRIBUTOR.


              CLAUSE 18. - APPLICABLE LAWS

              This agreement shall be interpreted according to the Laws in
              effect in the Province of Quebec.


              CLAUSE 19. - INTERVENTION

              Intervening in this agreement is Dr. Tapan K. BOSE, PRINCIPAL
       15     INVESTIGATOR, who has read this agreement and, having done so,
              accepts all the terms and conditions in so much as he is concerned
              and bound by such, agrees to inform all the members of his
              research group at THE UNIVERSITY of their obligations in virtue to
              this agreement.

              CLAUSE 20. - WAIVER

              A failure by any of the parties to assert rights arising from any
       20     breach or default of this Agreement or an acceptance of payments
              shall not be regarded as a waiver of rights. No waiver or
              toleration implies any continuing or future waiver of rights.


              CLAUSE 21.- LANGUAGE

              The parties have expressly agreed that this agreement be drawn up
              in English. Les parties aux presentes ont expressement requis que
              la presente entente soit redigee en anglais.



<PAGE>   8

                                                                    Page 8 of 19

                    Research Agreement Hydrogenics / Hydrogen Research Institute


              IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this agreement has been executed and duly
              authorised by representatives of the parties:

                     FOR THE UNIVERSITY                 FOR THE COMPANY

                      /s/ GILLES BEAUDRY                /s/ BOYD TAYLOR
                ------------------------------      -----------------------
                       GILLES BEAUDRY                   BOYD TAYLOR
                DEAN ADVANCED STUDIES & RESEARCH    PRINCIPAL AND DIRECTOR





                                                            [SIG]
                ------------------------------      -----------------------
                        WITNESS                            WITNESS



            /S/ ANDRE BROUSSEAU 1996, 11, 25
            ----------------------------------               {SEAL}
               ANDRE BROUSSEAU VICE-RECTOR &
                   SECRETARY GENERAL



                ------------------------------
                          WITNESS



                                FOR THE PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

                                        /S/ TAPAN K. BOSE
                                 ------------------------------
                                        TAPAN K. BOSE
                                           DIRECTOR
                                 HYDROGEN RESEARCH INSTITUTE


                                           [SIG]
                               ------------------------------
                                          WITNESS
<PAGE>   9


                                                                    Page 9 of l9

          Research Agreement Hydrogenics / Hydrogen Research Institute




                                    APPENDIX




       Appendix I   List of Deliverables from THE UNIVERSITY to THE COMPANY



       Appendix II  Confidentiality Agreements

                    IIa Principal Investigator - Professor T.K. Bose

                    IIb Scientist - Dr. R. Gopal



       Appendix III Licensing Conditions





       Appendix IV  Signed copy of the Department of Natural Resources October
                    17, 1996 contribution agreement



       Appendix  V  Copy of the contribution grant application submitted to
                    Department of Natural Resources, titled "Development
                    Prototype of a Hybrid Power Source for Arctic Communications
                    Hydrogen / Thermoelectric / Fuel Cell (HTEF) Generator"

<PAGE>   10


                                                                   Page 10 of 19

                    Research Agreement Hydrogenics / Hydrogen Research Institute





                                   APPENDIX I




              LIST OF DELIVERABLES FROM THE UNIVERSITY TO THE COMPANY




              By the end of the HTEF contract, the Hydrogen Research
              Institute should have delivered to Hydrogenics the
              following products and services:


       5      1. Acceptance certification of hydrogen sub-components and
                 hydrogen storage before incorporation into the HTEF;

              2. Collaboration in the design and assembly;

              3. Control and data acquisition of the system;

              4. Functional testing and proofing of the assembled HTEF;

       10     5. Any other task required to achieve the objectives of the
                 enclosed R&D proposal.



<PAGE>   11

                                                                   Page 11 of 19

          Research Agreement Hydrogenics / Hydrogen Research Institute





                                  APPENDIX II




                           CONFIDENTIALITY AGREEMENTS

              A.     Principal Investigator - Dr. T.K. Bose

              B.     Scientist - Dr. R. Gopal
<PAGE>   12
                                                                   Page 12 of 19
                    Research Agreement Hydrogenics / Hydrogen Research Institute




                         APPENDIX II A

                 CONFIDENTIALITY AGREEMENT

      The present agreement has intervened between Dr. T.K. Bose, hereinafter
      referred to as "THE DEPOSITORY" and Hydrogenics Corporation hereinafter
      referred to as "THE OWNER".

      Whereas THE DEPOSITORY and THE OWNER wish to exchange information relating
5     to a hybrid thermoelectric/fuel cell generator for Arctic communications.


      And whereas THE OWNER wishes to disclose to THE DEPOSITORY a given
      information relating to the present agreement that THE OWNER considers
      exclusive and confidential.

      THE PARTIES HAVE AGREED TO THE FOLLOWING:

10    1.   For a period of seven (7) years from the signing of this agreement,
           THE DEPOSITORY must by all possible means prevent the disclosure to a
           third party of confidential information obtained from THE OWNER
           pertaining to the aforementioned object, unless dispositions to the
           contrary as hereinafter described, and should then take the same
15         precautions as for his own exclusive and confidential information.



      2.   All confidential information sent by a party to another will be
           considered confidential unless clearly identified as
           non-confidential.

      3.   Any report or document resulting from this exchange of information
           between the parties must follow the same rules, with respect to
20         confidentiality as the ones applied to the exchange of information
           between the parties.

      4.   The confidential information shall include but not be limited to the
           financial and strategic aspects of the activities undertaken by the
           parties heretofore described in this agreement and/or to the
           technical information for which both parties acknowledge a
           commercial value.

25    5.   However, any portion of information shall not be considered
           CONFIDENTIAL and THE DEPOSITORY shall have no obligation relative to
           it if:

                   a)      its dissemination has been approved in writing by THE
                           DEPOSITORY

30                 b)      it becomes public knowledge by means of publication,
                           inspection of the product or otherwise, and without
                           any wrongdoing by THE DEPOSITORY.

      6.   All written data made by THE OWNER or THE DEPOSITORY by virtue of
           this agreement are and shall remain THE OWNER's property and all
35         these written data or copies thereof must be promptly returned to THE
           OWNER or destroyed upon written request.

      7.   Information disclosed verbally or without markings of confidentiality
           is temporarily presumed to be confidential if there are indications
           that it might be confidential.

<PAGE>   13



                                                                   Page 13 of 19
                    Research Agreement Hydrogenics / Hydrogen Research Institute

      8.   This agreement shall not be interpreted as granting or conferring any
           rights by means of license expressly, implicitly or otherwise for any
           invention, discovery, improvement conceived or rendered usable
           before or after the signing of this agreement.


5     9.   The parties shall not be held liable by any clause or element of this
           agreement to develop or market a product and/or program as a result
           of this agreement, nor shall parties be restricted in their efforts
           to improve their existing product and systems or to conceive and
           develop new products and systems.

      Moreover, the participation in the exchange of information in virtue of
10    this agreement shall not constitute or imply a commitment by one of the
      parties to endorse or recommend a product or service supplied by the other
      party.

      IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have agreed that this agreement
      shall come into force on 1 October 1996.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
         THE DEPOSITORY                                      THE OWNER
  <S>                                              <C>
        /s/ TAPAN K. BOSE                                   /s/ BOYD TAYLOR
   --------------------------------                   ---------------------------
         TAPAN K. BOSE                                      BOYD TAYLOR
            Director                                   Principal and Director
    Hydrogen Research Institute                       Hydrogenics Corporation

  Universite du Quebec a Trois-Rivieres                      180 Geary Avenue
  (UQTR)                                                     Toronto, ON
  3351 boulevard des Forges, C.P.500                         Canada M6H 2B9
  Trois-Rivieres, QC
  CANADA G9A 5H7
</TABLE>


  [UNIVERSITE  DU QUEBEC A TROIS-RIVIERES STAMP]

<PAGE>   14



                                                                   Page 14 of 19
                    Research Agreement Hydrogenics / Hydrogen Research Institute


                                  APPENDIX II B

                            CONFIDENTIALITY AGREEMENT


      The present agreement has intervened between Dr. Ravi Gopal, hereinafter
      referred to as "THE DEPOSITORY" and Hydrogenics Corporation hereinafter
      referred to as "THE OWNER".

5     Whereas THE DEPOSITORY and THE OWNER wish to exchange information relating
      to a hybrid thermoelectric / fuel cell generator for Arctic
      communications.

      And whereas THE OWNER wishes to disclose to THE DEPOSITORY a
      given information relating to the present agreement that THE
      OWNER considers exclusive and confidential.

10    THE PARTIES HAVE AGREED TO THE FOLLOWING:

      1.   For a period of seven (7) years from the signing of this agreement,
           THE DEPOSITORY must by all possible means prevent the disclosure to
           a third party of confidential information obtained from THE OWNER
           pertaining to the aforementioned object, unless dispositions to the
15         contrary as hereinafter described, and should then take the same
           precautions as for his own exclusive and confidential information.

      2.   All confidential information sent by a party to another will be
           considered confidential unless clearly identified as
           non-confidential.

      3.   Any report or document resulting from this exchange of information
           between the parties must follow the same rules, with respect to
20         confidentiality as the ones applied to the exchange of information
           between the parties.

      4.   The confidential information shall include but not be limited to the
           financial and strategic aspects of the activities undertaken by the
           parties heretofore described in this agreement and/or to the
           technical information for which both parties acknowledge a
25         commercial value.

      5.   However, any portion of information shall not be considered
           CONFIDENTIAL and THE DEPOSITORY shall have no obligation relative to
           it if:

                    a)      its dissemination has been approved in writing by
30                          THE DEPOSITORY


                    b)      it becomes public knowledge by means of publication,
                            inspection of the product or otherwise, and without
                            any wrongdoing by THE DEPOSITORY.


      6.   All written data made by THE OWNER or THE DEPOSITORY by virtue of
           this agreement are and shall remain THE OWNER's property and all
35         these written data or copies thereof must be promptly returned to
           THE OWNER or destroyed upon written request.

      7.   Information disclosed verbally or without markings of confidentiality
           is temporarily presumed to be confidential if there are indications
40         that it might be confidential.



<PAGE>   15





                                                                   Page 15 of 19
                    Research Agreement Hydrogenics / Hydrogen Research Institute

      8.   This agreement shall not be interpreted as granting or conferring any
           rights by means of license expressly, implicitly or otherwise for any
           invention, discovery, improvement conceived or rendered usable before
           or after the signing of this agreement.

5     9.   The parties shall not be held liable by any clause or element of this
           agreement to develop or market a product and/or program as a result
           of this agreement, nor shall parties be restricted in their efforts
           to improve their existing product and systems or to conceive and
           develop new products and systems.

      Moreover, the participation in the exchange of information in virtue of
10    this agreement shall not constitute or imply a commitment by one of the
      parties to endorse or recommend a  product or service supplied by the
      other party.

      IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have agreed that this agreement
      shall come into force on 1 October 1996.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                  THE DEPOSITORY                                  THE OWNER

         <S>                                          <C>
                   /s/RAVI GOPAL                                /s/ BOYD TAYLOR
              ------------------------------            --------------------------
                    RAVI GOPAL                                   BOYD TAYLOR
                    Scientist                              Principal and Director
              Hydrogen Research Institute                 Hydrogenics Corporation


         Universite du Quebec a Trois-Rivieres                  180 Geary Avenue
         (UQTR)                                                 Toronto, ON
         3351 boulevard des Forges, C.P.500                     Canada M6H 2B9
         Trois-Rivieres, QC
         CANADA G9A 5H7
</TABLE>


        [UNIVERSITE DU QUEBEC A TROIS-RIVIERES STAMP]






<PAGE>   16
                                                                 Page 16 of 19
                  Research Agreement Hydrogenics / Hydrogen Research Institute



                                  APPENDIX II

                     ROYALTIES AND COMMERCIAL EXPLOITATION
                     -------------------------------------
                              TERMS AND CONDITIONS

              Guidelines relative to the terms and conditions prevailing for the
              commercial exploitation and royalties arising from the research
              project "Developmental Prototype of a Hybrid Power Source for
              Arctic Communications - Hydrogen Thermoelectric / Fuel Cell
          5   (HTEF) Generator".


              1. PRODUCTS

              The products for which THE UNIVERSITY agrees to a right of first
              refusal to THE COMPANY are:

                             a) the results arising from this PROJECT, whether
                                patentable or not.

                             b) any product or process which could be the result
          10                    of an invention arising form this PROJECT and
                                which could be protected under the Patent Laws
                                of Canada or elsewhere.

                             c) any article, kit, equipment, system, unit, or
                                any product or its component part that results
                                from the use of the Project's technology.


              2. TERMS OF COMMERCIAL EXPLOITATION

              THE UNIVERSITY recognises the COMPANY's exclusive ownership of the
          15  research project's intellectual property, and cannot therefore
              grant to a third party a license to exploit the technology arising
              from the project without the COMPANY's written approval.


              3. LICENSING

              THE COMPANY has the right to grant one or more sub-licenses to
              third parties.


              4. IMPROVEMENT

              THE UNIVERSITY shall have the right to modify the product(s) for
          20  possible improvement(s). However, THE UNIVERSITY shall communicate
              to THE COMPANY the improvement(s) so as adequate measures of
              protection may be taken. Any improvement shall be part of the
              terms and conditions for commercial exploitation.


<PAGE>   17

                                                                 Page 17 of 19
                  Research Agreement Hydrogenics / Hydrogen Research Institute

              5. DURATION OF THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS

              The Royalty agreement between THE COMPANY and THE UNIVERSITY shall
              remain in effect until the earlier of the termination by notice in
              accordance with provisions of this Agreement, or until September
              30, 2006, ten (10) years from the effective start date of the
              Agreement.


              6. ROYALTIES

                 6.1     Rights To Royalties
                         -------------------

          5              The royalties payable to the UNIVERSITY are based
                         upon the net sales price of each commercial item
                         sold by the COMPANY or by one of its sub-licensees.
                         The net sales price is defined at Article 7 of this
                         Appendix.

                 6.2     Application of the Royalties
                         ----------------------------

                         The percentage of the royalties set by virtue of
                         the aforementioned provisions shall apply to the
          10             net sales price of items sold by the COMPANY. It
                         will not apply to other products developed by the
                         COMPANY under other research contracts or
                         otherwise.

                 6.3     Value of the Royalties
                         ----------------------

                         The sale of the product resulting from the project
                         will carry a royalty of 4% of net sales price as
          15             per CLAUSE 3.- DURATION OF THE AGREEMENT

                 6.4     Use of the Royalties
                         --------------------

                         Royalties will be dispensed in the form of Research
                         and Development grants awarded to the UNIVERSITY's
                         Hydrogen Research Institute. Such grants may
                         represent the COMPANY's in-kind contribution to
                         larger "matching grant" projects, or may be the
          20             integral contribution to a project that the
                         UNIVERSITY would exercise on behalf of the COMPANY.
                         However, if in a given year the royalties amount to
                         less than $5,000, such royalties will be disbursed
                         as a lump sum payment to the UNIVERSITY, as opposed
                         to a Research and Development Grant.


              7. NET SALES PRICE OF EACH AND EVERY ITEM SOLD

              The gross sales price is defined as the sales price charged or
          25  billed to the first purchaser. The net sales price, for the
              calculation for royalties, shall be the gross sales price for each
              item minus the share of the agent, direct and indirect taxes and
              custom duties, and other fees applicable to the product, trade or
              quantity discounts actually allowed and taken in such amounts as
              are customary in the trade, amounts repaid or credited by reason
          30  of timely rejections or returns, in accordance with the rules
              and regulations in effect in the countries and territories of
              sales.

              A sale exists only if payment is received, and is considered
              cancelled if money received is refunded.
<PAGE>   18

                                                                 Page 18 of 19
                  Research Agreement Hydrogenics / Hydrogen Research Institute





                                  APPENDIX IV






              SIGNED COPY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES OCTOBER 17,
              1996 CONTRIBUTION AGREEMENT
<PAGE>   19



                                                                 Page 19 of 19
                  Research Agreement Hydrogenics / Hydrogen Research Institute




                                   APPENDIX V






              COPY OF THE CONTRIBUTION GRANT APPLICATION SUBMITTED TO DEPARTMENT
              OF NATURAL RESOURCES, TITLED "DEVELOPMENT PROTOTYPE OF A HYBRID
              POWER SOURCE FOR ARCTIC COMMUNICATIONS HYDROGEN
              THERMOELECTRIC/FUEL CELL (HTEF) GENERATOR"


© 2022 IncJournal is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission