<PAGE>
Exhibit 4.3
RAMBUS INC.
1999 NONSTATUTORY STOCK OPTION PLAN
1. Purposes of the Plan. The purposes of this Stock Plan are:
--------------------
. to attract and retain the best available personnel for positions of
substantial responsibility,
. to provide additional incentive to Employees and Consultants, and
. to promote the success of the Company's business.
Options granted under the Plan will be Nonstatutory Stock Options.
2. Definitions. As used herein, the following definitions shall apply:
-----------
(a) "Administrator" means the Board or any of its Committees as shall be
-------------
administering the Plan, in accordance with Section 4 of the Plan.
(b) "Applicable Laws" means the requirements relating to the
---------------
administration of stock option plans under U. S. state corporate laws, U.S.
federal and state securities laws, the Code, any stock exchange or quotation
system on which the Common Stock is listed or quoted and the applicable laws of
any foreign country or jurisdiction where Options are, or will be, granted under
the Plan.
(c) "Board" means the Board of Directors of the Company.
-----
(d) "Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
----
(e) "Committee" means a committee of Directors appointed by the Board
---------
in accordance with Section 4 of the Plan.
(f) "Common Stock" means the common stock of the Company.
------------
(g) "Company" means Rambus Inc., a Delaware corporation.
-------
(h) "Consultant" means any person, including an advisor, engaged by the
----------
Company or a Parent or Subsidiary to render services to such entity.
-1-
<PAGE>
(i) "Director" means a member of the Board.
--------
(j) "Disability" means total and permanent disability as defined in
----------
Section 22(e)(3) of the Code.
(k) "Employee" means any person, including Officers and Directors,
--------
employed by the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary of the Company. A Service
Provider shall not cease to be an Employee in the case of (i) any leave of
absence approved by the Company or (ii) transfers between locations of the
Company or between the Company, its Parent, any Subsidiary, or any successor.
(l) "Exchange Act" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
------------
amended.
(m) "Fair Market Value" means, as of any date, the value of Common Stock
-----------------
determined as follows:
(i) If the Common Stock is listed on any established stock exchange
or a national market system, including without limitation the Nasdaq National
Market or The Nasdaq SmallCap Market of The Nasdaq Stock Market, its Fair Market
Value shall be the closing sales price for such stock (or the closing bid, if no
sales were reported) as quoted on such exchange or system for the last market
trading day prior to the time of determination, as reported in The Wall Street
Journal or such other source as the Administrator deems reliable;
(ii) If the Common Stock is regularly quoted by a recognized
securities dealer but selling prices are not reported, the Fair Market Value of
a Share of Common Stock shall be the mean between the high bid and low asked
prices for the Common Stock on the last market trading day prior to the day of
determination, as reported in The Wall Street Journal or such other source as
the Administrator deems reliable; or
(iii) In the absence of an established market for the Common Stock,
the Fair Market Value shall be determined in good faith by the Administrator.
(n) "Notice of Grant" means a written or electronic notice evidencing
---------------
certain terms and conditions of an individual Option grant. The Notice of Grant
is part of the Option Agreement.
(o) "Officer" means a person who is an officer of the Company within the
-------
meaning of Section 16 of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations
promulgated thereunder.
(p) "Option" means a nonstatutory stock option granted pursuant to the
------
Plan, that is not intended to qualify as an incentive stock option within the
meaning of Section 422 of the Code and the regulations promulgated thereunder.
-2-
<PAGE>
(q) "Option Agreement" means an agreement between the Company and an
----------------
Optionee evidencing the terms and conditions of an individual Option grant. The
Option Agreement is subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan.
(r) "Option Exchange Program" means a program whereby outstanding
-----------------------
Options are surrendered in exchange for Options with a lower exercise price.
(s) "Optioned Stock" means the Common Stock subject to an Option.
--------------
(t) "Optionee" means the holder of an outstanding Option granted under
--------
the Plan.
(u) "Parent" means a "parent corporation," whether now or hereafter
------
existing, as defined in Section 424(e) of the Code.
(v) "Plan" means this 1999 Nonstatutory Stock Option Plan.
----
(w) "Service Provider" means an Employee including an Officer, Director
----------------
or Consultant.
(x) "Share" means a share of the Common Stock, as adjusted in accordance
-----
with Section 12 of the Plan.
(y) "Subsidiary" means a "subsidiary corporation", whether now or
----------
hereafter existing, as defined in Section 424(f) of the Code.
3. Stock Subject to the Plan. Subject to the provisions of Section 12 of
-------------------------
the Plan, the maximum aggregate number of Shares which may be optioned and sold
under the Plan is 1,700,000 Shares. The Shares may be authorized, but unissued,
or reacquired Common Stock.
If an Option expires or becomes unexercisable without having been
exercised in full, or is surrendered pursuant to an Option Exchange Program, the
unpurchased Shares which were subject thereto shall become available for future
grant or sale under the Plan (unless the Plan has terminated); provided,
--------
however, that Shares that have actually been issued under the Plan, upon
exercise of an Option, shall not be returned to the Plan and shall not become
available for future distribution under the Plan.
4. Administration of the Plan.
--------------------------
(a) Administration. The Plan shall be administered by (A) the Board or
--------------
(B) a Committee, which committee shall be constituted to satisfy Applicable
Laws.
-3-
<PAGE>
(b) Powers of the Administrator. Subject to the provisions of the Plan,
---------------------------
and in the case of a Committee, subject to the specific duties delegated by the
Board to such Committee, the Administrator shall have the authority, in its
discretion:
(i) to determine the Fair Market Value;
(ii) to select the Service Providers to whom Options may be granted
hereunder;
(iii) to determine the number of shares of Common Stock to be
covered by each Option granted hereunder;
(iv) to approve forms of agreement for use under the Plan;
(v) to determine the terms and conditions, not inconsistent with the
terms of the Plan, of any Option granted hereunder. Such terms and conditions
include, but are not limited to, the exercise price, the time or times when
Options may be exercised (which may be based on performance criteria), any
vesting acceleration or waiver of forfeiture restrictions, and any restriction
or limitation regarding any Option of the shares of Common Stock relating
thereto, based in each case on such factors as the Administrator, in its sole
discretion, shall determine;
(vi) to reduce the exercise price of any Option to the then current
Fair Market Value if the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock covered by such
Option shall have declined since the date the Option was granted;
(vii) to institute an Option Exchange Program;
(viii) to construe and interpret the terms of the Plan and awards
granted pursuant to the Plan;
(ix) to prescribe, amend and rescind rules and regulations relating
to the Plan, including rules and regulations relating to sub-plans established
for the purpose of qualifying for preferred tax treatment under foreign tax
laws;
(x) to modify or amend each Option (subject to Section 14(b) of the
Plan), including the discretionary authority to extend the post-termination
exercisability period of Options longer than is otherwise provided for in the
Plan;
(xi) to allow Optionees to satisfy withholding tax obligations by
electing to have the Company withhold from the Shares to be issued upon exercise
of an Option that number of Shares having a Fair Market Value equal to the
amount required to be withheld. The Fair Market Value of the Shares to be
withheld shall be determined on the date that the amount of tax to be withheld
is to be determined. All elections by an Optionee to have Shares withheld for
this purpose
-4-
<PAGE>
shall be made in such form and under such conditions as the Administrator may
deem necessary or advisable;
(xii) to authorize any person to execute on behalf of the Company
any instrument required to effect the grant of an Option previously granted by
the Administrator;
(xiii) to make all other determinations deemed necessary or
advisable for administering the Plan.
(c) Effect of Administrator's Decision. The Administrator's decisions,
----------------------------------
determinations and interpretations shall be final and binding on all Optionees
and any other holders of Options.
5. Eligibility. Options may be granted to Service Providers; provided,
-----------
however, that notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in the Plan,
Options may not be granted to Officers and Directors.
6. Limitation. Neither the Plan nor any Option shall confer upon an
----------
Optionee any right with respect to continuing the Optionee's relationship as a
Service Provider with the Company, nor shall they interfere in any way with the
Optionee's right or the Company's right to terminate such relationship at any
time, with or without cause.
7. Term of Plan. The Plan shall become effective upon its adoption by the
------------
Board. It shall continue in effect for a term of ten (10) years unless
terminated earlier under Section 14 of the Plan.
8. Term of Option. The term of each Option shall be stated in the Option
--------------
Agreement.
9. Option Exercise Price and Consideration.
---------------------------------------
(a) Exercise Price. The per share exercise price for the Shares to be
--------------
issued pursuant to exercise of an Option shall be determined by the
Administrator.
(b) Waiting Period and Exercise Dates. At the time an Option is
---------------------------------
granted, the Administrator shall fix the period within which the Option may be
exercised and shall determine any conditions which must be satisfied before the
Option may be exercised.
(c) Form of Consideration. The Administrator shall determine the
---------------------
acceptable form of consideration for exercising an Option, including the method
of payment. Such consideration may consist entirely of:
(i) cash;
(ii) check;
-5-
<PAGE>
(iii) promissory note;
(iv) other Shares which (A) in the case of Shares acquired upon
exercise of an option, have been owned by the Optionee for more than six months
on the date of surrender, and (B) have a Fair Market Value on the date of
surrender equal to the aggregate exercise price of the Shares as to which said
Option shall be exercised;
(v) consideration received by the Company under a cashless exercise
program implemented by the Company in connection with the Plan;
(vi) a reduction in the amount of any Company liability to the
Optionee, including any liability attributable to the Optionee's participation
in any Company-sponsored deferred compensation program or arrangement;
(vii) any combination of the foregoing methods of payment; or
(viii) such other consideration and method of payment for the
issuance of Shares to the extent permitted by Applicable Laws.
10. Exercise of Option.
------------------
(a) Procedure for Exercise; Rights as a Stockholder. Any Option granted
-----------------------------------------------
hereunder shall be exercisable according to the terms of the Plan and at such
times and under such conditions as determined by the Administrator and set forth
in the Option Agreement. Unless the Administrator provides otherwise, vesting
of Options granted hereunder shall be tolled during any unpaid leave of absence.
An Option may not be exercised for a fraction of a Share.
An Option shall be deemed exercised when the Company receives: (i)
written or electronic notice of exercise (in accordance with the Option
Agreement) from the person entitled to exercise the Option, and (ii) full
payment for the Shares with respect to which the Option is exercised. Full
payment may consist of any consideration and method of payment authorized by the
Administrator and permitted by the Option Agreement and the Plan. Shares issued
upon exercise of an Option shall be issued in the name of the Optionee or, if
requested by the Optionee, in the name of the Optionee and his or her spouse.
Until the Shares are issued (as evidenced by the appropriate entry on the books
of the Company or of a duly authorized transfer agent of the Company), no right
to vote or receive dividends or any other rights as a stockholder shall exist
with respect to the Optioned Stock, notwithstanding the exercise of the Option.
The Company shall issue (or cause to be issued) such Shares promptly after the
Option is exercised. No adjustment will be made for a dividend or other right
for which the record date is prior to the date the Shares are issued, except as
provided in Section 12 of the Plan.
-6-
<PAGE>
Exercising an Option in any manner shall decrease the number of
Shares thereafter available, both for purposes of the Plan and for sale under
the Option, by the number of Shares as to which the Option is exercised.
(b) Termination of Relationship as a Service Provider. If an Optionee
-------------------------------------------------
ceases to be a Service Provider, other than upon the Optionee's death or
Disability, the Optionee may exercise his or her Option within such period of
time as is specified in the Option Agreement to the extent that the Option is
vested on the date of termination (but in no event later than the expiration of
the term of such Option as set forth in the Option Agreement). In the absence
of a specified time in the Option Agreement, the Option shall remain exercisable
for three (3) months following the Optionee's termination. If, on the date of
termination, the Optionee is not vested as to his or her entire Option, the
Shares covered by the unvested portion of the Option shall revert to the Plan.
If, after termination, the Optionee does not exercise his or her Option within
the time specified by the Administrator, the Option shall terminate, and the
Shares covered by such Option shall revert to the Plan.
(c) Disability of Optionee. If an Optionee ceases to be a Service
----------------------
Provider as a result of the Optionee's Disability, the Optionee may exercise his
or her Option within such period of time as is specified in the Option Agreement
to the extent the Option is vested on the date of termination (but in no event
later than the expiration of the term of such Option as set forth in the Option
Agreement). In the absence of a specified time in the Option Agreement, the
Option shall remain exercisable for twelve (12) months following the Optionee's
termination. If, on the date of termination, the Optionee is not vested as to
his or her entire Option, the Shares covered by the unvested portion of the
Option shall revert to the Plan. If, after termination, the Optionee does not
exercise his or her Option within the time specified herein, the Option shall
terminate, and the Shares covered by such Option shall revert to the Plan.
(d) Death of Optionee. If an Optionee dies while a Service Provider,
-----------------
the Option may be exercised within such period of time as is specified in the
Option Agreement (but in no event later than the expiration of the term of such
Option as set forth in the Notice of Grant), by the Optionee's estate or by a
person who acquires the right to exercise the Option by bequest or inheritance,
but only to the extent that the Option is vested on the date of death. In the
absence of a specified time in the Option Agreement, the Option shall remain
exercisable for twelve (12) months following the Optionee's termination. If, at
the time of death, the Optionee is not vested as to his or her entire Option,
the Shares covered by the unvested portion of the Option shall immediately
revert to the Plan. The Option may be exercised by the executor or
administrator of the Optionee's estate or, if none, by the person(s) entitled to
exercise the Option under the Optionee's will or the laws of descent or
distribution. If the Option is not so exercised within the time specified
herein, the Option shall terminate, and the Shares covered by such Option shall
revert to the Plan.
(e) Buyout Provisions. The Administrator may at any time offer to buy
-----------------
out for a payment in cash or Shares an Option previously granted based on such
terms and conditions as the Administrator shall establish and communicate to the
Optionee at the time that such offer is made.
-7-
<PAGE>
11. Non-Transferability. Unless determined otherwise by the Administrator,
-------------------
an Option may not be sold, pledged, assigned, hypothecated, transferred, or
disposed of in any manner other than by will or by the laws of descent or
distribution and may be exercised, during the lifetime of the Optionee, only by
the Optionee. If the Administrator makes an Option transferable, such Option
shall contain such additional terms and conditions as the Administrator deems
appropriate.
12. Adjustments Upon Changes in Capitalization, Dissolution, Merger or Asset
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sale.
----
(a) Changes in Capitalization. Subject to any required action by the
-------------------------
stockholders of the Company, the number of shares of Common Stock covered by
each outstanding Option, and the number of shares of Common Stock which have
been authorized for issuance under the Plan but as to which no Options have yet
been granted or which have been returned to the Plan upon cancellation or
expiration of an Option, as well as the price per share of Common Stock covered
by each such outstanding Option, shall be proportionately adjusted for any
increase or decrease in the number of issued shares of Common Stock resulting
from a stock split, reverse stock split, stock dividend, combination or
reclassification of the Common Stock, or any other increase or decrease in the
number of issued shares of Common Stock effected without receipt of
consideration by the Company; provided, however, that conversion of any
convertible securities of the Company shall not be deemed to have been "effected
without receipt of consideration." Such adjustment shall be made by the Board,
whose determination in that respect shall be final, binding and conclusive.
Except as expressly provided herein, no issuance by the Company of shares of
stock of any class, or securities convertible into shares of stock of any class,
shall affect, and no adjustment by reason thereof shall be made with respect to,
the number or price of shares of Common Stock subject to an Option.
(b) Dissolution or Liquidation. In the event of the proposed
--------------------------
dissolution or liquidation of the Company, the Administrator shall notify each
Optionee as soon as practicable prior to the effective date of such proposed
transaction. The Administrator in its discretion may provide for an Optionee to
have the right to exercise his or her Option until ten (10) days prior to such
transaction as to all of the Optioned Stock covered thereby, including Shares as
to which the Option would not otherwise be exercisable. In addition, the
Administrator may provide that any Company repurchase option applicable to any
Shares purchased upon exercise of an Option shall lapse as to all such Shares,
provided the proposed dissolution or liquidation takes place at the time and in
the manner contemplated. To the extent it has not been previously exercised, an
Option will terminate immediately prior to the consummation of such proposed
action.
(c) Merger or Asset Sale. In the event of a merger of the Company with
--------------------
or into another corporation, or the sale of substantially all of the assets of
the Company (a "Merger"), each outstanding Option shall be assumed or an
equivalent option substituted by the successor corporation or a Parent or
Subsidiary of the successor corporation (the "Successor Corporation").
Following such assumption or substitution in connection with a Merger,
if the Optionee's status as an Employee or employee of the Successor
Corporation, as applicable, is
-8-
<PAGE>
terminated by the Successor Corporation as a result of an Involuntary
Termination (as defined below) other than for Cause (as defined below) within
twelve months following a Merger, the Optionee shall fully vest in and have the
right to exercise Optionee's Option as to all of the Optioned Stock, including
Shares as to which Optionee would not otherwise be vested or exercisable.
Thereafter, the Option shall remain exercisable in accordance with Sections
10(b) through (d) above.
For purposes of this section, any of the following events shall
constitute an "Involuntary Termination": (i) without the Employee's express
written consent, a significant reduction of the Employee's duties, authority or
responsibilities, relative to the Employee's duties, authority or
responsibilities as in effect immediately prior to the Merger, or the assignment
to Employee of such reduced duties, authority or responsibilities; (ii) without
the Employee's express written consent, a substantial reduction, without good
business reasons, of the facilities and perquisites (including office space and
location) available to the Employee immediately prior to the Merger; (iii) a
reduction by the Successor Corporation in the base salary of the Employee as in
effect immediately prior to the Merger; (iv) a material reduction by the
Successor Corporation in the kind or level of employee benefits, including
bonuses, to which the Employee was entitled immediately prior to the Merger with
the result that the Employee's overall benefits package is significantly
reduced; (v) the relocation of the Employee to a facility or a location more
than fifty (50) miles from the Employee's then present location, without the
Employee's express written consent; (vi) any purported termination of the
Employee by the Corporation which is not effected for Disability or for Cause,
or any purported termination for which the grounds relied upon are not valid;
(vii) or any act or set of facts or circumstances which would, under California
case law or statute constitute a constructive termination of the Employee.
For purposes of this section, "Cause" shall mean (i) any act of personal
dishonesty taken by the Employee in connection with his responsibilities as an
employee and intended to result in substantial personal enrichment of the
Employee, (ii) the conviction of a felony, (iii) a willful act by the Employee
which constitutes gross misconduct and which is injurious to the Successor
Corporation, and (iv) following delivery to the Employee of a written demand for
performance from the Successor Corporation which describes the basis for the
Successor Corporation's belief that the Employee has not substantially performed
his duties, continued violations by the Employee of the Employee's obligations
to the Successor which are demonstrably willful and deliberate on the Employee's
part.
In the event that the Successor Corporation refuses to assume or
substitute for the Option, the Optionee shall fully vest in and have the right
to exercise the Option as to all of the Optioned Stock, including Shares as to
which Optionee would not otherwise be vested or exercisable. If an Option
becomes fully vested and exercisable in lieu of assumption or substitution in
the event of a merger or sale of assets, the Administrator shall notify the
Optionee in writing or electronically that the Option shall be fully vested and
exercisable for a period of fifteen (15) days from the date of such notice, and
the Option shall terminate upon the expiration of such period. For the purposes
of this paragraph, the Option shall be considered assumed if, following the
merger or sale of assets, the option confers the right to purchase or receive,
for each Share of Optioned Stock
-9-
<PAGE>
subject to the Option immediately prior to the merger or sale of assets, the
consideration (whether stock, cash, or other securities or property) received in
the merger or sale of assets by holders of Common Stock for each Share held on
the effective date of the transaction (and if holders were offered a choice of
consideration, the type of consideration chosen by the holders of a majority of
the outstanding Shares); provided, however, that if such consideration received
in the merger or sale of assets is not solely common stock of the Successor
Corporation or its Parent, the Administrator may, with the consent of the
Successor Corporation, provide for the consideration to be received upon the
exercise of the Option, for each Share of Optioned Stock subject to the Option,
to be solely common stock of the Successor Corporation or its Parent equal in
fair market value to the per share consideration received by holders of Common
Stock in the merger or sale of assets.
13. Date of Grant. The date of grant of an Option shall be, for all
-------------
purposes, the date on which the Administrator makes the determination granting
such Option, or such other later date as is determined by the Administrator.
Notice of the determination shall be provided to each Optionee within a
reasonable time after the date of such grant.
14. Amendment and Termination of the Plan.
-------------------------------------
(a) Amendment and Termination. The Board may at any time amend, alter,
-------------------------
suspend or terminate the Plan.
(b) Effect of Amendment or Termination. No amendment, alteration,
----------------------------------
suspension or termination of the Plan shall impair the rights of any Optionee,
unless mutually agreed otherwise between the Optionee and the Administrator,
which agreement must be in writing and signed by the Optionee and the Company.
Termination of the Plan shall not affect the Administrator's ability to exercise
the powers granted to it hereunder with respect to Options granted under the
Plan prior to the date of such termination.
15. Conditions Upon Issuance of Shares.
----------------------------------
(a) Legal Compliance. Shares shall not be issued pursuant to the
----------------
exercise of an Option unless the exercise of such Option and the issuance and
delivery of such Shares shall comply with Applicable Laws and shall be further
subject to the approval of counsel for the Company with respect to such
compliance.
(b) Investment Representations. As a condition to the exercise of an
--------------------------
Option, the Company may require the person exercising such Option to represent
and warrant at the time of any such exercise that the Shares are being purchased
only for investment and without any present intention to sell or distribute such
Shares if, in the opinion of counsel for the Company, such a representation is
required.
16. Inability to Obtain Authority. The inability of the Company to obtain
-----------------------------
authority from any regulatory body having jurisdiction, which authority is
deemed by the Company's counsel to be
-10-
<PAGE>
necessary to the lawful issuance and sale of any Shares hereunder, shall relieve
the Company of any liability in respect of the failure to issue or sell such
Shares as to which such requisite authority shall not have been obtained.
17. Reservation of Shares. The Company, during the term of this Plan, will
---------------------
at all times reserve and keep available such number of Shares as shall be
sufficient to satisfy the requirements of the Plan.
[remainder of page intentionally left blank]
-11-
<PAGE>
1999 NONSTATUTORY STOCK OPTION PLAN
STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT
Unless otherwise defined herein, the terms defined in the Plan shall have
the same defined meanings in this Option Agreement.
I. NOTICE OF STOCK OPTION GRANT
----------------------------
[Optionee's Name and Address]
You have been granted an option to purchase Common Stock of the Company,
subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan and this Option Agreement, as
follows:
Grant Number _________________________
Date of Grant _________________________
Vesting Commencement Date _________________________
Exercise Price per Share $________________________
Total Number of Shares Granted _________________________
Total Exercise Price $_________________________
Type of Option: Nonstatutory Stock Option
Term/Expiration Date: _________________________
Vesting Schedule:
----------------
This Option may be exercised, in whole or in part, in accordance with the
following schedule:
12.5% of the Shares subject to the Option shall vest six months after the
date of grant, and 1/48 of the Shares subject to the Option shall vest each
month thereafter so that 100% of the Shares subject to the Option shall be
vested four (4) years from the grant date, subject to the Optionee remaining a
Service Provider as of such vesting dates.
Termination Period:
------------------
This Option may be exercised for three months after Optionee ceases to be a
Service Provider. Upon the death or Disability of the Optionee, this Option may
be exercised for such longer period as provided in the Plan. In no event shall
this Option be exercised later than the Term/Expiration Date as provided above.
<PAGE>
II. AGREEMENT
---------
1 Grant of Option. The Plan Administrator of the Company hereby grants to
---------------
the Optionee named in the Notice of Grant attached as Part I of this Agreement
(the "Optionee") an option (the "Option") to purchase the number of Shares, as
set forth in the Notice of Grant, at the exercise price per share set forth in
the Notice of Grant (the "Exercise Price"), subject to the terms and conditions
of the Plan, which is incorporated herein by reference. Subject to Section
14(b) of the Plan, in the event of a conflict between the terms and conditions
of the Plan and the terms and conditions of this Option Agreement, the terms and
conditions of the Plan shall prevail.
2 Exercise of Option.
------------------
(a) Right to Exercise. This Option is exercisable during its term in
-----------------
accordance with the Vesting Schedule set out in the Notice of Grant and the
applicable provisions of the Plan and this Option Agreement.
(b) Method of Exercise. This Option is exercisable by delivery of an
------------------
exercise notice, in the form attached as Exhibit A (the "Exercise Notice"),
which shall state the election to exercise the Option, the number of Shares in
respect of which the Option is being exercised (the "Exercised Shares"), and
such other representations and agreements as may be required by the Company
pursuant to the provisions of the Plan. The Exercise Notice shall be completed
by the Optionee and delivered to [Title] of the Company. The Exercise Notice
shall be accompanied by payment of the aggregate Exercise Price as to all
Exercised Shares. This Option shall be deemed to be exercised upon receipt by
the Company of such fully executed Exercise Notice accompanied by such aggregate
Exercise Price.
No Shares shall be issued pursuant to the exercise of this Option unless
such issuance and exercise complies with Applicable Laws. Assuming such
compliance, for income tax purposes the Exercised Shares shall be considered
transferred to the Optionee on the date the Option is exercised with respect to
such Exercised Shares.
3 Method of Payment. Payment of the aggregate Exercise Price shall be by
-----------------
any of the following, or a combination thereof, at the election of the Optionee:
(a) cash;
(b) check;
(c) consideration received by the Company under a cashless exercise
program implemented by the Company in connection with the Plan; or
-2-
<PAGE>
(d) surrender of other Shares which (i) in the case of Shares acquired
upon exercise of an option, have been owned by the Optionee for more than six
(6) months on the date of surrender, and (ii) have a Fair Market Value on the
date of surrender equal to the aggregate Exercise Price of the Exercised Shares;
or
(e) with the Administrator's consent, delivery of Optionee's promissory
note (the "Note") in the form attached hereto as Exhibit C, in the amount of the
aggregate Exercise Price of the Exercised Shares together with the execution and
delivery by the Optionee of the Security Agreement attached hereto as Exhibit B.
The Note shall bear interest at the "applicable federal rate" prescribed under
the Code and its regulations at time of purchase, and shall be secured by a
pledge of the Shares purchased by the Note pursuant to the Security Agreement.
4 Non-Transferability of Option. This Option may not be transferred in
-----------------------------
any manner otherwise than by will or by the laws of descent or distribution and
may be exercised during the lifetime of Optionee only by the Optionee. The
terms of the Plan and this Option Agreement shall be binding upon the executors,
administrators, heirs, successors and assigns of the Optionee.
5 Term of Option. This Option may be exercised only within the term set
--------------
out in the Notice of Grant, and may be exercised during such term only in
accordance with the Plan and the terms of this Option Agreement.
6 Tax Consequences. Some of the federal tax consequences relating to this
----------------
Option, as of the date of this Option, are set forth below. THIS SUMMARY IS
NECESSARILY INCOMPLETE, AND THE TAX LAWS AND REGULATIONS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE.
THE OPTIONEE SHOULD CONSULT A TAX ADVISER BEFORE EXERCISING THIS OPTION OR
DISPOSING OF THE SHARES.
(a) Exercising the Option. The Optionee may incur regular federal
---------------------
income tax liability upon exercise of a NSO. The Optionee will be treated as
having received compensation income (taxable at ordinary income tax rates) equal
to the excess, if any, of the Fair Market Value of the Exercised Shares on the
date of exercise over their aggregate Exercise Price. If the Optionee is an
Employee or a former Employee, the Company will be required to withhold from his
or her compensation or collect from Optionee and pay to the applicable taxing
authorities an amount in cash equal to a percentage of this compensation income
at the time of exercise, and may refuse to honor the exercise and refuse to
deliver Shares if such withholding amounts are not delivered at the time of
exercise.
(b) Disposition of Shares. If the Optionee holds NSO Shares for at
---------------------
least one year, any gain realized on disposition of the Shares will be treated
as long-term capital gain for federal income tax purposes.
-3-
<PAGE>
7 Entire Agreement; Governing Law. The Plan is incorporated herein by
-------------------------------
reference. The Plan and this Option Agreement constitute the entire agreement
of the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersede in their
entirety all prior undertakings and agreements of the Company and Optionee with
respect to the subject matter hereof, and may not be modified adversely to the
Optionee's interest except by means of a writing signed by the Company and
Optionee. This agreement is governed by the internal substantive laws, but not
the choice of law rules, of California.
8 NO GUARANTEE OF CONTINUED SERVICE. OPTIONEE ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES
---------------------------------
THAT THE VESTING OF SHARES PURSUANT TO THE VESTING SCHEDULE HEREOF IS EARNED
ONLY BY CONTINUING AS A SERVICE PROVIDER AT THE WILL OF THE COMPANY (AND NOT
THROUGH THE ACT OF BEING HIRED, BEING GRANTED AN OPTION OR PURCHASING SHARES
HEREUNDER). OPTIONEE FURTHER ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT THIS AGREEMENT, THE
TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREUNDER AND THE VESTING SCHEDULE SET FORTH HEREIN DO
NOT CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESS OR IMPLIED PROMISE OF CONTINUED ENGAGEMENT AS A
SERVICE PROVIDER FOR THE VESTING PERIOD, FOR ANY PERIOD, OR AT ALL, AND SHALL
NOT INTERFERE WITH OPTIONEE'S RIGHT OR THE COMPANY'S RIGHT TO TERMINATE
OPTIONEE'S RELATIONSHIP AS A SERVICE PROVIDER AT ANY TIME, WITH OR WITHOUT
CAUSE.
By your signature and the signature of the Company's representative below,
you and the Company agree that this Option is granted under and governed by the
terms and conditions of the Plan and this Option Agreement. Optionee has
reviewed the Plan and this Option Agreement in their entirety, has had an
opportunity to obtain the advice of counsel prior to executing this Option
Agreement and fully understands all provisions of the Plan and Option Agreement.
Optionee hereby agrees to accept as binding, conclusive and final all decisions
or interpretations of the Administrator upon any questions relating to the Plan
and Option Agreement. Optionee further agrees to notify the Company upon any
change in the residence address indicated below.
OPTIONEE: RAMBUS INC.
___________________________________ _______________________________________
Signature By
___________________________________ _______________________________________
Print Name Title
____________________________________
Residence Address
____________________________________
-4-
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT A
---------
1999 NONSTATUTORY STOCK OPTION PLAN
EXERCISE NOTICE
Rambus Inc.
2465 Latham Drive
Mountain View, CA 94040
Attention: Secretary
1. Exercise of Option. Effective as of today, ________________, 199__,
the undersigned ("Purchaser") hereby elects to purchase ______________ shares
(the "Shares") of the Common Stock of Rambus Inc. (the "Company") under and
pursuant to the 1999 Nonstatutory Stock Option Plan (the "Plan") and the Stock
Option Agreement dated ______________________,19___ (the "Option Agreement").
The purchase price for the Shares shall be $_____________, as required by the
Option Agreement.
2. Delivery of Payment. Purchaser herewith delivers to the Company the
-------------------
full purchase price for the Shares.
3. Representations of Purchaser. Purchaser acknowledges that Purchaser
----------------------------
has received, read and understood the Plan and the Option Agreement and agrees
to abide by and be bound by their terms and conditions.
4. Rights as Stockholder. Until the issuance (as evidenced by the
---------------------
appropriate entry on the books of the Company or of a duly authorized transfer
agent of the Company) of the Shares, no right to vote or receive dividends or
any other rights as a stockholder shall exist with respect to the Optioned
Stock, notwithstanding the exercise of the Option. The Shares so acquired shall
be issued to the Optionee as soon as practicable after exercise of the Option.
No adjustment will be made for a dividend or other right for which the record
date is prior to the date of issuance, except as provided in Section 12 of the
Plan.
5. Tax Consultation. Purchaser understands that Purchaser may suffer
----------------
adverse tax consequences as a result of Purchaser's purchase or disposition of
the Shares. Purchaser represents that Purchaser has consulted with any tax
consultants Purchaser deems advisable in connection with the purchase or
disposition of the Shares and that Purchaser is not relying on the Company for
any tax advice.
-5-
<PAGE>
6. Entire Agreement; Governing Law. The Plan and Option Agreement are
-------------------------------
incorporated herein by reference. This Agreement, the Plan and the Option
Agreement constitute the entire agreement of the parties with respect to the
subject matter hereof and supersede in their entirety all prior undertakings and
agreements of the Company and Purchaser with respect to the subject matter
hereof, and may not be modified adversely to the Purchaser's interest except by
means of a writing signed by the Company and Purchaser. This agreement is
governed by the internal substantive laws, but not the choice of law rules, of
California.
Submitted by: Accepted by:
PURCHASER: RAMBUS INC.
_____________________________ ___________________________________
Signature By
_____________________________ ___________________________________
Print Name Title
Address: Address:
------- -------
_____________________________ Rambus Inc.
_____________________________ 2465 Latham Drive
Mountain View, CA 94040
_____________________________________
Date Received
