VHC 10-K
VirnetX Holding Corp (VHC)
10-K
2022-03-16
For: 2021-12-31
View Original
Added on
April 06, 2026
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
(Mark One)
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ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
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For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021
or
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TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
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For the transition period from to
Commission File Number: 001-33852
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
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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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(Address of principal executive offices)
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(Zip Code)
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Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: 775 -548-1785
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
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Title of each class
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Trading Symbol(s)
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Name of each exchange on which registered
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Securities registered pursuant to section 12(g) of the Act:
None
None
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes ☐ No ☒
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes
☐ No ☒
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has 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 ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted
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 such files). Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer,
smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
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Large accelerated filer ☐
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Non-accelerated filer ☐
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Emerging growth company
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Smaller reporting company
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If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for
complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its
internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report. ☒
The aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates of the registrant as of June 30,
2021, was $268,027,097 based upon the closing price of the common shares of the registrant on June 30, 2021. This calculation does not
reflect a determination that certain persons are affiliates of the registrant for any other purpose.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐ No ☒
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
The information required by Part III of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, to the extent not set forth herein, is incorporated by reference from the
registrant’s definitive proxy statement to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission not later than 120 days after December 31, 2021 relating to the registrant’s 2022 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.
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PART I
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Item 1.
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3
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Item 1A.
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Item 1B.
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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 7A.
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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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Item 9C.
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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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SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS
We have included or incorporated by reference in this Annual Report on Form 10-K (this “Report”), and from time to time we may make statements that may constitute “forward-looking statements”
within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). These forward-looking statements are based upon our
current expectations, estimates, assumptions, and beliefs concerning future events and conditions and may discuss, among other things, anticipated future performance (including sales and earnings), expected growth, future business plans and costs
and the impact of potential and ongoing litigation. Any statement that is not historical in nature is a forward-looking statement and may be identified by the use of words and phrases such as “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “expects,”
“intends,” “plans,” “predicts,” “projects,” “will be,” “will continue,” “will likely result in,” and similar expressions. These statements include our beliefs and statements regarding general industry and market conditions and growth rates, as
well as general domestic and international economic conditions. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are necessarily subject to risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many
of which are outside our control, which could cause actual results to differ materially from such statements and from our historical results and experience. These risks, uncertainties and other factors include, but are not limited to those
described in Item 1A - Risk Factors of this Report and elsewhere in this Report and those described from time to time in our future reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). Readers are cautioned that it is not
possible to predict or identify all the risks, uncertainties and other factors that may affect future results and that the risks described herein should not be considered a complete list. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date
on which such statement is made, and we undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
Among others, the forward-looking statements appearing in this Report that may not occur include statements that:
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In the VirnetX Inc. v. Apple, Inc. (Case Nos. 6:11-cv-00563-RWS, 6:12-cv-00855-RWS) (“Apple II”) litigation, the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit (the “Federal Circuit”) in
November 2019, affirmed-in-part, and reversed-in-part the judgment issued by the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas (the “district court”) in the case awarding VirnetX damages of $595.9 million. On October
30, 2020, after a trial in the district court, a jury returned a verdict in favor of VirnetX, awarding VirnetX over $502 million in damages. On January 15, 2021, the district court denied Apple’s motion for judgment as a matter of law
and affirmed the jury findings. This may imply that VirnetX may soon receive over $500 million in cash, however, Apple has appealed to the Federal Circuit with regards to the judgement from the district court and this appeal is
awaiting calendaring for oral arguments. In addition, the patents in this case are being challenged in the United States Patent and Trademark Office. If those challenges are successful, the award in the case may be reduced, eliminated
and/or delayed for a lengthy period. The continuation of this litigation is distracting to our management, expensive, and these distractions and expenses may continue.
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We have undertaken activities to commercialize our products and patent portfolio in and outside the United States. These statements may imply that the worldwide market for our commercialized products is
large and will result in significant future revenues for us. However, commercialization of products such as ours is subject to significant obstacles and risks, including but not limited to a perception by some potential partners and
customers that they should await the outcome of the Apple II litigation before entering or considering to enter any agreement with us, and that or other factors may lead us to be unsuccessful in obtaining further licensing agreements or
making arrangements or entering contracts which create significant future revenues for us.
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EXCEPT AS REQUIRED BY LAW, WE UNDERTAKE NO OBLIGATION TO UPDATE OR REVISE ANY FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENT AS A RESULT OF NEW INFORMATION, FUTURE EVENTS OR OTHERWISE.
PART I
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Business
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The Company
We are an Internet security software and technology company with patented technology for various types of secure network communications, including 5G and 4G LTE network
security. Our patented Secure Domain Names and GABRIEL Connection Technology™, are the foundation for our new VirnetX One platform that protects communications using Zero Trust Network Access (“ZTNA”). Our technology generates secure connections
on a “zero-click” or “single-click” basis, significantly simplifying the deployment of secure real-time communication solutions by eliminating the need for end-users to enter any encryption information. Our portfolio of intellectual property is
the foundation of our business model. We currently own approximately 205 total patents and pending applications, including 72 U.S. patents/patent applications and 133 foreign patents/validations/pending applications. Our patent portfolio is
primarily focused on securing real-time communications over the Internet, and related services, and is used in all our technology and products, some of which were acquired by our principal operating subsidiary; VirnetX, Inc., from Leidos, Inc.,
or Leidos, (f/k/a Science Applications International Corporation, or SAIC) in 2006.
Our product portfolio includes sophisticated technologies, products and services that are available for sale worldwide. On March 1, 2022, we launched War Room™ software, the
first product on our next-generation, VirnetX One platform. This new platform builds upon our patented Secure Domain Names and GABRIEL Connection Technology™ to further enhance the security and efficiency of our patented secure communication
links. Our VirnetX One platform is a security-as-a-service platform that protects enterprise applications, services, and infrastructure from cyber-attacks.
Our new War Room™ software product provides an industry leading, safe, and secure video conferencing meeting environment where sensitive communications and data is invisible
to those not authorized to view it. War Room™ validates permissions of all the users, and devices requesting access to any secure meeting room prior to granting access. We believe our War Room™ will be an attractive solution for government
agencies as well as all professional sectors such as legal, financial, and medical where limiting access to confidential data is a critical requirement.
Our GABRIEL Collaboration Suite™ is a set of communication applications and tools that use our GABRIEL Secure Communication Platform™. It enables seamless and secure cross
platform communications between devices that are enrolled in our “VIRNETX SECURED” network and have our software installed. Our GABRIEL Collaboration Suite™ is available for download and free trial, for Android, iOS, Windows, Linux, and Mac OS X
platforms, at https://virnetx.com.
We have an ongoing licensing program under which we offer licenses to a portion of our patent portfolio, technology, and software, including our secure domain name registry
service, to domain infrastructure providers, communication service providers as well as to system integrators. Our GABRIEL Connection Technology™ License is offered to original equipment manufacturer (“OEM”) customers who want to adopt the
GABRIEL Connection Technology™ as their solution for establishing secure connections using secure domain names within their products. We have developed GABRIEL Connection Technology™ Software Development Kit (“SDK”) to assist with rapid
integration of these techniques into existing software implementations. Customers who want to develop their own implementation of the VirnetX patented techniques for supporting secure domain names, or other techniques that are covered by our
patent portfolio for establishing secure communication links, can purchase a patent license. The number of patents licensed, and therefore the cost of the patent license to the customer, will depend upon which of the patents are used in a
particular product or service. These licenses will typically include an initial license fee, as well as an ongoing royalty.
We expect to continue to launch new and enhanced security platforms, software products, and services based on our GABRIEL Connection Technology™. We will provide updates to
new and existing customers as they are released to the public. Many small and medium businesses have installed our software products in their corporate networks. We intend to continue to expand our customer base with targeted promotions and
direct sales initiatives.
Our employees include the core development team behind our patent portfolio, technology, and software. Some members of this team have worked together for over twenty years
and were on same team that invented and developed this technology while working at Leidos. The team has continued its research and development work and expanded the set of patents we acquired in 2006 from Leidos, into a larger patent portfolio.
This portfolio now serves as the foundation of our products, services, and our licensing business. It is expected to generate most of our future revenue in license fees and royalties. We intend to continue our efforts to develop new products and
technologies and further strengthen and expand our patent portfolio. We intend to continue using an outsourced and leveraged model to maintain efficiency and manage costs as we grow our licensing business by, for example, offering incentives to
early licensing targets or asserting our rights for use of our patents.
Industry Overview & Trends
We believe that the rapid growth in remote work has accelerated digital business transformation initiatives that would have taken years, into a matter of months. The demand
to work remotely, explosive growth of video conferencing tools and rapid growth in the cloud has created an opportunity to secure communications regardless of a user’s location, network, or BYOD (bring your own device).
The shift to remote work and expansion of the enterprise network perimeter has driven the growth of ZTNA solutions. The Zero Trust concept treats all networks like the
Internet, where all users and devices are untrusted by default. Their location within the network is not a factor for deciding trust. Each user and device on the network require authentication and authorization, based on policy, prior to
accessing any applications or resources on the network. ZTNA facilitates security around remote work, because Zero Trust policies enable granular access control, end-to-end encryption of network communications and remove application visibility
from the public Internet which reduces the potential attack surface. Based on our estimates, using publicly available market data, we believe that the Zero Trust security market size is projected to grow from $15.6 billion in 2019 to $38.6
billion by 2024, at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 19.9% during the forecast period. We believe Zero Trust represents a growing market and an ideal fit for our technology and products.
With large portions of the global population now living under some form of lockdown, the global coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic has forced many organizations to shift their
business processes – and their employees are having to embrace a work-from-home culture on a scale never before attempted. Remote work has accelerated the adoption of video conferencing and meeting applications across all industries making it an
essential tool to connect with remote customers, workforces, and employees to prevent direct contact. Based on our estimates, using publicly available market data, we believe that the worldwide video conferencing market size is projected to grow
from $14 billion in 2019 to $35 billion by 2026, at a CAGR of 16.5% during the forecast period. This rapid adoption, learning curve and demand to continue working remotely has created significant security concerns and breaches for enterprises.
Our market research has focused on security conscious verticals such as healthcare, banking, legal and government where security breaches can significantly impact outcomes. In many cases, these enterprises adopted industry standard video
conferencing tools and are now looking at more secure alternative solutions. Enterprises want video conferencing solutions that protect their information and allow them greater security control and visibility, while continuing to be reliable,
easy to use and cost effective. Enterprises in these verticals are also looking for video conferencing solutions that integrate into their existing workflows and better align with specific use cases instead of forcing them to adapt to more one
size fits all solutions on the market. We believe our War Room™ represents a starting point to offer secure video conferencing tools built on a Zero Trust architecture.
Cloud computing growth has rapidly expanded as enterprises continue to move applications and services to the cloud. The cloud offers scalability, operations and development
efficiency and remote access benefits for their workforce. Based on our estimates, using publicly available market data, we believe that the global cloud computing market size is expected to grow from approximately $293 billion in 2020 to over
$810 billion by 2026, at a CAGR of 18.5% during the forecast period. The cloud technology adoption is expected to increase quite significantly in industries where the work-from-home initiative is helping to sustain enterprise business functions.
However, shifting critical data to the cloud has resulted in security concerns and the need for enterprises to control access and gain visibility into how information is being used, who is accessing it and where it is going. We believe our
scalable technology allows enterprises to secure applications and services regardless of whether hosting is on-premise or in the cloud.
As billions of connected Internet of Things (“IoT”) devices come online in support of enterprise operations, products, and industrial controls they will need to be secured
and integrated into the enterprise. Facilitated by advancements in 4G/Advanced LTE and high-speed 5G networks, IoT devices will be able to operate from any network, transmit higher volumes of data including video streaming and sensor data
collection and require real-time decisions based on that data. Without next generation security, these IoT devices represent a large attack surface that manages and control critical enterprise infrastructure. These IoT devices can operate from
anywhere, will need to be secured with the same level of network security and ZTNA solutions enterprises are already deploying for their remote workforce. We believe that the market opportunity for our software and technology solutions is large
and expanding as secure domain names are now an integral part of securing the next generation 5G and 4G/LTE Advanced wireless networks and IoT communications in areas including Smart City, Connected Car and Connected Home. Based on our estimates,
using publicly available market data, we believe that the size of the global Industrial IoT market is projected to grow from $83.6 billion in 2020 to approximately $254 billion by 2027 at a CAGR of 20.35% during the forecasted period with a
growing investment in securing the infrastructure around these devices.
Our Approach & Strategy
We believe that our VirnetX One platform and software products, including War Room, are positioned to help enterprises adapt to the rapidly evolving threat landscape in the
work environments and the growing need to secure communications regardless of a user’s location, network, or device using our GABRIEL Connection Technology™.
VirnetX One platform delivers ZTNA allowing enterprises to secure their information, control access and gain visibility into how information is being used, who is accessing
it and where it is going. Our patented technology allows enterprises to license our technology for integration into their products and services, easily deploy our technology through our VirnetX One family of products for endpoint security or
securing their communications with our VirnetX One Mobile and Desktop applications.
Our strategy is to become the market leader in securing real-time communications over the Internet and to establish our GABRIEL Connection Technology™ as the industry standard security platform. Key elements of our
strategy are to:
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Actively recruit partners in various vertical markets, including healthcare, finance, legal, government to help us rapidly expand our enterprise customer base.
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Continue to grow our technology licensing program to commercialize our intellectual property, including our GABRIEL Connection Technology™.
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Promote our, next-generation, VirnetX One platform as a solution for delivering ZTNA.
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Grow registration of VirnetX Secure Domain Names as the network segmentation component of our ZTNA solution. Establish VirnetX as the exclusive, universal registry of secure domain names and enable our customers to act as registrars
for their users and broker secure communication between devices.
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Promote War RoomTM video conferencing product in the general market for sale to end-user enterprises, directly and with partners, with targeted promotions
and other marketing programs to assist remote workers and offer an industry leading secure meeting solution.
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Grow our VirnetX One family of product offering to secure enterprise applications, services, and infrastructure.
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Our patent portfolio serves as the foundation of our GABRIEL Connection Technology™, software products, services, and our licensing business. We currently own approximately
205 total patents and pending applications, including 72 U.S. patents/patent applications and 133 foreign patents/validations/pending applications. It is expected to generate the majority of our future revenue in license fees and royalties.
Competitive Strengths
We believe the following competitive strengths will enable our success in the marketplace:
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Unique patented technology. We are focused on developing innovative technology for securing real-time communications over the Internet and establishing
the exclusive secure domain name registry in the United States and other key markets around the world. Our unique solutions combine industry standard encryption methods and communication protocols with our patented techniques for
automated DNS lookup mechanisms. Our technology and patented approach enable users to create a secure communication link by generating secure domain names. We currently own approximately 205 total patents and pending applications,
including 72 U.S. patents/patent applications and 133 foreign patents/validations/pending applications. Our portfolio includes patents and pending patent applications in the United States and other key markets that support our secure
domain name registry service for the Internet.
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Scalable licensing business model. We are actively engaged in pursuing additional licensing agreements with OEMs, service providers and system integrators
within the IP-telephony, mobility, mobile-to-mobile communications, fixed-mobile convergence, and unified communications end-markets.
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Highly experienced research and development team. Our research and development team is comprised of nationally recognized network security and encryption
technology scientists and experts that have worked together as a team for over ten years. During their careers, this team has developed several cutting-edge technologies for U.S. national defense, intelligence, and civilian agencies, many
of which remain critical to our national security today. Prior to joining VirnetX, our team worked for Leidos, during which time they invented the technology that is the foundation of our technology, and software. Based on the collective
knowledge and experience of our development team, we believe that we have one of the most experienced and sophisticated groups of security experts researching vulnerability and threats to real-time communication over the Internet and
developing solutions to mitigate these problems.
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License and Service Offerings
We offer a diversified portfolio of licenses, software and service offerings focused on securing real-time communications over the Internet. We believe software products
will allow enterprises to seamlessly integrate ZTNA protection into their networks to secure their applications, services, virtualized resources, and data as it moves into the cloud. Enterprises can quickly deploy VirnetX One software products to
protect legacy applications, secure new cloud-based services and remove application visibility from the public Internet. Enterprises can move towards more granular network access control to protect their network at the edge and away from legacy
VPN technologies. VirnetX One family of software products enables remote employees to securely interact with on-premise and cloud-based applications, regardless of their location. Enterprises can use VirnetX One platform to secure open-source
applications powering communications, data and analytics, infrastructure, and business services with a focus on making those applications easier to secure, access and manage.
We believe our software products and technologies provide the foundation for securing real-time communications and collaboration applications for the enterprise remote
workforce. We are exploring creating a marketplace of applications secured by our VirnetX One platform. This approach will allow us to offer a portfolio of certified applications that can be deployed by the enterprise customers in their business
networks with confidence in keeping their confidential data and communications secure. This marketplace strategy will allow us to offer more flexible licensing options to solve specific customer use-cases, align with partner product offerings and
create upsell opportunities for our products.
Customers
Our software products are available for download and free trial, for Android, iOS, Windows, Linux, and Mac OS X platforms, at http://www.virnetx.com/. We continue to enhance
our products and add new functionality to our products. Small and medium businesses have installed our software products in their corporate networks. We continue to expand our customer base with targeted promotions and direct sales initiatives.
We have signed Patent License Agreements with Aastra USA, Inc. Avaya, Inc., Microsoft Corporation, Mitel Networks Corporation, NEC Corporation and NEC Corporation of
America, Siemens Enterprise Communications GmbH & Co. KG, and Siemens Enterprise Communications Inc. to license certain of our patents, for a one-time payment and an ongoing royalty for all future sales through the expiration of the licensed
patents with respect to certain current and future IP-encrypted products.
We are seeking further licensing of our technology, to developers and original equipment manufacturers, or OEMs, of chips, servers, Desktop, mobile devices such as smart
phones, tablets, laptops, net books, and other devices, within the IP-telephony, mobility, fixed-mobile convergence, and unified communications markets including 5G and 4G/LTE. We have published our royalty rates and guidelines on our website.
All forward moving licenses have adhered to these guidelines and have met or exceeded these rates and we will use these rates and guidelines in all future license negotiations.
Marketing and Sales
We employ a leveraged, partner-oriented, marketing strategy for our technology licenses and software product offerings. We successfully signed a number of Resellers &
Managed Service Provider Agreements in various market segments, including, healthcare, finance, legal, government, etc., to assist us in selling our software products to their customers. A list of our partners can be found on our website at
https://virnetx.com/partners. We plan to continue working on a number of sales and marketing promotions, in the U.S. and Japan, to recruit more resellers and partners along with direct sales programs as we seek to extend out our customer base
internationally.
We plan to directly market our software products, domain name registry services to our service provider and system integrator customers. We market our software products
directly to small and medium businesses using online marketing programs and tools.
We expect to leverage our relationship with Leidos, to extend our offering to departments and agencies within the federal government. Leidos is a FORTUNE 500® scientific,
engineering and technology applications company that uses its deep domain knowledge to solve problems of vital importance to the nation and the world, in national security, energy and the environment, critical infrastructure, and health. We
intend to leverage our sales team for managing current accounts and pursuing sales opportunities with new customers. We continue to rapidly expand our customer base with targeted promotions and direct sales initiatives.
In 2021, we added a Chief Operating Officer to our Japanese team to further our technology licensing efforts in Japan. We have signed a non-exclusive Distribution and
Service Agreement with IP Dream, a Japanese based strategic technology developer and service provider, to sell our software products as well as VirnetX’s Secure Domain Name technology to its clients in Japan and greater Asia. Jointly with IP
Dream, we are currently pursuing several OEM opportunities with some of the largest services providers in Japan. Along with our efforts with IP Dream, we continue to explore alternative strategies to pursue opportunities to work with other third
parties in Japan, and elsewhere, using an approach that will seek to capitalize on these opportunities in part by placing more emphasis on the use of our own employees.
We intend to continue to license our patent portfolio, technology, and software, including our secure domain name registry service, to domain infrastructure providers,
communication service providers as well as to system integrators. We intend to seek further license of our technology and software products, to enterprise customers, developers and original equipment manufacturers, or OEMs, of chips, servers,
Desktop, mobile devices such as smart phones, tablets, laptops, net books, and other devices, within the IP-telephony, mobility, fixed-mobile convergence, and unified communications markets including 5G and 4G/LTE. We have published our royalty
rates and guidelines on our website at https://virnetx.com/licensing. All forward moving licenses have adhered to these guidelines and have met or exceeded these rates and we will use these rates and guidelines in all future license negotiations.
Intellectual Property and Patent Rights
Our intellectual property is primarily comprised of trade secrets, patented know-how, issued and pending patents, copyrights and technological innovation.
We currently own approximately 205 total patents and pending applications, including 72 U.S. patents/patent applications and 133 foreign patents/validations/pending
applications. Our portfolio includes many patents that describe unique systems and methods for securing real-time communications over the Internet, as well as related services such as the establishment and maintenance of a secure domain name
registry. Our software and technology solutions also may have additional applications relating to operating systems and network security. A complete list of our U.S. patents is available on our website located at http://www.virnetx.com. Each
patent is publicly accessible on U.S. Patent and Trademark Office website at http://www.uspto.gov. Some of our issued U.S. and foreign patents expire at various times during the period from 2022 to 2034.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth in any of our filings under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act that might incorporate future filings, the information
set forth on the United States Patent and Trademark Office (the “USPTO”) website, shall not be deemed to be a part of or incorporated by reference into any such filings. We do not warrant the accuracy, or completeness or adequacy of the USPTO
website, and expressly disclaims liability for errors or omissions on such website.
Assignment of Patents
Some of our issued patents and pending patent applications were acquired by our principal operating subsidiary, VirnetX, Inc., from Leidos, pursuant to an Assignment
Agreement dated December 21, 2006, and a Patent License and Assignment Agreement dated August 12, 2005, as amended on November 2, 2006, including documents prepared pursuant to the November amendment, and as further amended on March 12, 2008. We
recorded the assignment from Leidos, with the U.S. Patent Office on December 21, 2006.
Key terms of these agreements are as follows:
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Patent Assignment. Leidos, unconditionally and irrevocably conveyed, transferred, assigned, and quitclaimed all its right, title, and interest in and to the patents and patent applications, as
specifically set forth in the assignment document recorded with the U.S. Patent Office, including, without limitation, the right to sue for past infringement.
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License to Leidos, Outside the Field of Use. Effective March 12, 2008, we granted to Leidos, a non-exclusive, royalty free, fully paid, perpetual, worldwide, irrevocable, sub licensable and
transferable right and license permitting Leidos, and its assignees to make, have made, import, use, offer for sale, and sell products and services covered by, and to make improvements to, the patents and patent applications we acquired
from Leidos, solely outside our field of use.
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Compensation Obligations. As consideration for the assignment of the patents and for the rights we obtained from Leidos, as amended, we are required to make payments to Leidos, based on cash or
certain other values generated from those patents. The amount of such payments depends upon the type of value generated, and certain categories are subject to maximums and other limitations. In 2010, we met our maximum royalty payment
requirement; however, Leidos is also entitled under certain circumstances to receive a portion of the proceeds paid to us for certain acquisitions of VirnetX and the settlement of certain patent infringement claims of ours.
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Government Regulation
The laws governing online secure communications remain largely unsettled, even in areas where there has been legislative action. It may take years to determine whether and
how existing laws governing intellectual property, privacy, data protection and libel apply to online communications and media. Such legislation may interfere with the growth in use of online secure communications and decrease the acceptance of
online secure communications as a viable solution, which could adversely affect our business.
Due to the Internet’s popularity and increasing use, new laws regulating secure communications may be adopted. These laws and regulations may cover, among other things,
issues relating to privacy, data protection, pricing, taxation, telecommunications over the Internet, content, copyrights, distribution and quality of products and services. We intend to comply with all new laws and regulations as they are
adopted.
The U.S. government has controlled the authoritative domain name system, or DNS, root server since the inception of the Internet. On July 1, 1997, the President of the
United States directed the U.S. Secretary of Commerce to privatize the management of the domain name system in a manner that increases competition and facilitates international participation in its management.
On September 29, 2006, the U.S. Department of Commerce extended its delegation of authority by entering into a new agreement with the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names
and Numbers, or ICANN, a California non-profit corporation headquartered in Marina Del Rey, California. ICANN is responsible for managing the accreditation of registry providers and registrars that manage the assignment of top-level domain names
associated with the authoritative DNS root directory. Although it is possible to create and manage other DNS root directories privately without accreditation from ICANN, the possibility of conflicting name and number assignments makes it less
likely that users would widely adopt a top-level domain name associated with an alternative DNS root directory provided by a non-ICANN-accredited registry service.
Employees and Human Capital
As of December 31, 2021, we had 24 full and part time employees, most of whom work remotely from our corporate offices. We have had a work-from-home workforce since our
inception. The emphasis of our employees is on our technology research and product development with 14 employees focused on this effort. Our team has been working on enhancing our products and adding new functionality along with successfully
filing several new patent applications in 2021. We also continue building our sales and marketing teams to expand our product-lines and customer base. In 2021, we added a Chief Operating Officer to our team in Japan who will be focused on
growing our market and products in that region.
In addition to our regular employees, we also engage with consultants on a regular basis. These consultants can be involved in our product development, customer relations,
legal, and/or regulatory compliance and reporting. We have experienced low employee turnover rates over the years with both employees and consultants participating in our equity incentive plan.
Available Information
We file or furnish various reports, such as registration statements, periodic and current reports, proxy statements and other materials with the SEC. Our website address is
http://www.virnetx.com. You may obtain, free of charge on our website, copies of our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section
13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material with, or furnish it to, the SEC. The information we post is intended for reference purposes only; none of the information posted on
our website is part of this report or incorporated by reference herein.
The SEC also maintains website at http://www.sec.gov that contains reports, proxy and other information statements, and other information regarding issuers, including us,
that file electronically with the SEC.
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Risk Factors
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Our operations and financial results are subject to various risks and uncertainties, including those described below, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of
operations, cash flows, and the trading price of our common and capital stock. You should carefully consider the risks and uncertainties described below in addition to the other information set forth in this Report, including in “Management’s
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and our consolidated financial statements and related notes, before making any investment in our common stock. The risks and uncertainties described below are not the only
ones we face. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently believe to be immaterial may also adversely affect our business. If any of these risk factors occur, you could lose substantial value or your entire
investment in our shares.
Summary Risk Factors
An investment in our common stock involves a high degree of risk, and the following is a summary of key risk factors when considering an investment. You should read this summary together with
the more detailed description of each risk factor contained in the subheadings further below.
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We are involved and will continue to be involved in litigation defending our patent portfolio, which can be time-consuming and costly, and we cannot anticipate the results.
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We may not be able to capitalize on market opportunities related to our licensing strategy or our patent portfolio.
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If we are not able to adequately protect our patent rights, our business would be negatively impacted.
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Because our business is conducted or expected to be conducted in an environment that is subject to rapid change, we may be subject to various developments in regulation, law, and consumer preferences to which we may not be able to
adapt successfully.
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Our exposure to outside influences beyond our control, including new legislation, court rulings or actions by the United States Patent and Trademark Office, could adversely affect our licensing and enforcement activities and results of
operations.
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New legislation, regulations or court rulings related to enforcing patents could harm our business and operating results.
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Privacy and data security concerns, and data collection and transfer restrictions and related domestic or foreign regulations may limit the use and adoption of our solutions and adversely affect our business.
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If we are unable to expand our revenue sources or establish, sustain, grow, or replace relationships with a diversified customer base, our revenues may be limited.
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We have limited technical resources and are at an early stage in commercialization of our software products.
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Our international expansion will subject us to additional costs and risks, and our plans may not be successful.
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Risks Related to Our Business and Our Financial Reporting
We are involved and will continue to be involved in litigation defending our patent portfolio, which can be time-consuming and costly, and we cannot anticipate the results.
We spend a significant amount of our financial and management resources to pursue our current litigation. We believe that this litigation and others that we may pursue in the future could
continue for years and consume significant financial and management resources. The counterparties to our litigation include large, well-financed companies with substantially greater resources than us. Patent litigation is risky, and the outcome
is uncertain, and we cannot assure you that any of our current or future litigation matters will result in a favorable outcome for us. In addition, even if we obtain favorable interim rulings or verdicts, they may be inconsistent with the
ultimate resolution of the dispute. Furthermore, any awards we receive may be subject to obligations to Leidos and fee arrangements with outside counsel. Also, we cannot assure you that we will not be exposed to claims or sanctions against us
which may be costly or impossible for us to defend. Unfavorable or adverse outcomes may result in losses, exhaustion of financial resources or other adverse effects, which could encumber our ability to develop and commercialize our products.
We may not be able to capitalize on market opportunities related to our licensing strategy or our patent portfolio.
A large part of our business strategy includes licensing our patents and technology to other companies in order to reach a larger end-user base than we could reach through direct sales and
marketing efforts; as such, our business strategy and revenues may depend on intellectual property licensing fees and royalties for the majority of our revenues. We currently derive minimal revenue from licensing activities, and royalties, and we
cannot assure you that we will successfully capitalize on our market opportunities or that our current business strategy will succeed.
Although to date we have entered into a limited number of settlement and license agreements, we may not be successful in entering into further licensing relationships, or if we are successful
in entering into such relationships, the acquisition of them may be expensive, and they, as well as our existing settlement and our existing and pending license agreements may not generate the financial results, we expect.
Factors that may affect our ability to execute our current business strategy include, but are not limited to, the following:
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Third parties may challenge the validity of our patents;
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The pendency of our various litigations may cause potential licensees not to do business with us;
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Our patents may expire before we can make our business strategy successful;
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We face, and we expect to continue to face, intense competition from new and established competitors who may have superior products and services or better marketing, financial or other capacities than we do; and
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It is possible that one or more of our potential customers or licensees develops or otherwise sources products or technologies similar to, competitive with or superior to ours.
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If we are not able to adequately protect our patent rights, our business would be negatively impacted.
We believe our patents are valid, enforceable, and valuable. Notwithstanding this belief, third parties may make claims of infringement or invalidity claims with respect to our patents and such claims could give
rise to material cost for defense or settlement or both, jeopardize or substantially delay a successful outcome of litigation we are or may become involved in, divert resources away from our other activities, limit or cease our revenues related
to such patents, or otherwise materially and adversely affect our business. Similar challenges could also prevent us from obtaining additional patents in the future. Additionally, several of our patents are currently, and other patents may in the
future be, subject to USPTO post-grant inter partes review proceedings (“IPR”) which may result in all, or part of these patents being invalidated, or the claims of our patents being limited. Unfavorable or adverse outcomes in our litigation or
IPRs may result in losses, exhaustion of financial resources, reduction in our ability to enforce our intellectual property rights, or other adverse effects, which could encumber our ability to develop and commercialize our products. Even if we
are successful in enforcing our intellectual property rights, our patents may not ultimately provide us with any competitive advantages and may be less valuable than we currently expect. These risks may be heightened in countries other than the
United States where laws regarding patent protection are less developed, and may be negatively affected by the fact that legal standards in the United States and elsewhere for protection of intellectual property rights in Internet-related
businesses are uncertain and still evolving. In addition, there are a significant number of United States and foreign patents and patent applications in our areas of interest, and we expect that significant litigation in these areas will
continue and will add uncertainty to the value of certain patents and other intellectual property rights in our areas of interest. If we are unable to protect our intellectual property rights or otherwise realize value from them, our business
would be negatively affected.
We can provide no assurances that the licensing of our essential security patents under FRAND will be successful.
At the request of the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (“ETSI”), and the Alliance for Telecommunications Industry Solutions (“ATIS”), we agreed to update our licensing declaration to ETSI and ATIS
under their respective Intellectual Property Rights policies. This was in response to our Statement of Patent Holder identifying a group of our patents and patent applications that we believe are or may become essential to certain developing
specifications in the 3rd Generation Partnership Project Long Term Evolution (“LTE”), Systems Architecture Evolution project. We will make available a non-exclusive patent license under FRAND (fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory terms, and
conditions, with compensation) for the patents identified by us that are or become essential to applicants desiring to implement the Technical Specifications identified by us, as set forth in the updated licensing declaration under the ATIS and
ETSI Intellectual Property Rights policies. Our licensing declarations under the ATIS and ETSI Intellectual Property Rights policies may limit our flexibility in determining royalties and license terms for certain of our patents. Consequently, we
cannot assure you that the licensing of the essential security patents will be successful or that third parties will be willing to enter into licenses with us on reasonable terms or at all, which could have an adverse effect on our business and
harm our competitive position.
Because our business is conducted or expected to be conducted in an environment that is subject to rapid change, we may be subject to various developments
in regulation, law, and consumer preferences to which we may not be able to adapt successfully.
The current regulatory environment for our products and services remains unclear. We can give no assurance that our planned product offerings will be in compliance with laws and regulations of
local, state, United States federal or foreign authorities. Further, we can give no assurance that we will not unintentionally violate such laws or regulations or that such laws or regulations will not be modified, or that new laws or regulations
will be enacted in the future which would cause us to be in violation of such laws or regulations. For example, Voice-Over-Internet Protocol (“VoIP”) services are not currently subject to all the same regulations that apply to traditional
telephony, but it is possible that similar regulations may be applied to VoIP in the future and that these could result in substantial costs to us which could adversely affect the marketability of our products and planned products related to
VoIP. For further example, the use of the Internet and private Internet Protocol (“IP”) networks for communication is largely unregulated within the United States, but may become regulated in the future; additionally, several foreign governments
have enacted measures that could restrict or prohibit voice communications services over the Internet or private IP networks.
Our business depends on the growth of instant messaging, VoIP, mobile services, streaming video, file transfer and remote desktop and other next-generation Internet-based applications. A
decline in the use of these applications due to complexity or cost relative to alternate traditional or newly developed communications channels, or development of alternative technologies, could cause a material decline in the number of users in
these areas.
More aggressive domestic or international regulation of the Internet in general, and Internet telephony providers and services specifically may materially and adversely affect our business,
financial condition, operating results, and future prospects.
Our exposure to outside influences beyond our control, including new legislation, court rulings or actions by the United States Patent and Trademark
Office, could adversely affect our licensing and enforcement activities and results of operations.
Our licensing and enforcement activities are subject to numerous risks from outside influences, including the following:
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New legislation, regulations or rules related to obtaining patents or enforcing patents could significantly increase our operating costs and decrease our revenue. For instance, the United States Supreme Court has modified some tests
used by the USPTO in granting patents during the past 20 years which may decrease the likelihood that we will be able to obtain patents and increase the likelihood of challenge of any patents we obtain or license. In addition, in 2012 the
United States enacted sweeping changes to the United States patent system under the Leahy-Smith America Invents Act, including changes that transition the United States from a “first-to-invent” system to a “first to file” system and alter
the processes for challenging issued patents;
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More patent applications are filed each year resulting in longer delays in getting patents issued by the USPTO;
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Federal courts are becoming more crowded, and as a result, patent enforcement litigation is taking longer; and
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As patent enforcement becomes more prevalent, it may become more difficult for us to voluntarily license our patents.
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New legislation, regulations or court rulings related to enforcing patents could harm our business and operating results.
Intellectual property is the subject of intense scrutiny by the courts, legislatures, and executive branches of governments around the world. Various patent offices, governments or
intergovernmental bodies may implement new legislation, regulations or rulings that impact the patent enforcement process, or the rights of patent holders and such changes could negatively affect licensing efforts and/or litigations. For example,
limitations on the ability to bring patent enforcement claims, limitations on potential liability for patent infringement, lower evidentiary standards for invalidating patents, increases in the cost to resolve patent disputes and other similar
developments could negatively affect our ability to assert our patent or other intellectual property rights.
It is impossible to determine the extent of the impact of any new laws, regulations or initiatives that may be proposed, or whether any of the proposals will become enacted as laws. Compliance
with any new or existing laws or regulations could be difficult and expensive, affect the manner in which we conduct our business and negatively impact our business, prospects, financial condition, and results of operations.
If we experience security breaches or incidents, we could be exposed to liability and our reputation and business could suffer.
We expect to retain certain confidential and proprietary customer information in our secure data centers and secure domain name registry, as well as personal data and other confidential and
proprietary information relating to our business. It will be critical to our business strategy that our facilities and infrastructure remain secure and are perceived by the marketplace to be secure. Our secure domain name registry operations will
also depend on our ability to maintain our computer and telecommunications equipment in effective working order and to reasonably protect our systems against interruption, and potentially depend on protection by other registrars in the shared
registration system. The secure domain name servers that we will operate will be critical hardware to our registry services operations. Therefore, we expect to have to expend significant time and money to maintain or increase the security of our
products, facilities, and infrastructure. Security technologies are constantly being tested by computer professionals, academics and “hackers.” Advances in computer capabilities and the techniques for attacking security solutions, new
discoveries in the field of cryptography or other events or developments could result in compromises or breaches of our security measures and could make some or all our products obsolete or unmarketable. Likewise, if any of our products are found
to have significant security vulnerabilities, then we may need to dedicate engineering and other resources to eliminate the vulnerabilities and to repair or replace products already sold or licensed to our customers. Despite the security measures
that we and our service providers utilize, our infrastructure and that of our service providers may be vulnerable to physical break-ins, computer viruses, attacks by hackers, phishing attacks, social engineering, or similar disruptive problems.
It is possible that we may have to expend additional financial and other resources to address such problems. The COVID-19 pandemic is increasing vulnerability to cyber-attacks, as more individuals and companies work online, which increases these
risks. As a provider of Internet security software and technology, we may be the target of dedicated efforts by hackers and other third parties to overcome or defeat our security measures. Any physical or electronic break-in or other security
breach or incident or compromise of the information stored at our secure data centers and domain name registration systems, including any compromise due to human error or employee or contractor malfeasance, may jeopardize the security of
information stored on our premises or in the computer systems and networks of our customers. In such an event, we could face significant liability and current or potential customers could be reluctant to use our services. Additionally, any such
data security incident, or the perception that one has occurred could also result in adverse publicity, harm to our reputation and competitive position, and therefore adversely affect the market’s perception of the security of electronic commerce
and communications over IP networks as well as the security or reliability of our services.
A security breach or other security incident could require a substantial level of financial resources to rectify and otherwise respond to, may be difficult to identify or address in a timely
manner, and could result in claims, investigations, and inquires by private parties or governmental entities that may divert management’s attention and require the expenditure of significant time and resources, and which may cause us to incur
substantial fines, penalties, or other liability and related legal and other costs. Any actual or perceived security breach or other security incident may also harm our reputation and make it more difficult or impossible for us to successfully
market to others. Any of the foregoing matters could harm our operating results and financial condition.
Privacy and data security concerns, and data collection and transfer restrictions and related domestic or foreign regulations may limit the use and adoption of our solutions and adversely affect
our business.
Personal privacy, information security, and data protection are significant issues in the United States, Europe, and many other jurisdictions where we have operations or offer our products.
The regulatory framework governing the collection, processing, storage and use of confidential and proprietary business information and personal data is rapidly evolving. The United States federal and various state and foreign governments have
adopted or proposed requirements regarding the collection, distribution, use, security and storage of personally identifiable information and other data relating to individuals, and federal and state consumer protection laws are being applied to
enforce regulations related to the online collection, use and dissemination of data.
Further, many foreign countries and governmental bodies, including the European Union (“EU”), where we conduct business, have laws and regulations concerning the collection and use of personal
data obtained from their residents or by businesses operating within their jurisdiction. These laws and regulations often are more restrictive than those in the United States. Laws and regulations in these jurisdictions apply broadly to the
collection, use, storage, disclosure, and security of data that identifies or may be used to identify or locate an individual, such as names, email addresses and, in some jurisdictions, IP addresses.
We also expect that there will continue to be new proposed laws, regulations and industry standards concerning privacy, data protection and information security in the United States, the EU,
and other jurisdictions. For example, the European Commission adopted a General Data Protection Regulation (the “GDPR”) that became fully effective on May 25, 2018, superseding prior EU data protection legislation, imposing more stringent EU data
protection requirements, and providing for greater penalties for noncompliance. The United Kingdom has enacted a Data Protection Act and legislation referred to as the UK GDPR that substantially implements the GDPR. We are evaluating obligations
imposed on us by the GDPR and we may be required to incur substantial expense in order to make significant changes to our product and business operations in connection with obtaining and maintaining compliance with the GDPR and similar
legislation, such as the UK GDPR and UK Data Protection Act, all of which may adversely affect our revenue and product sales. Additionally, California has enacted legislation, the California Consumer Privacy Act (the “CCPA”) that, among other
things, requires covered companies to provide disclosures to California consumers, and afford such consumers abilities to opt-out of certain sales of personal information. Additionally, a new privacy law, the California Privacy Rights Act (the
“CPRA”), was approved by California voters in the November 2020 election. The CPRA significantly modifies the CCPA, creating obligations relating to consumer data which began on January 1, 2022, with implementing regulations expected on or before
July 1, 2022, and enforcement beginning July 1, 2023. Additionally, other U.S. states continue to propose, and in certain cases adopt, privacy-focused legislation. For example, in March 2021, Virginia enacted the Virginia Consumer Data Protection
Act, which becomes effective on January 1, 2023, and in June 2021, Colorado enacted the Colorado Privacy Act, which takes effect July 1, 2023. We cannot yet fully determine the impact these or future laws, regulations and standards may have on
our business, but they may require us to modify our data processing practices and policies and to incur substantial costs and expenses in an effort to comply. Privacy, data protection and information security laws and regulations are often
subject to differing interpretations, may be inconsistent among jurisdictions, and may be alleged to be inconsistent with our current or future practices. Additionally, we may be bound by contractual requirements applicable to our collection,
use, processing, and disclosure of various types of data, including personal data, and may be bound by, or voluntarily comply with, self-regulatory or other industry standards relating to these matters. These and other requirements could reduce
demand for our products, increase our costs, impair our ability to grow our business, or restrict our ability to store and process data or, in some cases, impact our ability to offer our service in some locations and may subject us to liability.
Any failure or perceived failure to comply with applicable laws, regulations, industry standards, and contractual obligations may adversely affect our business. Further, in view of new or modified federal, state, or foreign laws and regulations,
industry standards, contractual obligations and other legal obligations, or any changes in their interpretation, we may find it necessary or desirable to fundamentally change our business activities and practices or to expend significant
resources to modify our product and otherwise adapt to these changes. We may be unable to make such changes and modifications in a commercially reasonable manner or at all, and our ability to develop new products and features could be limited.
The costs of compliance with and other burdens imposed by laws, regulations and standards may limit the use and adoption of our service and reduce overall demand for it, or lead to significant
fines, penalties, or liabilities for any noncompliance. Privacy, information security, and data protection concerns, whether valid or not valid, may inhibit market adoption of our platform, particularly in certain industries and foreign countries.
We expect that we will experience long and unpredictable sales cycles, which may impact our operating results.
The sales cycle between initial customer contact and execution of a contract or license agreement with a customer or purchaser of our products can vary widely. We expect that our sales cycles
will be long and unpredictable due to several factors, including but not limited to:
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The need to educate potential customers about our patent rights and our product and service capabilities;
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The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our potential customers and their business operations, including their budgetary constraints and resources devoted to adopting new products.
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Our customers’ willingness to invest potentially substantial resources and modify their network infrastructures to take advantage of our products;
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Our customers’ budgetary constraints;
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The timing of our customers’ budget cycles;
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Delays caused by customers’ internal review processes; and
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Long sales cycles that may increase the risk that our financial resources are exhausted before we are able to generate significant revenue.
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In addition, potential customers of our products include local, state, federal and foreign government authorities. Sales to government authorities can be extended and unpredictable. Government authorities generally
have complex budgeting, purchasing, and regulatory processes that govern their capital spending, and their spending is likely to be adversely impacted by economic conditions, including impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, in many
instances, sales to government authorities may require field trials and may be delayed by the time it takes for government officials to evaluate multiple competing bids, negotiate terms, and award contracts.
For these reasons, the sales cycle associated with our products is subject to a number of significant risks that are beyond our control. Consequently, if our forecasted customer orders are not
realized or delayed, our revenues and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.
If we are unable to expand our revenue sources or establish, sustain, grow, or replace relationships with a diversified customer base, our revenues may be limited.
We currently generate revenue from a limited number of customers that have entered settlement and license agreements. Our software products and services currently generating limited revenue,
and it will take time for us to grow our installed user base and generate new customers. Additionally, there is no guarantee that we will be able to derive revenue from new customers, sustain or increase revenue from existing customers or replace
customers from whom we currently generate revenue. As a result, our revenue may be limited or static.
We have limited technical resources and are at an early stage in commercialization of our VirnetX One platform and software products.
Part of our business includes the internal development of commercial products we seek to monetize. This aspect of our business may require significant capital, time and resources and we cannot
guarantee that it will be successful or meet our expectations. As such, we have a small technical team, which may limit our ability to rapidly adapt our product to customer requirements or add new product features to maintain our competitive edge
and drive adoption. Based on the scale of our technical resources, our limited historical financial data upon which to base our projected revenue or planned operating expenses related to our software products and services, we may not be able to
effectively:
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Generate revenues or profit from product sales;
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Drive adoption of our products;
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Attract and retain customers for our products;
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Provide appropriate levels of customer training and support for our products;
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Implement an effective marketing strategy to promote awareness of our products;
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Focus our research and development efforts in areas that generate returns on our efforts;
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Anticipate and adapt to changes in our market; or
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Protect our products from any system failures or other breaches.
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In addition, a high percentage of our expenses are and will continue to be fixed. Accordingly, if we do not generate revenue as and when anticipated, our losses may be greater than expected and
our operating results will suffer.
Our products are highly technical and may contain undetected errors, which could cause harm to our reputation and adversely affect our business.
Our products are highly technical and complex and, when deployed, may contain errors or defects. Despite testing, some errors in our products may only be discovered after a product has been
installed and used by customers. Any errors or defects discovered in our products after commercial release could result in failure to achieve market acceptance, loss of revenue or delay in revenue recognition, loss of customers and increased
service and warranty cost, any of which could adversely affect our business, operating results, and financial condition. In addition, we could face claims for product liability, tort, or breach of warranty, including claims relating to changes to
our products made by our channel partners. The performance of our products could have unforeseen or unknown adverse effects on the networks over which they are delivered as well as on third-party applications and services that utilize our
services, which could result in legal claims against us, harming our business. Furthermore, we expect to provide implementation, consulting, and other technical services in connection with the implementation and ongoing maintenance of our
products, which typically involves working with sophisticated software, computing, and communications systems. We expect that our contracts with customers will contain provisions relating to warranty disclaimers and liability limitations, which
may not be upheld. Defending a lawsuit, regardless of its merit, is costly and may divert management’s attention and adversely affect the market’s perception of us and our products. In addition, if our business liability insurance coverage proves
inadequate or future coverage is unavailable on acceptable terms or at all, our business, operating results, and financial condition could be adversely impacted.
Malfunctions of third-party communications infrastructure, hardware and software expose us to a variety of risks that we cannot control.
Our business will depend upon, among other things, the capacity, reliability, security, and unimpeded access of the infrastructure owned by third parties that we will use to deploy our offerings. We have no control
over the operation, quality, or maintenance of a significant portion of that infrastructure or whether those third parties will upgrade or improve their equipment. We depend on these companies to maintain the operational integrity of our
connections. If one or more of these companies is unable or unwilling to supply or expand its levels of service to us in the future, our operations could be severely interrupted. Also, to the extent that the number of users of networks utilizing
our current or future products suddenly increases, the technology platform and secure hosting services which will be required to accommodate a higher volume of traffic may result in slower response times or service interruptions. System
interruptions or increases in response time could result in a loss of potential or existing users and, if sustained or repeated, could reduce the appeal of the networks to users. In addition, users depend on real-time communications; outages
caused by increased traffic could result in delays and system failures. These types of occurrences could cause users to perceive that our solution does not function properly and could therefore adversely affect our ability to attract and retain
licensees, strategic partners, and customers.
System failure or interruption or our failure to meet increasing demands on our systems could harm our business.
The success of our license and service offerings will depend on the uninterrupted operation of various systems, secure data centers and other computer and communication networks that we
establish. To the extent, the number of users of networks utilizing our future products suddenly increases, the technology platform and hosting services which will be required to accommodate a higher volume of traffic may result in slower
response times, service interruptions or delays or system failures. Our systems and operations will also be vulnerable to damage or interruption from, among other things:
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Power loss, transmission cable cuts and other telecommunications failures;
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Damage or interruption caused by fire, earthquake, and other natural disasters;
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Computer viruses or software defects; and
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Physical or electronic break-ins, sabotage, intentional acts of vandalism, terrorist attacks and other events beyond our control.
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System interruptions or failures and increases or delays in response time could result in a loss of potential or existing users and, if sustained or repeated, could reduce the appeal of the
networks to users. These types of occurrences could cause users to perceive that our solution does not function properly and could therefore adversely affect our ability to attract and retain licensees, strategic partners, and customers.
Any significant problem with our systems or operations could result in lost revenue, customer dissatisfaction or lawsuits against us. A failure in the operation of our secure domain name
registration system could result in the inability of one or more registrars to register and maintain secure domain names for a period of time. A failure in the operation or update of the master directory that we plan to maintain could result in
deletion or discontinuation of assigned secure domain names for a period of time. The inability of the registrar systems we establish, including our back-office billing and collections infrastructure, and telecommunications systems to meet the
demands of an increasing number of secure domain name requests could result in substantial degradation in our customer support service and our ability to process registration requests in a timely manner.
Our ability to sell our solutions will be dependent on the quality of our technical support, and our failure to deliver high-quality technical support
services could have a material adverse effect on our sales and results of operations.
If we do not effectively assist our customers in deploying our products, succeed in helping our customers quickly resolve post deployment issues and provide effective ongoing support, or if
potential customers perceive that we may not be able achieve to the foregoing, our ability to sell our products would be adversely affected, and our reputation with current and potential customers could be harmed. In addition, as we expand our
operations internationally, our technical support team will face additional challenges, including those associated with delivering support, training, and documentation in languages other than English. Our failure to deliver and maintain
high-quality technical support services to our customers could result in customers choosing to use our competitors’ products and support services instead of ours in the future.
Telephone carriers have petitioned governmental agencies to enforce regulatory tariffs, which, if granted, would increase the cost of online
communication, and such increase in cost may impede the growth of online communication and adversely affect our business.
Use of the Internet has over-burdened existing telecommunications infrastructures, and many high traffic areas have begun to experience interruptions in service. As a result, certain local
telephone carriers have petitioned governmental agencies to enforce regulatory tariffs on IP-telephony traffic that crosses over their traditional telephone networks. If the relief sought in these petitions is granted, the costs of communicating
via online could increase substantially, potentially adversely affecting the growth in the use of online secure communications. Any of these developments could have an adverse effect on our business.
Our international expansion will subject us to additional costs and risks, and our plans may not be successful.
We expect to expand our presence internationally in Japan and elsewhere through third party arrangements such as international partnerships, joint ventures and potentially establishing
international subsidiaries and offices. Our international expansion may present challenges and risks, including those inherent in international operations, to us and may require significant attention from management. For example, the COVID-19
pandemic has and could continue to disrupt and slow our international expansion and partnership efforts, as our international partners’ businesses could continue to be disrupted. We may not be successful in our international partnerships,
expansion efforts, and we may incur significant operating expenses in our efforts to expand internationally.
The global COVID-19 pandemic may harm our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
In December 2019, a novel coronavirus, COVID-19 was reported in China and in March 2020, the World Health Organization declared it a pandemic. This contagious disease outbreak and related
variants have continued to spread across the globe and impact worldwide economic activity and financial markets. In light of the uncertain and rapidly evolving situation relating to the spread of COVID-19, we continue to take precautionary
measures intended to minimize the risk of the virus to our employees, our customers, and other third parties with whom we interact. We continue to require all employees to work remotely and have also suspended all non-essential travel worldwide
for our employees. While we have a distributed workforce and our employees are accustomed to working remotely or working with other remote employees, our workforce is not fully remote. Our employees and consultants travel frequently to establish
and maintain relationships with one another, our customers and prospective customers, partners, and investors. Although we continue to monitor the situation and may adjust our current policies as more information and public health guidance
becomes available, temporarily suspending travel and restricting the ability to do business in person could negatively affect our customer success efforts, sales and marketing efforts, challenge our ability to enter into customer contracts in a
timely manner, slow down our recruiting efforts, or create operational or other challenges, any of which could harm our business, financial condition and results of operations. Furthermore, if a natural disaster, power outage, connectivity issue,
or other event occurred that impacted our employees’ ability to work remotely, it may be difficult or, in certain cases, not possible, for us to continue our business for a substantial period of time. The increase in remote working may also
result in consumer privacy, IT security and fraud concerns as well as increase our exposure to potential wage and hour issues. In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic may disrupt the operations of our customers, partners, suppliers, and other
third-party providers for an indefinite period of time, including as a result of travel restrictions, adverse effects on budget planning processes, and/or business shutdowns, all of which could negatively impact our business, financial condition,
and results of operations. More generally, despite continued actions taken by governments and businesses to attempt to contain and treat the disease, and related variants, including the distribution and administration of effective vaccines, the
COVID-19 pandemic could continue to adversely affect economies and financial markets globally, potentially leading to an economic downturn, which could decrease technology spending and adversely affect our business.
We do not regularly pay dividends on our common stock and thus stockholders must look to appreciation of our common stock to realize a gain on their investments.
Our dividend policy is within the discretion of our Board of Directors and will depend upon various factors, including our business, financial condition, results of operations, capital
requirements, and investment opportunities. We therefore cannot make assurances that our Board of Directors will determine to pay regular or special dividends in the future. Accordingly, unless our Board of Directors determines to pay dividends,
stockholders will be required to look to appreciation of our common stock to realize a gain on their investment, which may not occur.
The exercise of our outstanding stock options, warrants, and RSUs and issuance of new shares would result in a dilution of our current stockholders’
voting power and an increase in the number of shares eligible for future resale in the public market which may negatively impact the market price of our stock.
The exercise of our outstanding vested stock options, warrants, and RSUs would dilute the ownership interests of our existing stockholders. As of December 31, 2021, we had outstanding options,
warrants and RSUs to purchase an aggregate of 6,931,592 shares of common stock representing approximately 9.7% of our total shares outstanding of which 4,938,709 were vested and therefore exercisable. To the extent outstanding stock options are
exercised, additional shares of common stock will be issued, existing stockholders’ percentage voting interests will decline and the number of shares eligible for resale in the public market will increase. Such increase may have a negative effect
on the value or market trading price of our common stock.
Because ownership of our common stock is concentrated, investors may have limited influence on stockholder decisions.
As of December 31, 2021, our executive officers and directors beneficially owned approximately 14% of our outstanding common stock. In addition, a group of stockholders that, as of December
31, 2007, held 4,766,666 shares, or approximately 7% of our outstanding common stock, have entered into a voting agreement with us that requires them to vote all of their shares of our voting stock in favor of the director nominees approved by
our Board of Directors at each director election going forward, and in a manner that is proportional to the votes cast by all other voting shares as to any other matters submitted to the stockholders for a vote. However, we cannot be certain how
many shares of our common stock this group of stockholders currently owns. Because of their beneficial ownership interest, our officers and directors could significantly influence stockholder actions of which you disapprove or that are contrary
to your interests. This ability to exercise significant influence could prevent or significantly delay another company from acquiring or merging with us.
Our protective provisions in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and bylaws could make it difficult for a third party to successfully
acquire us even if you would like to sell your stock to them.
We have a number of protective provisions in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and bylaws that could delay, discourage, or prevent a third party from acquiring control of us
without the approval of our Board of Directors. These protective provisions include:
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A staggered Board of Directors: This means that only one or two directors (since we have a five-person Board of Directors) will be up for election at any given annual meeting. This has the
effect of delaying the ability of stockholders to affect a change in control of us because it would take two annual meetings to effectively replace a majority of the Board of Directors.
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Blank check preferred stock: Our Board of Directors has the authority to establish the rights, preferences, and privileges of our 10,000,000 authorized, but unissued, shares of preferred stock.
Therefore, this stock may be issued at the discretion of our Board of Directors with preferences over your shares of our common stock in a manner that is materially dilutive to you. In addition, blank check preferred stock can be used to
create a “poison pill” which is designed to deter a hostile bidder from buying a controlling interest in our stock without the approval of our Board of Directors. We have not adopted such a “poison pill;” but our Board of Directors has
the ability to do so in the future, very rapidly and without stockholder approval.
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Advance notice requirements for director nominations and for new business to be brought up at stockholder meetings: Stockholders wishing to submit director nominations or raise matters to a vote
of the stockholders must provide notice to us within very specific date windows and in very specific form in order to have the matter voted on at a stockholder meeting. This has the effect of giving our Board of Directors and management
more time to react to stockholder proposals generally and could also have the effect of disregarding a stockholder proposal or deferring it to a subsequent meeting to the extent such proposal is not raised properly.
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No stockholder actions by written consent: No stockholder or group of stockholders may take actions rapidly and without prior notice to our Board of Directors and management or to the minority
stockholders. Along with the advance notice requirements described above, this provision also gives our Board of Directors and management more time to react to proposed stockholder actions.
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Super majority requirement for stockholder amendments to the bylaws: Stockholder proposals to alter or amend our bylaws or to adopt new bylaws can only be approved by the affirmative vote of at
least 66 2/3% of the outstanding shares of our common stock.
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No ability of stockholders to call a special meeting of the stockholders: Only the Board of Directors or management can call special meetings of the stockholders. This could mean that
stockholders, even those who represent a significant percentage of our shares of common stock, may need to wait for the annual meeting before nominating directors or raising other business proposals to be voted on by the stockholders.
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In addition, the provisions of Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law govern us. These provisions may prohibit large stockholders, particularly those owning 15% or more of our
outstanding voting stock, from merging or combining with us for a certain period of time.
These and other provisions in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation, our bylaws and under Delaware law could discourage potential takeover attempts, reduce the price that
investors might be willing to pay for shares of our common stock in the future and result in the market price being lower than it would be without these provisions.
Our amended and restated bylaws designate a state or federal court located within the State of Delaware as the exclusive forum for substantially all
disputes between us and our stockholders, which could limit our stockholders’ ability to choose the judicial forum for disputes with us or our directors, officers, or employees.
Our amended and restated bylaws provide that, unless we consent in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the sole and exclusive forum for (1) any derivative action or proceeding
brought on our behalf, (2) any action asserting a claim of breach of a fiduciary duty owed by any of our directors, stockholders, officers, or other employees to us or our stockholders, (3) any action arising pursuant to any provision of the
Delaware General Corporation Law, or our amended and restated certificate of incorporation or amended and restated bylaws or (4) any other action asserting a claim that is governed by the internal affairs doctrine shall be the Court of Chancery
of the State of Delaware (or, if the Court of Chancery does not have jurisdiction, another State court in Delaware or the federal district court for the District of Delaware), in all cases subject to the court having jurisdiction over
indispensable parties named as defendants.
However, notwithstanding the exclusive forum provisions, our amended and restated bylaws explicitly state that they would not preclude the filing of claims brought to enforce any liability or
duty created under federal securities laws, including the Securities Act or the Exchange Act.
Any person or entity purchasing or otherwise acquiring any interest in any of our securities shall be deemed to have notice of and consented to this provision. This exclusive-forum provision
may limit a stockholder’s ability to bring a claim in a judicial forum of its choosing for disputes with us or our directors, officers, or other employees, which may discourage lawsuits against us and our directors, officers, and other employees.
If a court were to find this exclusive-forum provision in our amended and restated bylaws to be inapplicable or unenforceable in an action, we may incur additional costs associated with resolving the dispute in other jurisdictions, which could
harm our results of operations.
General Risk Factors
We may need to raise additional capital to support our business growth, and this capital may be dilutive, may cause our stock price to drop or may not be
available on acceptable terms, if at all.
We may need to raise additional capital, which may not be available to us when needed or may not be available on terms acceptable to us, to support our business growth or to respond to
business opportunities, challenges, or unforeseen circumstances, including sales under our past and any future shelf registration statements. Our ability to obtain additional capital, if and when required, will depend on our business plans,
investor demand, our operating performance, the condition of the capital markets, the terms of our current contractual obligations and other factors.
If we raise additional funds through the issuance of equity, equity-linked or debt securities, including those under our past and any future shelf registration statements, those securities may
have rights, preferences, or privileges senior to the rights of our common stock, and our existing stockholders may experience dilution. Additionally, we are unable to predict the future success of any future offerings. Sales of a substantial
number of shares of our common stock in the public market, or the perception that these sales or other financings might occur, could depress the market price of our common stock, and could also impair our ability to raise capital through the sale
of additional equity securities. If we issue debt securities or incur indebtedness, we could experience increased future payment obligations and a need to comply with restrictive covenants, such as limitations on our ability to incur additional
debt, limitations on our ability to acquire, sell or license intellectual property rights and other operating restrictions that could adversely impact our ability to conduct our business. If we are unable to obtain additional capital or are
unable to obtain additional capital on satisfactory terms, our ability to continue to support our business growth or to respond to business opportunities, challenges, or other circumstances could be adversely affected, and our business may be
harmed.
The departure of Kendall Larsen, our Chief Executive Officer and President, and/or other key personnel could compromise our ability to execute our
strategic plan and materially harm our business.
Our success largely depends on the skills, experience, and performance of our key personnel. Due to the specialized nature of our business and limited staff, we are particularly dependent on
Kendall Larsen, our Chief Executive Officer and President. We have no employment agreements with any of our key executives that prevent them from leaving us at any time. In addition, we do not maintain key person life insurance for any of our
officers or key employees. The loss of Mr. Larsen, or our failure to retain other key personnel or adequately plan for the succession of key personnel, would jeopardize our ability to execute our strategic plan and materially harm our business.
We will need to recruit and retain additional qualified personnel to successfully grow our business.
Our future success will depend, in part, on our ability to attract and retain qualified engineering, operations, marketing, sales and executive personnel. Inability to attract and retain such
personnel could adversely affect our business. Competition for engineering, operations, marketing, sales, and executive personnel is intense, particularly in the technology and Internet sectors and in the regions where we conduct our business. We
may need to invest significant amounts of cash and equity to attract and retain employees and expend significant time and resources to identify, recruit, train and integrate such employees, and we may never realize returns on these investments.
Additionally, we can provide no assurance that we will attract or retain such personnel.
We have incurred and will continue to incur significant costs as a result of operating as a public company, and our management will be required to
continue to devote substantial time to various compliance initiatives.
The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010, as well as other rules implemented by the SEC and the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”),
impose various requirements on public companies, including requiring changes in corporate governance practices. These and proposed corporate governance laws and regulations under consideration may further increase our compliance costs. If
compliance with these various legal and regulatory requirements diverts our management’s attention from other business concerns, it could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and operating results. The
Sarbanes-Oxley Act requires, among other things, that we assess the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting annually and disclosure controls and procedures quarterly. If we are unable to assert in any future reporting
periods that our internal control over financial reporting is effective (or if our independent registered public accounting firm is unable to express an opinion on the effectiveness of our internal controls), we could lose investor confidence in
the accuracy and completeness of our financial reports, which would have an adverse effect on our share price.
Although we believe that we currently maintain effective control over our disclosures and procedures and internal control over financial reporting, we may in the future identify deficiencies
regarding the design and effectiveness of our system of internal control over financial reporting. If we experience any material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting in the future or are unable to provide unqualified
management or attestation reports about our internal controls, we may be unable to meet financial and other reporting deadlines and may incur costs associated with remediation, and any of which could cause our share price to decline. Moreover, if
we identify deficiencies in our internal control over financial reporting that are deemed to be material weaknesses in future periods, the market price of our common stock could decline, and we could be subject to potential delisting by the NYSE
and review by the NYSE, the SEC, or other regulatory authorities, which would require the expenditure by us of additional financial and management resources. As a result, our shareholders could lose confidence in our financial reporting, which
would harm our business and the market price of our common stock.
There are inherent uncertainties involved in estimates, judgments and assumptions used in the preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S.
GAAP. Any changes in estimates, judgments and assumptions could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and operating results.
The preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”) involves making estimates, judgments and assumptions that
affect reported amounts of assets (including intangible assets), liabilities and related reserves, revenues, expenses, and income. Estimates, judgments, and assumptions are inherently subject to change in the future, and any such changes could
result in corresponding changes to the amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses, and income. Any such changes could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and operating results.
Our results of operations and financial condition could be materially affected by the enactment of legislation implementing changes in the U.S. or foreign
taxation of international business activities or the adoption of other tax reform policies.
As we expand the scale of our international business activities, any changes in the U.S. or foreign taxation of such activities may increase our worldwide effective tax rate and harm our
business, results of operations, and financial condition. For example, the current administration has proposed to increase the U.S. corporate income tax rate, increase U.S. taxation of international business operations, and impose a global
minimum tax which has agreement from, many countries, and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. Other countries have recently proposed or recommended changes to existing tax laws or have enacted new laws that could impact our
tax obligations in countries where we do business or cause us to change the way we operate our business. The impact of future changes to U.S. and foreign tax law on our business is uncertain and could be adverse, and we will continue to monitor
and assess the impact of any such changes.
War, terrorism, other acts of violence, or natural or manmade disasters may affect the markets in which we operate, our clients and our service delivery.
Our business may be adversely affected by instability, disruption, or destruction in a geographic region in which we operate, regardless of cause, including war, terrorism, riot, civil
insurrection, or social unrest, and natural or manmade disasters, including famine, flood, fire, earthquake, storm, or pandemic events and spread of disease, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Such events may cause our customers to delay their
decisions on spending for the services we provide and give rise to sudden significant changes in regional and global economic conditions and cycles. These events may also pose risks to our personnel and to physical facilities and operations,
which could adversely affect our financial results.
Trading in our common stock is limited and the price of our common shares may be subject to substantial volatility.
Our common stock is currently listed on the NYSE and was previously listed on the NYSE American LLC (formerly the NYSE MKT LLC). Over the past years, the market price of our common stock has
experienced significant fluctuations. Between January 1, 2021, and December 31, 2021, the reported last adjusted closing price on the NYSE American LLC, and now NYSE, for our common stock ranged between $2.60 and $8.17 per share. The price of our
common stock may continue to be volatile as a result of several factors, some of which are beyond our control. These factors include, but not limited to, the following:
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Developments or lack thereof in any then-outstanding litigation;
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Quarterly variations in our operating results;
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Large purchases or sales of common stock or derivative transactions related to our stock;
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Actual or anticipated announcements of new products or services by us or competitors;
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General conditions in the markets in which we compete; and
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General social, political, economic, and financial conditions, including the significant volatility in the global financial markets, and impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic.
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In addition, we believe there has been and may continue to be substantial trading in derivatives of our stock, including short selling activity or related similar activities, which are beyond
our control, and which may be beyond the full control of the SEC and Financial Institutions Regulatory Authority or “FINRA.” While the SEC and FINRA rules prohibit some forms of short selling and other activities that may result in stock price
manipulation, such activity may nonetheless occur without detection or enforcement. We have held conversations with regulators concerning trading activity in our stock; however, there can be no assurance that should there be any illegal
manipulation in the trading of our stock, it will be detected, prosecuted, or successfully eradicated. Significant short selling market manipulation could cause our stock trading price to decline, to become more volatile, or both.
The market price of our common stock has been and may continue to be volatile, and you could lose all or part of your investment.
The trading price of our common stock has been volatile since our initial public offering and is likely to continue to be volatile. Factors that could cause fluctuations in the market price of
our common stock include, but are not limited to the following:
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Price and volume fluctuations in the overall stock market from time to time, including fluctuations due to general economic uncertainty or negative market sentiment;
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Volatility in the market prices and trading volumes of companies in our industry or companies that investors consider comparable;
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Changes in operating performance and stock market valuations of other companies generally, or those in our industry;
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Sales of shares of our common stock by us or our stockholders;
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Failure of securities analysts to maintain coverage of us, changes in financial estimates by securities analysts who follow us, or our failure to meet these estimates or the expectations of investors;
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The financial projections we may provide to the public, any changes in those projections or our failure to meet those projections;
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Announcements by us or our competitors of new products or services;
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The public’s reaction to our press releases, other public announcements, and filings with the SEC;
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Rumors and market speculation involving us or other companies in our industry;
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Actual or anticipated changes in our results of operations;
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Actual or anticipated developments in our business, our competitors’ businesses, or the competitive landscape generally;
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Litigation involving us, our industry or both, or investigations by regulators into our operations or those of our competitors;
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Announced or completed acquisitions of businesses or technologies by us or our competitors;
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New laws or regulations or new interpretations of existing laws or regulations applicable to our business;
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Changes in accounting standards, policies, guidelines, interpretations, or principles;
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Any significant change in our management; and
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General economic conditions and slow or negative growth of our markets, including any economic downturn from the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Further, in recent years the stock markets have experienced extreme price and volume fluctuations that have affected and continue to affect the market prices of equity securities of many
companies. These fluctuations often have been unrelated or disproportionate to the operating performance of those companies. In addition, the stock prices of many technology companies have experienced wide fluctuations that have often been
unrelated to the operating performance of those companies. These broad market and industry fluctuations, as well as general economic, political and market conditions such as recessions, government shutdowns, global pandemics (such as the COVID-19
pandemic), interest rate changes the stability of the EU (including, but not limited to, effects from the exit of the United Kingdom or international currency fluctuations, may cause the market price of our common stock to decline. In the past,
following periods of volatility in the overall market and the market price of a particular company’s securities, securities class action litigation has often been instituted against these companies.
We have broad discretion in how we apply our funds, and we may not use these funds effectively, which could affect our results of operations and cause our stock price to decline.
Our management has broad discretion in the application of our existing cash, cash equivalents and investments and could spend these funds in ways that do not improve our results of operations
or enhance the value of our common stock. Pending their use, we may invest our available funds in a manner that does not produce income or that loses value. The failure by our management to apply our available funds effectively could result in
financial losses that could cause the price of our common stock to decline and delay the development of our products.
In addition, an entity that, among other things, is or holds itself out as being engaged primarily, or proposes to engage primarily, in the business of investing, reinvesting, owning, trading,
or holding certain types of securities would be deemed an Investment Company under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “1940 Act”). If we do not manage our investments and business in a manner that meets the requirements for an exemption
under the 1940 Act, we may be deemed to be an investment company under the 1940 Act and subject to additional limitations on operating our business including limitations on the issuance of securities, which may make it difficult for us to raise
capital.
The market price of our common stock may decline because our operating results may not be consistent and may be difficult to predict.
Our reported net income has fluctuated in the past due to several factors. We expect that our future operating results may also fluctuate due to the same or similar factors. We had net losses
of $39.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2021. We had net income of $280.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2020, we had net losses of $19.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2019. As of December 31, 2021, we had accumulated
deficits of $47.6 million. The following include some of the factors that may cause our operating results to fluctuate:
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The outcome of actions to enforce our intellectual property rights currently in progress or that we may undertake in the future, and the timing thereof;
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The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our sales cycle and results;
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The amount and timing of receipt of license fees from potential infringers, licensees, or customers;
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The rate of adoption of our patented technologies;
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The number of new license arrangements we may execute, or that may expire, within a particular period and the scope of those licenses, including the number of our patents which are licensed, the extent of prior infringement of our
patent rights, royalty rates, timing of payment obligations, expiration date etc.;
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The success of a licensee in selling products that use our patented technologies; and
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The amount and timing of expenses related to our patent filings and enforcement proceedings, including litigation, related to our intellectual property rights.
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These fluctuations may make our business particularly difficult to manage, adversely affect our business and operating results, make our operating results difficult for investors to predict
and, further, cause our results to fall below investor’s expectations and adversely affect the market price of our common stock.
| Item 1B. |
Unresolved Staff Comments.
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None.
| Item 2. |
Properties
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Our principal executive offices are located at 308 Dorla Court, Suite 206, Zephyr Cove, Nevada, 89448. We lease this property, which comprises approximately 2,090 square feet of office space, from a third party for
a term that ends in October 2023. We have no other properties and believe that our office facility is suitable and appropriately supports our current business needs.
| Item 3. |
Legal Proceedings
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See Note 12 in the notes to our consolidated financial statements.
| Item 4. |
Mine Safety Disclosure
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Not applicable.
PART II
| Item 5. |
Market for the Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
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Market Information
Our common stock currently trades under the symbol “VHC” on the NYSE.
Holders of Record
As of March 11, 2022, we had 53 stockholders of record. Because many of our shares of common stock are held of record by brokers and other institutions on behalf of stockholders, we are unable
to estimate the total number of beneficial stockholders represented by such record holders.
Dividend Policy
See Note 8 in the notes to our consolidated financial statements.
Securities Authorized for Issuance under Equity Compensation Plan
See Item 12, Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters for information regarding securities authorized for issuance.
Stock Performance Graph
This performance graph shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Exchange Act, or incorporated by reference into any filing of VirnetX Holding Corporation under the Securities Act or the
Exchange Act, except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference in such filing. The stock price performance reflected on this graph is not necessarily indicative of future stock price performance. See the disclosure in part I, Item 1A.
“Risk Factors” for more information regarding the risks in investing in our common stock.
The graph below matches VimetX Holding Corporation’s cumulative 5-year total shareholder return on common stock with the cumulative total returns of the S&P
500 Index and the RDG Technology Composite Index. The graph tracks the performance of a $100 investment in our common clock and in each index (wish the reinvestment of all dividends) from December 31, 2016 to December 31, 2021.
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12/16
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12/17
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12/18
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12/19
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12/20
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12/21
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VirnetX Holding Corp
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100.00
|
168.18
|
109.09
|
172.73
|
267.08
|
137.78
|
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S&P 500
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100.00
|
121.83
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116.49
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153.17
|
181.35
|
233.41
|
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RDG Technology Composite
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100.00
|
137.44
|
141.58
|
210.04
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311.64
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400.39
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Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities
None.
| Item 6. |
[Reserved]
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| Item 7. |
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
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The Company
We are an Internet security software and technology company with patented technology for various types of secure network communications, including 5G and 4G LTE network
security. Our patented Secure Domain Names and GABRIEL Connection Technology™, are the foundation for our new VirnetX One platform that protects communications using Zero Trust Network Access (“ZTNA”). Our technology generates secure connections
on a “zero-click” or “single-click” basis, significantly simplifying the deployment of secure real-time communication solutions by eliminating the need for end-users to enter any encryption information. Our portfolio of intellectual property is
the foundation of our business model. We currently own approximately 205 total patents and pending applications, including 72 U.S. patents/patent applications and 133 foreign patents/validations/pending applications. Our patent portfolio is
primarily focused on securing real-time communications over the Internet, and related services, and is used in all our technology and products, some of which were acquired by our principal operating subsidiary; VirnetX, Inc., from Leidos, Inc.,
or Leidos, (f/k/a Science Applications International Corporation, or SAIC) in 2006.
Our product portfolio includes sophisticated technologies, products and services that are available for sale worldwide. On March 1, 2022, we launched War Room™ software, the
first product on our next-generation, VirnetX One platform. This new platform builds upon our patented Secure Domain Names and GABRIEL Connection Technology™ to further enhance the security and efficiency of our patented secure communication
links. Our VirnetX One platform is a security-as-a-service platform that protects enterprise applications, services, and infrastructure from cyber-attacks.
Our new War Room™ software product provides an industry leading, safe, and secure video conferencing meeting environment where sensitive communications and data is invisible
to those not authorized to view it. War Room™ validates permissions of all the users, and devices requesting access to any secure meeting room prior to granting access. We believe our War Room™ will be an attractive solution for government
agencies as well as all professional sectors such as legal, financial, and medical where limiting access to confidential data is a critical requirement.
Our GABRIEL Collaboration Suite™ is a set of communication applications and tools that use our GABRIEL Secure Communication Platform™. It enables seamless and secure cross
platform communications between devices that are enrolled in our “VIRNETX SECURED” network and have our software installed. Our GABRIEL Collaboration Suite™ is available for download and free trial, for Android, iOS, Windows, Linux, and Mac OS X
platforms, at https://virnetx.com.
We have an ongoing licensing program under which we offer licenses to a portion of our patent portfolio, technology, and software, including our secure domain name registry
service, to domain infrastructure providers, communication service providers as well as to system integrators. Our GABRIEL Connection Technology™ License is offered to original equipment manufacturer (“OEM”) customers who want to adopt the
GABRIEL Connection Technology™ as their solution for establishing secure connections using secure domain names within their products. We have developed GABRIEL Connection Technology™ Software Development Kit (“SDK”) to assist with rapid
integration of these techniques into existing software implementations. Customers who want to develop their own implementation of the VirnetX patented techniques for supporting secure domain names, or other techniques that are covered by our
patent portfolio for establishing secure communication links, can purchase a patent license. The number of patents licensed, and therefore the cost of the patent license to the customer, will depend upon which of the patents are used in a
particular product or service. These licenses will typically include an initial license fee, as well as an ongoing royalty.
We expect to continue to launch new and enhanced security platforms, software products, and services based on our GABRIEL Connection Technology™. We will provide updates to
new and existing customers as they are released to the public. Many small and medium businesses have installed our software products in their corporate networks. We intend to continue to expand our customer base with targeted promotions and
direct sales initiatives.
Our employees include the core development team behind our patent portfolio, technology, and software. Some members of this team have worked together for over twenty years
and were on same team that invented and developed this technology while working at Leidos. The team has continued its research and development work and expanded the set of patents we acquired in 2006 from Leidos, into a larger patent portfolio.
This portfolio now serves as the foundation of our products, services, and our licensing business. It is expected to generate most of our future revenue in license fees and royalties. We intend to continue our efforts to develop new products and
technologies and further strengthen and expand our patent portfolio. We intend to continue using an outsourced and leveraged model to maintain efficiency and manage costs as we grow our licensing business by, for example, offering incentives to
early licensing targets or asserting our rights for use of our patents.
Litigation
We are subject to various legal proceedings, the outcomes of which are inherently uncertain. We record any potential gains related to legal proceedings only after cash is
collected. We record a liability when it is probable that a loss has been incurred and the amount is reasonably estimable, the determination of which requires significant judgment. Resolution of legal matters in a manner inconsistent with
management’s expectations could have a material impact on our financial condition and operating results. See Note 12 in the notes to our consolidated financial statements for more information.
Commitments and Related Party Transactions
We lease our offices under an operating lease with a third party expiring in October 2023. We recognize rent expense on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease.
We entered into a service agreement for the use of an aircraft from K2 Investment Fund LLC (“LLC”) for business travel for our employees. We incurred approximately $791,
$324, and $1,790 in rental fees and reimbursements to the LLC in 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively. We pay for the Company’s business usage of the aircraft and have no right to purchase. Our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Administrative
Officer are the managing partners of the LLC and control the equity interests of the LLC. We entered into a 12-month non-exclusive agreement with the LLC for use of the plane at a rate of $8 per flight hour, with no minimum usage requirement. The
agreement contains other terms and conditions normal in such transactions and can be cancelled by either us or the LLC with 30 days’ notice. The agreement renews on an annual basis unless terminated by either party. Neither party has exercised
their termination rights.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires us 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 reported period. The critical accounting policies we employ in the preparation of our
consolidated financial statements are those which involve income taxes, fair value of financial instruments and stock-based compensation.
Use of Estimates
We prepare our consolidated financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP. In doing so, we have to make estimates and assumptions that affect our reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, and expenses,
as well as related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. In some cases, we could reasonably have used different accounting policies and estimates. In some cases, changes in the accounting estimates are reasonably likely to occur from
period to period. Accordingly, actual results could differ materially from our estimates. To the extent that there are material differences between these estimates and actual results, our financial condition or results of operations will be
affected. We base our estimates on past experience and other assumptions that we believe are reasonable under the circumstances, and we evaluate these estimates on an ongoing basis. We refer to accounting estimates of this type as critical
accounting policies and estimates, which we discuss further below. We have reviewed our critical accounting policies and estimates with the Audit Committee of our Board of Directors.
Income Taxes
We account for income taxes using the asset and liability method. The asset and liability method require the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for expected
future tax consequences of temporary differences that currently exist between the tax basis and financial reporting basis of our assets and liabilities. We calculate current and deferred tax provisions based on estimates and assumptions that
could differ from actual results reflected on the income tax returns filed during the following years. Adjustments based on filed returns are recorded when identified in the subsequent years. The effect on deferred taxes for a change in tax rates
is recognized in income in the period that the tax rate change is enacted. In assessing our deferred tax assets, we consider whether it is more likely than not that all or some portion of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.
A valuation allowance is provided for deferred income tax assets when, in our judgment, based upon currently available information and other factors, it is more likely than
not that all or a portion of such deferred income tax assets will not be realized. The determination of the need for a valuation allowance is based on an on-going evaluation of current information including, among other things, historical
operating results, estimates of future earnings in different taxing jurisdictions and the expected timing of the reversals of temporary differences. We believe the determination to record a valuation allowance to reduce a deferred income tax
asset is a significant accounting estimate because it is based, among other things, on an estimate of future taxable income in the United States and certain other jurisdictions, which is susceptible to change and may or may not occur, and because
the impact of adjusting a valuation allowance may be material. In determining when to release the valuation allowance established against our net deferred income tax assets, we consider all available evidence, both positive and negative. We
continually assess our ability to generate sufficient taxable income during future periods in which our deferred tax assets may be realized. If and when we believe it is more likely than not that we will recover our deferred tax assets, we will
reverse the valuation allowance if any, as an income tax benefit in our statements of operations.
We account for our uncertain tax positions in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The U.S. GAAP method of accounting for uncertain tax positions utilizes a two-step approach to
evaluate tax positions. Step one, recognition, requires evaluation of the tax position to determine if based solely on technical merits it is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination. Step two, measurement, is addressed only if a
position is more likely than not to be sustained. In step two, the tax benefit is measured as the largest amount of benefit, determined on a cumulative probability basis, which is more likely than not to be realized upon ultimate settlement with
tax authorities. If a position does not meet the more likely than not threshold for recognition in step one, no benefit is recorded until the first subsequent period in which the more likely than not standard is met, the issue is resolved with
the taxing authority, or the statute of limitations expires. Positions previously recognized are derecognized when we subsequently determine the position no longer is more likely than not to be sustained. Evaluation of tax positions, their
technical merits, and measurements using cumulative probability are highly subjective management estimates. Actual results could differ materially from these estimates.
Fair Value
Fair value is the price that would result from an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. A fair value hierarchy prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair
value. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurement) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurement). Level 2 measurements
utilize either directly or indirectly observable inputs in markets other than quoted prices in active markets.
Our financial instruments are stated at amounts that equal, or approximate, fair value. When we estimate fair value, we utilize market data or assumptions that we believe market participants
would use in pricing the financial instrument, including assumptions about risk and inputs to the valuation technique. We use valuation techniques, primarily the income and market approach, which maximizes the use of observable inputs and
minimize the use of unobservable inputs for recurring fair value measurements.
Stock-based Compensation
We account for stock-based compensation using the fair value recognition method in accordance with U.S. GAAP. We recognize these compensation costs on a straight-line basis over the requisite
service period of the award, which is generally a vesting term of 4 years. We recognize forfeitures, if any, when they occur. In addition, we record stock-based compensation expense for awards granted to non-employees at fair value of the
consideration received or the fair value of the equity instruments issued, as they vest, over the performance period. See Note 6 in the notes to our consolidated financial statements for more information.
Results of Operations (all amounts in this section are expressed in thousands)
Revenue
|
2021
|
2020
|
2019
|
||||||||||
|
Revenue
|
$
|
35
|
$
|
302,636
|
$
|
85
|
||||||
Revenue generated in 2021 was $35, compared to $302,636 in 2020 and $85 in 2019. In 2020, we collected a lump sum payment of $454,034 from Apple, Inc., as a result of a
favorable court decision relating to a patent infringement case. The one-time payment included past royalties, damages for willful infringement, interest, court costs and attorneys’ fees. See Note 2 in the notes to our consolidated financial
statements for more information.
We recognized royalty revenue as part of license agreements entered into with customers during the patent infringement actions (see “Litigation”). These revenues relate to
payment for use of our patented technology prior to the signing of a license agreement, and royalty payments after the execution of the license agreements.
Licensing Costs
|
2021
|
2020
|
2019
|
||||||||||
|
Licensing costs
|
$
|
(9,083
|
)
|
$
|
90,101
|
$
|
—
|
|||||
Included in operating expenses for 2020 was $90,101 in licensing costs we incurred in conjunction with the proceeds received in the case regarding Apple, Inc. discussed
above. Accrued licensing costs of $9,083 were reversed in the year ended December 31, 2021, as a result of litigation. See Note 12 in the notes to our consolidated financial statements for more information.
Research and Development Expenses
|
2021
|
2020
|
2019
|
||||||||||
|
Research and Development
|
$
|
5,557
|
$
|
8,830
|
$
|
3,845
|
||||||
Research and development costs include expenses paid to outside development consultants and compensation-related expenses for our engineering staff. Research and development
costs are expensed as incurred.
Our research and development expenses in 2021 were $5,557 compared to $8,830 in 2020 and $3,845 in 2019. The fluctuation in 2021 compared to 2020 and 2019 was primarily due
to changes in engineering staff compensation costs.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
|
2021
|
2020
|
2019
|
||||||||||
|
Selling, General and Administrative
|
$
|
52,715
|
$
|
45,812
|
$
|
15,905
|
||||||
Selling, general and administrative expenses include compensation costs for management and administrative personnel, as well as expenses for outside legal, accounting, and
consulting services.
Our selling, general and administrative expenses in 2021 were $52,715 compared to $45,812 in 2020 and $15,905 in 2019. The volatility within selling, general and
administrative expenses was primarily due to legal fees related to cases involving the defense of our patents. Legal fees were $41,828, $30,699, and $5,898 in 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively and represented approximately 80% of selling, general
and administrative expenses for 2021 compared to 67% for 2020 and 37% for 2019.
Gain on Settlement
In 2020, we recorded a gain of $41,271 pursuant to a favorable court ruling in the case regarding Apple, Inc. discussed above. See Note 2 in the notes to our consolidated
financial statements for more information.
Interest and Other Income, net
|
2021
|
2020
|
2019
|
||||||||||
|
Interest and Other Income
|
$
|
48
|
$
|
108,288
|
$
|
92
|
||||||
Interest and other income in 2021 was $48 compared to $108,288 in 2020 and $92 in 2019. During 2020 we received interest of $108,221 pursuant to a favorable court ruling in
the case with Apple, Inc. discussed above. See Note 2 in the notes to our consolidated financial statements for more information.
Effective Income Tax Rate
A reconciliation of the United States federal statutory income tax rate to our effective income tax rate is as follows:
|
Year Ended
December 31, 2021
|
Year Ended
December 31, 2020
|
Year Ended
December 31, 2019
|
||||||||||
|
United States federal statutory rate
|
21.00
|
%
|
21.00
|
%
|
21.00
|
%
|
||||||
|
State taxes, net of federal benefit
|
(0.19
|
)%
|
0.17
|
%
|
1.99
|
%
|
||||||
|
Valuation allowance
|
—
|
(12.22
|
)%
|
(21.96
|
)%
|
|||||||
|
Stock based compensation
|
(0.02
|
)%
|
(0.01
|
)%
|
—
|
|||||||
|
R&D Credit
|
0.19
|
%
|
(0.21
|
)%
|
1.34
|
%
|
||||||
|
Other
|
(1.57
|
)%
|
0.06
|
%
|
(0.38
|
)%
|
||||||
|
Effective income tax rate
|
19.41
|
%
|
8.79
|
%
|
1.99
|
%
|
||||||
The Company’s effective tax rate for both 2020 and 2019 was substantially lower than the statutory Federal income tax rate primarily due to the change in valuation
allowance.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
As of December 31, 2021, our cash and cash equivalents totaled $142,018 and our short-term investments totaled $27,254 compared to $192,908 and $28,348, respectively, as of
December 31, 2020.
We expect that our cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments as of December 31, 2021, will be sufficient to fund our current level of selling, general and
administration costs, including legal expenses and provide related working capital for the foreseeable future. Over the longer term, we expect to derive the majority of our future revenue from license fees and royalties associated with our patent
portfolio, technology, software and secure domain name registry and product sales in the United States and other markets around the world.
Universal Shelf Registration and ATM Offering
On July 30, 2018 we filed a $100,000 universal shelf registration statement on Form S-3 which was declared effective by the SEC on August 16, 2018. We also entered an
at-the-market equity offering sales agreement (“ATM”) with Cowen & Company, LLC on August 31, 2018, under which we were able to sell shares of our common stock having an aggregate value of up to $50,000.
We used the ATM proceeds for development, marketing of our software products and services, and general corporate purposes, such as working capital, capital expenditures,
other corporate expenses and potential acquisitions of complementary products, technologies, or businesses. As of August 16, 2021, the universal shelf registration had expired.
We sold zero shares of common stock under the ATM program during 2021. In 2020, we sold 1,049,382 shares of common stock under the ATM program. The average sales
price per common share sold during 2020 was $4.41, and the aggregate proceeds from the sales totaled $4,627 during the period. Sales commissions, fees and other costs associated with the ATM transactions totaled $139 for 2020. In 2019, we sold
1,860,483 shares under the ATM. The average sales price per common share during 2019 was $5.84, and the aggregate proceeds from the sales totaled $10,866 during the period. Sales commissions, fees and other costs associated with the ATM totaled
$327 for 2019.
| Item 7A. |
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
|
We invest our excess cash primarily in highly liquid debt instruments including corporate, government and federal agency securities. By policy, we limit the amount of credit exposure to any one
issuer.
Investments in fixed rate securities carry a degree of interest rate risk. Fixed rate securities may have their fair market value adversely impacted due to a rise in interest rates. Due in part
to these factors, our income from investments may decrease in the future.
We considered the historical volatility of short-term interest rates and determined that it was reasonably possible that an adverse change of 100 basis points could be experienced in the near
term but would have an immaterial impact in the fair value of our investments as they will be maturing in fifteen months or less.
To the Board of Directors and
Stockholders of VirnetX Holding Corporation
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of VirnetX Holding Corporation (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, and the related consolidated statements of operations,
comprehensive income (loss), stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2021, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the financial statements). In our opinion, the financial
statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2021,
in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December
31, 2021, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”), and our report dated March 16,
2022, expressed an unqualified opinion.
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public
accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the
PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements
are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that
respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made
by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Critical Audit Matter
The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current period audit of the financial statements that was
communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relate to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The
communication of the critical audit matter does not alter in any way our opinion on the financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit
matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.
|
Deferred Taxes
|
|
|
Description of the Matter
|
As discussed in Notes 2 and 10 to the financial statements, the Company recorded a deferred tax asset, net of a valuation allowance as of December 31, 2021. In assessing the ability to realize the deferred tax
assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The valuation allowance is based on management’s estimates of future taxable income and application of
relevant income tax law.
Our determination that valuation of deferred taxes is a critical audit matter results from the significant judgment by management when assessing the ability to realize the deferred tax assets, particularly as
it relates to estimates of future taxable income. This in turn led to a high degree of auditor judgment, subjectivity, and effort in performing procedures relating to management’s assessment of the realizability of deferred tax assets, as it
relates to estimates of future taxable income and application of income tax law.
|
|
|
|
|
Audit Procedures
|
Our principal audit procedures related to the Company’s deferred taxes included the following:
- We evaluated management’s assessment of the realizability of deferred tax assets on a jurisdictional basis. This included evaluating estimates of future taxable income,
evaluating management’s application of income tax law, and testing the completeness and accuracy of underlying data used in management’s assessment.
- We evaluated management’s estimates of future taxable income which involved evaluating whether the estimates used by management were reasonable considering the current and past
performance of the respective entity and whether the estimates were consistent with evidence obtained in other areas of the audit.
|
/s/ Farber Hass Hurley LLP
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2008.
March 16, 2022
|
As of
December 31, 2021
|
As of
December 31, 2020
|
|||||||
|
ASSETS
|
||||||||
|
Current assets:
|
||||||||
|
Cash and cash equivalents
|
$
|
|
$
|
|
||||
|
Investments available for sale
|
|
|
||||||
|
Accounts receivables
|
|
|
||||||
|
Prepaid income tax
|
|
|
||||||
|
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
|
|
|
||||||
|
Total current assets
|
|
|
||||||
|
Prepaid expenses and other assets
|
|
|
||||||
|
Property and equipment, net
|
|
|
||||||
|
Deferred tax asset
|
|
|
||||||
|
Total assets
|
$
|
|
$
|
|
||||
|
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
|
||||||||
|
Current liabilities:
|
||||||||
|
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
|
$
|
|
$
|
|
||||
|
Accrued payroll and related expenses
|
|
|
||||||
|
Accrued licensing costs
|
|
|
||||||
|
Other liabilities, current
|
|
|
||||||
|
Total current liabilities
|
|
|
||||||
|
Other liabilities
|
|
|
||||||
|
Total liabilities
|
|
|
||||||
|
Commitments and contingencies (Note 4)
|
|
|
||||||
|
Stockholders’ equity:
|
||||||||
|
Preferred stock, par value $
|
|
|
||||||
|
Common stock, par value $
|
||||||||
|
Authorized:
|
|
|
||||||
|
Additional paid-in capital
|
|
|
||||||
|
Accumulated deficit
|
(
|
)
|
(
|
)
|
||||
|
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
|
(
|
)
|
(
|
)
|
||||
|
Total stockholders’ equity
|
|
|
||||||
|
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
|
$
|
|
$
|
|
||||
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
VIRNETX HOLDING CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
|
|
Year Ended
December 31, 2021
|
Year Ended
December 31, 2020
|
Year Ended
December 31, 2019
|
|||||||||
|
Revenue
|
$
|
|
$
|
|
$
|
|
||||||
|
Operating expense:
|
||||||||||||
|
Licensing costs
|
(
|
)
|
|
|
||||||||
|
Research and development
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
|
Selling, general and administrative expenses
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
|
Total operating expense
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
|
(Loss) income from operations
|
(
|
)
|
|
(
|
)
|
|||||||
|
Gain on settlement
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
|
Interest and other income, net
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
|
(Loss) income before taxes
|
(
|
)
|
|
(
|
)
|
|||||||
|
Income tax benefit (provision)
|
|
(
|
)
|
|
||||||||
|
Net (loss) income
|
$
|
(
|
)
|
$
|
|
$
|
(
|
)
|
||||
|
Basic (loss) earnings per share
|
$
|
(
|
)
|
$
|
|
$
|
(
|
)
|
||||
|
Diluted (loss) earnings per share
|
$
|
(
|
)
|
$
|
|
$
|
(
|
)
|
||||
|
Weighted average shares outstanding basic
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
|
Weighted average shares outstanding diluted
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
|
|
Year Ended
December 31, 2021
|
Year Ended
December 31, 2020
|
Year Ended
December 31, 2019
|
|||||||||
|
Net (loss) income
|
$
|
(
|
)
|
$
|
|
$
|
(
|
)
|
||||
|
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax:
|
||||||||||||
|
Change in unrealized (loss) gain on investments, net
|
(
|
)
|
|
|
||||||||
|
Change in foreign currency translation, net
|
(
|
)
|
|
(
|
)
|
|||||||
|
Total other comprehensive (loss) gain, net of tax
|
(
|
)
|
|
|
||||||||
|
Comprehensive (loss) income
|
$
|
(
|
)
|
$
|
|
$
|
(
|
)
|
||||
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
VirnetX Holding Corporation
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(in thousands, except share amounts)
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(in thousands, except share amounts)
| Year Ended |
||||||||||||
| December 31, |
||||||||||||
|
2021
|
2020
|
2019
|
||||||||||
|
Total shareholders’ equity, beginning balances
|
$
|
|
$
|
|
$
|
|
||||||
|
Common stock and additional paid-in capital:
|
||||||||||||
|
Beginning balances
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
|
Common stock issued for cash, net
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
|
Common stock issued for options/RSUs, net
|
(
|
)
|
|
|
||||||||
|
Warrants issued for services
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
|
Stock-based compensation
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
|
Ending balances
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
|
Accumulated deficit (retained earnings)
|
||||||||||||
|
Beginning balances
|
(
|
)
|
(
|
)
|
(
|
)
|
||||||
|
Net (loss) income
|
(
|
)
|
|
(
|
)
|
|||||||
|
Dividends
|
|
(
|
)
|
|
||||||||
|
Ending balances
|
(
|
)
|
(
|
)
|
(
|
)
|
||||||
|
Accumulated other comprehensive loss:
|
||||||||||||
|
Beginning balances
|
(
|
)
|
(
|
)
|
(
|
)
|
||||||
|
Change in unrealized investment (loss) gain, net
|
(
|
)
|
|
|
||||||||
|
Change in foreign currency translation, net
|
(
|
)
|
|
(
|
)
|
|||||||
|
Ending balances
|
(
|
)
|
(
|
)
|
(
|
)
|
||||||
|
Total shareholders’ equity, ending balances
|
$
|
|
$
|
|
$
|
|
||||||
|
Dividends per share
|
$ | $ | $ | |||||||||
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
|
|
Year Ended
December 31, 2021
|
Year Ended
December 31, 2020
|
Year Ended
December 31, 2019
|
|||||||||
|
Cash flows from operating activities:
|
||||||||||||
|
Net (loss) income
|
$
|
(
|
)
|
$
|
|
$
|
(
|
)
|
||||
|
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to
net cash from operating activities:
|
||||||||||||
|
Depreciation
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
|
Stock-based compensation
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
|
Amortization of warrants issuance costs
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
|
Deferred income taxes
|
(
|
)
|
(
|
)
|
|
|||||||
|
Changes in assets and liabilities:
|
||||||||||||
|
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
|
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
|
(
|
)
|
(
|
)
|
|
|||||||
|
Other liabilities
|
|
(
|
)
|
|
||||||||
|
Accrued payroll and related expenses
|
|
(
|
)
|
|
||||||||
|
Accrued licensing costs
|
(
|
)
|
|
|
||||||||
|
Accounts receivable
|
(
|
)
|
(
|
)
|
|
|||||||
|
Prepaid income taxes
|
|
(
|
)
|
(
|
)
|
|||||||
|
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities
|
(
|
)
|
|
(
|
)
|
|||||||
|
Cash flows from investing activities:
|
||||||||||||
|
Purchase of property and equipment
|
(
|
)
|
|
(
|
)
|
|||||||
|
Purchase of investments
|
(
|
)
|
(
|
)
|
(
|
)
|
||||||
|
Proceeds from sale or maturity of investments
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
|
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
|
|
(
|
)
|
(
|
)
|
|||||||
|
Cash flows from financing activities:
|
||||||||||||
|
Proceeds from exercise of options
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
|
Proceeds from sale of common stock
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
|
Dividends paid on common stock
|
|
(
|
)
|
|
||||||||
|
Taxes paid on cashless exercise of restricted stock units
|
(
|
)
|
(
|
)
|
(
|
)
|
||||||
|
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities
|
(
|
)
|
(
|
)
|
|
|||||||
|
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents
|
(
|
)
|
|
(
|
)
|
|||||||
|
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
|
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
|
$
|
|
$
|
|
$
|
|
||||||
|
Cash paid for income taxes
|
$
|
|
$
|
|
$
|
|
||||||
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
VirnetX Holding Corporation
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands except share, per share and per device amounts)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands except share, per share and per device amounts)
Note 1 − Formation and Business of the Company
VirnetX Holding Corporation, which we refer to as “we”, “us”, “our”, “the Company” or “VirnetX”, is engaged in the business of commercializing a
portfolio of patents. We derive revenue from selling our software products and licensing our technology, including GABRIEL Connection Technology™, to various original equipment manufacturers (“OEMs”), that use our technologies in the development and
manufacturing of their own products within the IP-telephony, mobility, fixed-mobile convergence, and unified communications markets. During 2020, we had revenues from settlement of a patent infringement dispute whereby we received consideration for
past sales of licensee that utilized our technology, where there was no prior patent license agreement.
Our portfolio of intellectual property is the foundation of our business model. We currently own approximately 205 total patents and pending applications, including 72
U.S. patents/patent applications and 133 foreign patents/validations/pending applications. Our patent portfolio is primarily focused on
securing real-time communications over the Internet, as well as related services such as the establishment and maintenance of a secure domain name registry. Our patented methods also have additional applications in the key areas of device operating
systems and network security for Cloud services, M2M communications in areas of Smart City, Connected Car and Connected Home. The subject matter of all our U.S and foreign patents and pending applications relates generally to securing communications
over the Internet and such covers all our technology and other products. Some of our issued U.S. and foreign patents expire at various times during the period from 2021 to 2034.
Note 2 − Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires us 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 reported
period. The critical accounting policies we employ in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements are those which involve impairment of long-lived assets, income taxes, fair value of financial instruments and stock-based compensation.
Use of Estimates
We prepare our consolidated financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP. In doing so, we have to make estimates and assumptions that affect
our reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, and expenses, as well as related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. In some cases, we could reasonably have used different accounting policies and estimates. In some cases, changes
in the accounting estimates are reasonably likely to occur from period to period. Accordingly, actual results could differ materially from our estimates. To the extent that there are material differences between these estimates and actual results,
our financial condition or results of operations will be affected. We base our estimates on past experience and other assumptions that we believe are reasonable under the circumstances, and we evaluate these estimates on an ongoing basis. We refer to
accounting estimates of this type as critical accounting policies and estimates, which we discuss further below. We have reviewed our critical accounting policies and estimates with the Audit Committee of our Board of Directors.
Basis of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of VirnetX Holding Corporation and our wholly owned subsidiaries. All intercompany
balances and transactions have been eliminated.
Leases
The Company determines if an arrangement is a lease at inception in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 842. Operating
lease right-of-use (“ROU”) assets are included in Prepaid expenses, and other assets on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. ROU assets represent the Company’s right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and lease liabilities represent
the Company’s obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. ROU assets and lease liabilities are recognized at the commencement date based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term.
Revenue Recognition
The Company derives revenue from licensing and royalty fees from contracts with customers which often span several years. We account for this
revenue in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. A performance obligation is a promise in a contract to transfer a distinct good or service to the customer. A contract’s transaction price
is allocated to each distinct performance obligation and recognized as revenue when, or as, the performance obligation is satisfied. Our revenue arrangements may consist of multiple-element arrangements, with revenue for each unit of accounting
recognized as the product or service is delivered to the customer.
With the licensing of our patents, performance obligations
are generally satisfied at a point in time as work is complete when our patent rights are transferred to our customers. We generally have no further obligation to our customers regarding our technology.
Certain contracts may require our customers to enter into a hosting arrangement with us and for these arrangements, revenue is recognized over time,
generally over the life of the servicing contract.
The Company actively monitors and enforces its intellectual property (“IP”) rights, including seeking appropriate compensation from third parties
that utilize the Company’s IP without a license. As a result, the Company may, from time to time, receive payments as part of a settlement or compensation for a patent infringement dispute. Proceeds received are allocated to each element identified
in the settlement or compensation, based on the fair value of each element. Generally, settlements and compensation may include the following elements: the value of a license or royalty agreement, cost reimbursement, damages, and interest. Elements
identified related to licensing and royalty are recognized as revenue. Elements identified as reimbursed costs are generally recorded as a reduction to the reported expenses. Elements identified as damages or interest are generally recorded in other
income in the condensed consolidated statement of operations. During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company collected a lump sum payment of $454,034
from Apple, Inc., because of a favorable court decision relating to a patent infringement case. The court decision identified the following as the basis of the award: $302,428 for past royalties, $41,271 in damages for willful infringement, $108,221 for interest, and $2,114 in
reimbursement for court costs and attorney’s fees. Elements of the payment were recognized in the Company’s condensed consolidated statement of operations as follows:
|
Classification of Payment Received in the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations
|
||||
|
Year Ended:
|
||||
|
December 31, 2020
|
||||
|
Revenue (royalties)
|
$
|
|
||
|
Operating expenses: selling, general and administrative (reimbursed litigation costs)
|
|
|||
|
Other income: gain (willful infringement)
|
|
|||
|
Other income: interest income (pre- and post-judgment interest)
|
|
|||
|
Total cash received
|
$
|
|
||
Licensing Costs
Included in operating expenses are licensing costs we incurred in conjunction with the proceeds received from Apple Inc., pursuant to a favorable court decision relating
to a patent infringement case.
Contingent Gains
ASC Topic 450-30-25, Contingent Gains, prohibits recognition of contingent gains until realized. Accordingly, we do not record contingent gains
ahead of such realization. Management generally considers any such gains as realized only upon the collection of cash.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
We consider all highly liquid investments purchased with original maturities of three months or less at the date of purchase to be cash equivalents.
Our cash and cash equivalents are not subject to significant interest rate risk due to the short maturities of these investments.
Investments
Investments are classified as available-for-sale and are recorded at fair market value. Unrealized gains and losses are reported as other
comprehensive income. Realized gains and losses are recorded in income in the period they are realized using specific identification of each security’s cost basis. We invest our excess cash primarily in highly liquid debt instruments including
corporate, government and federal agency securities, with contractual maturities less than two years . By policy, we limit the amount of
credit exposure to any one issuer.
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment are stated at historical cost, less accumulated depreciation, and amortization. Depreciation and amortization are computed
using the accelerated and straight-line methods over the estimated useful lives of the assets, which range from to seven years . Repair and maintenance costs are charged to expense as incurred.
Concentration of Credit Risk and Other Risks and Uncertainties
Our cash and cash equivalents are primarily maintained at two major financial institutions in the United States. Deposits held with these financial institutions may exceed the amount of insurance provided on such deposits. A portion of those balances
are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, or FDIC. In 2021, we had, at times, funds that were uninsured. We do not believe that we are subject to any unusual financial risk beyond the normal risk associated with commercial banking
relationships. We have not experienced any losses on our deposits of cash and cash equivalents.
Fair Value
The carrying amounts of our financial instruments, including cash equivalents, accounts payable, and accrued liabilities, approximate fair value
because of their generally short maturities.
Intangible Assets
We record intangible assets at cost, less accumulated amortization. Amortization of intangible assets is provided over their estimated useful lives,
which can range from 3 to 15 years ,
on either a straight-line basis or as revenue is generated by the assets.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
We identify and record impairment losses on long-lived assets used in operations when events and changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying
amount of an asset might not be recoverable, but not less than annually. Recoverability is measured by comparison of the anticipated future net undiscounted cash flows to the related assets’ carrying value. If such assets are considered to be
impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the projected discounted future net cash flows arising from the asset.
Research and Development
Research and development costs include expenses paid to outside development consultants and compensation related expenses for our engineering staff.
Research and development costs are expensed as incurred.
Income Taxes
We account for income taxes using the asset and liability method. The asset and liability method requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and
liabilities for expected future tax consequences of temporary differences that currently exist between the tax basis and financial reporting basis of our assets and liabilities. We calculate current and deferred tax provisions based on estimates and
assumptions that could differ from actual results reflected on the income tax returns filed during the following years. Adjustments based on filed returns are recorded when identified in the subsequent years. The effect on deferred taxes for a change
in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that the tax rate change is enacted. In assessing our deferred tax assets, we consider whether it is more likely than not that all or some portion of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.
A valuation allowance is provided for deferred income tax assets when, in our judgment, based upon currently available information and other
factors, it is more likely than not that all or a portion of such deferred income tax assets will not be realized. The determination of the need for a valuation allowance is based on an on-going evaluation of current information including, among
other things, historical operating results, estimates of future earnings in different taxing jurisdictions and the expected timing of the reversals of temporary differences. We believe the determination to record a valuation allowance to reduce a
deferred income tax asset is a significant accounting estimate because it is based, among other things, on an estimate of future taxable income in the United States and certain other jurisdictions, which is susceptible to change and may or may not
occur, and because the impact of adjusting a valuation allowance may be material. In determining when to release the valuation allowance established against our net deferred income tax assets, we consider all available evidence, both positive and
negative. We continually assess our ability to generate sufficient taxable income during future periods in which our deferred tax assets may be realized. If and when we believe it is more likely than not that we will recover our deferred tax assets,
we will reverse the valuation allowance as an income tax benefit in our statements of operations.
We account for our uncertain tax positions in accordance with U.S. GAAP, which utilizes a two-step approach to evaluate tax positions. Step one,
recognition, requires evaluation of the tax position to determine if based solely on technical merits it is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination. Step two, measurement, is addressed only if a position is more likely than not to be
sustained. In step two, the tax benefit is measured as the largest amount of benefit, determined on a cumulative probability basis, which is more likely than not to be realized upon ultimate settlement with tax authorities. If a position does not
meet the more likely than not threshold for recognition in step one, no benefit is recorded until the first subsequent period in which the more likely than not standard is met, the issue is resolved with the taxing authority, or the statute of
limitations expires. Positions previously recognized are derecognized when we subsequently determine the position no longer is more likely than not to be sustained. Evaluation of tax positions, their technical merits, and measurements using
cumulative probability are highly subjective management estimates. Actual results could differ materially from these estimates.
Stock-Based Compensation
We account for stock-based compensation using the fair value recognition method in accordance with U.S. GAAP. We recognize these compensation costs
on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period of the award, which is generally a vesting term of 4 years. We recognize
forfeitures, if any, when they occur. In addition, we record stock-based compensation expense for awards granted to non-employees at fair value of the consideration received or the fair value of the equity instruments issued, as they vest, over the
performance period (See Note 6 - Stock-Based Compensation).
Earnings per Share
Basic earnings per share are computed by dividing earnings available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of outstanding common
shares during the period. Diluted earnings per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the period increased to include the number of additional shares of common stock that would have been
outstanding if the potentially dilutive securities had been issued.
New Accounting Pronouncements
In December 2019, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued
Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2019-12 Income Taxes (Topic 740). The amendments in this ASU simplify the accounting for income taxes by removing certain exceptions to the general principles in Topic 740. The amendments also improve consistent
application of and simplify U. S. GAAP for other areas of Topic 740 by clarifying and amending existing guidance. The amendments in this ASU are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15,
2020. We adopted this ASU on January 1, 2021 and there was no material impact on our financial position or cash flows as a result.
Note 3 − Property and Equipment
Our major classes of property and equipment were as follows:
|
December 31
|
||||||||
|
2021
|
2020
|
|||||||
|
Office furniture
|
$
|
|
$
|
|
||||
|
Computer equipment
|
|
|
||||||
|
Total
|
|
|
||||||
|
Less accumulated depreciation
|
(
|
)
|
(
|
)
|
||||
|
Total property and equipment, net
|
$
|
|
$
|
|
||||
Depreciation expense for 2021, 2020 and 2019 was $4 ,
$5 , and $7 respectively.
Note 4 − Commitments, Contingencies and Related Party Transactions
We lease our offices under an operating lease with a third party expiring in . We recognize rent expense on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. Rent expense was $56 56
in 2022 and $46 in 2023 when the lease expires.
We entered into a service agreement for the use of an aircraft from K2 Investment Fund LLC (“LLC”) for business travel for employees of the Company.
We incurred approximately $791 , $324 ,
and $1,790 in rental fees and reimbursements to the LLC during the years 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively. We pay for the Company’s usage
of the aircraft and have no rights to purchase. Our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Administrative Officer are the managing partners of the LLC and control the equity interests of the LLC. We entered into a 12 -month non-exclusive agreement with the LLC for use of the plane at a rate of $8
per flight hour, with no minimum usage requirement. The agreement contains other terms and conditions normal in such transactions and can be cancelled by either us or the LLC with 30 days’ notice. The agreement renews on an annual basis unless terminated by either party. Neither party has exercised their termination rights.
Note 5 − Stock Plan
We have an equity incentive plan for employees and others called the VirnetX Holding Corporation 2013 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2013 Plan”), which
has been approved by our stockholders. To the extent that any award should expire, become un-exercisable or is otherwise forfeited, the shares subject to such award will again become available for issuance under the 2013 Plan. The 2013 Plan provides
for the granting of stock options and restricted stock units purchase rights (“RSUs”) to our employees and consultants. Stock options granted under the 2013 Plan may be incentive stock options or nonqualified stock options. Incentive stock options
(“ISOs”) may only be granted to our employees (including officers and directors). Nonqualified stock options (“NSOs”) and stock purchase rights may be granted to our employees and consultants. The 2013 Plan expires in 2023.
In April 2021, the Board approved an amendment and restatement of the 2013 Plan to, among other things, increase the shares reserved under the Plan
by 2,500,000 shares (the “Plan Amendment”). Our stockholders approved the Plan Amendment at the 2021 Annual Meeting of the Stockholders
held on June 3, 2021. The 2013 Plan generally provides for the granting of shares of our common stock, including stock options and RSUs. Options may be granted under the 2013 Plan with an exercise price determined by our Board of Directors, or a duly
appointed committee thereof, provided, however, that the exercise price of an option granted to any employee shall be not less than 100 %
of the fair market value at the date of grant in the case of ISOs or 85 % of the fair market value at the date of grant in the case of an
NSO. The exercise price of an ISO or NSO granted to one of our Named Executive Officers shall not be less than 100 % fair market value of
the shares at the date of grant and the exercise price of an ISO granted to a 10% shareholder shall not be less than 110 % of the fair
market value of the shares on the date of grant. Stock options granted under the 2013 Plan typically vest over four years and have a 10 -year term. All RSUs are considered to be granted at the fair value of our stock on the date of grant because they have no exercise price. RSUs
typically vest over four years . As of December 31, 2021, there were 2,240,296 shares available for grant under the 2013 Plan.
Note 6 − Stock-Based Compensation
The following tables summarize information about stock options and RSUs outstanding at December 31, 2021:
|
Options Outstanding
|
Options Vested and Exercisable
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Range of
Exercise Prices |
Number
Outstanding
|
Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Life (Years)
|
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
|
Number
Exercisable
|
Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Life (Years)
|
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
|
||||||||||||||||||
|
$
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
|
||||||||||||||||
|
$
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
|
||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
|
|||||||||||||||||
The following tables summarize activity under the Plan for the indicated periods:
|
Options
|
||||||||||||||||
|
Number of
Shares
|
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
|
Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Life (Years)
|
Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
|
|||||||||||||
| Outstanding at December 31, 2018 | $ |
— | $ |
— | ||||||||||||
| Options granted | — | — | ||||||||||||||
| Options exercised | ( |
) | — | — | ||||||||||||
| Options cancelled | ( |
) | — | — | ||||||||||||
|
Outstanding at December 31, 2019
|
|
$
|
|
—
|
$
|
—
|
||||||||||
|
Options granted
|
|
|
—
|
—
|
||||||||||||
|
Options exercised
|
(
|
)
|
|
—
|
—
|
|||||||||||
|
Options cancelled
|
(
|
)
|
|
—
|
—
|
|||||||||||
|
Outstanding at December 31, 2020
|
|
$
|
|
—
|
$
|
|
||||||||||
|
Options granted
|
|
|
—
|
—
|
||||||||||||
|
Options exercised
|
|
|
—
|
—
|
||||||||||||
|
Options cancelled
|
(
|
)
|
|
—
|
—
|
|||||||||||
|
Outstanding at December 31, 2021
|
|
$
|
|
|
$
|
|
||||||||||
|
Options exercisable at December 31, 2021
|
|
$
|
|
|
$
|
|
||||||||||
|
RSUs
|
||||||||||||
|
Number of
RSUs
|
Weighted
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
|
Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
|
||||||||||
| Outstanding at December 31, 2018 | $ | $ | ||||||||||
| RSUs granted | — |
|||||||||||
| RSUs vested | ( |
) | — |
|||||||||
| RSUs cancelled | ( |
) | — | |||||||||
|
Outstanding at December 31, 2019
|
|
$
|
|
$
|
|
|||||||
|
RSUs granted
|
|
|
—
|
|||||||||
|
RSUs vested
|
(
|
)
|
|
—
|
||||||||
|
RSUs cancelled
|
|
|
—
|
|||||||||
|
Outstanding at December 31, 2020
|
|
$
|
|
$
|
|
|||||||
|
RSUs granted
|
|
|
—
|
|||||||||
|
RSUs vested
|
(
|
)
|
|
—
|
||||||||
| RSUs cancelled |
( |
) | — | |||||||||
|
Outstanding at December 31, 2021
|
|
$
|
|
$
|
|
|||||||
Intrinsic value is calculated as the difference between the per-share market price of our common stock on the last trading day of 2021, which was $2.60 and the exercise price of the options. For options exercised, the intrinsic value is the difference between market price and the exercise price on
the date of exercise. In 2021, no options were exercised. In 2020 and 2019, we received cash proceeds of $1,046 and $816 from stock options
exercised, respectively. The total intrinsic value of options exercised was $151 and $2,473 in 2020 and 2019, respectively.
Stock-based compensation expense is included in operating expense for each period as follows:
|
Stock-Based Compensation by Type of Award
|
Year Ended
December 31, 2021
|
Year Ended
December 31, 2020
|
Year Ended
December 31, 2019
|
|||||||||
|
Stock options
|
$
|
|
$
|
|
$ |
|||||||
|
RSUs
|
|
|
||||||||||
|
Total stock-based compensation expense
|
$
|
|
$
|
|
$ |
|||||||
As of December 31, 2021, there was $5,403
of unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to unvested stock options and $2,098 of unrecognized stock-based compensation
expense related to unvested RSUs. These costs are expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.86 and 2.37 years, respectively.
The fair value of each option grant was estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model using the following weighted
average assumptions:
|
Year Ended
December 31, 2021
|
Year Ended
December 31, 2020
|
Year Ended
December 31, 2019
|
||||||||||
|
Expected stock price volatility
|
|
%
|
|
%
|
% | |||||||
|
Risk-free interest rate
|
|
%
|
|
%
|
% | |||||||
|
Expected life term
|
|
|
||||||||||
|
Expected dividends
|
|
%
|
|
%
|
% | |||||||
Based on the Black-Scholes option pricing
model, the weighted average estimated fair value of employee stock options granted was $3.32 , $4.62 and $4.63 per share during 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
The
expected life was determined using the simplified method outlined in ASC 718, “Compensation - Stock Compensation”. Expected volatility of the stock options was based upon historical data and other relevant
factors.
Note 7 − Earnings Per Share
Basic earnings per share are based on the weighted average number of shares outstanding for a period. Diluted earnings per share are based upon the
weighted average number of shares and potentially dilutive common shares outstanding. Potential common shares outstanding principally include stock options and RSUs under our stock plan and warrants. During 2021 and 2019, we incurred losses;
therefore, the effect of any common stock equivalent would be anti-dilutive during the years.
The table below sets forth the basic and diluted loss per share calculations:
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
|
2021
|
2020
|
2019 |
||||||||||
|
Net (loss) income
|
$
|
(
|
)
|
$
|
|
$ |
( |
) | ||||
|
Basic weighted average number of shares outstanding
|
||||||||||||
|
Effect of dilutive securities
|
|
|
||||||||||
|
Diluted weighted average number of shares outstanding
|
|
|
||||||||||
|
Basic (loss) earnings per share
|
$
|
(
|
)
|
$
|
|
$ |
( |
) | ||||
|
Diluted (loss) earnings per share
|
$
|
(
|
)
|
$
|
|
$ |
( |
) | ||||
Note 8 − Common Stock
Each share of common stock has the right to one vote. The holders of common stock are entitled to receive dividends whenever funds are legally available and when declared by our Board of Directors, subject to the prior
rights of holders of all classes of stock outstanding having priority rights as to dividends. Our restated articles of incorporation authorize us to issue up to 100,000,000 shares of $0.0001 par value common stock.
On July 30, 2018 we filed a $100,000
universal shelf registration statement on SEC Form S-3. This replacement registration statement was declared effective by the SEC on August 16, 2018. We also entered a new ATM with Cowen on August 31, 2018, under which we could offer and sell shares
of our common stock having an aggregate value of up to $50,000 .
We use the ATM proceeds for development and marketing of our software product and services, and general corporate purposes, which may include working capital, capital expenditures, other corporate expenses and acquisitions of complementary products, technologies, or businesses. As of August 16, 2021, the
universal shelf registration expired.
We sold zero
shares of common stock under the ATM program during 2021. In 2020, we sold 1,049,382 shares of common stock under the ATM program. The
average sales price per common share sold during the year ended December 31, 2020 was $4.41 and the aggregate proceeds from the sales
totaled $4,627 during the period. Sales commissions, fees and other costs associated with the ATM transactions totaled $139 for 2020. In 2019, we sold 1,860,483
shares under the ATM. The average sales priced during the year ended December 31, 2019 per common share was $5.84 and the aggregate
proceeds from the sales totaled $10,866 during the period. Sales commissions, fees and other costs associated with the ATM totaled $327 .
Dividends
On May 8, 2020 , we declared a
one-time cash dividend to shareholders of record as of the close of business on May 18, 2020 of $1 per share of common stock, payable on May 26, 2020 . The timing
and amounts of future dividends, if any, will depend on market conditions, corporate business and financial considerations and regulatory requirements.
Warrants
In 2020, we issued warrants for the purchase of 25,000
shares of common stock at an exercise price of $5.75 per share, exercisable on the date of grant expiring in . The weighted average fair value at the grant date was $4.16 per warrant. The fair value at the grant date was estimated utilizing the Black-Scholes valuation model with the following weighted average assumptions (i) dividend yield on our common
stock of 0 percent (ii) expected stock price volatility of 97 percent (iii) a risk-free interest rate of 0.27 percent and (iv) and expected
option term of 5 years .
|
Warrants Issued
|
Exercise
Price
|
Outstanding and
Exercisable
December 31, 2020
|
Issued
|
Exercised
|
Terminated /
Cancelled
|
Outstanding and
Exercisable
December 31, 2021
|
Expiration Date
|
|||||||
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
In April 2020, 25,000 warrants with an exercise price of $7.00 per share expired.
Note 9 − Employee Benefit Plan
We sponsor a defined contribution 401k plan covering substantially all our employees. Our matching contribution to the plan was approximately $145 , $112 , and $101 in 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
Note 10 − Income Taxes
The income tax provision (benefit) is comprised of the following:
|
Year Ended
December 31, 2021 |
Year Ended
December 31, 2020 |
Year Ended December 31, 2019 |
||||||||||
|
Current:
|
||||||||||||
|
Federal
|
$
|
|
$
|
|
$ | |||||||
|
State
|
|
|
( |
) | ||||||||
| Foreign | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
( |
) | |||||||||
|
Deferred:
|
||||||||||||
|
Federal
|
(
|
)
|
(
|
)
|
||||||||
|
State
|
|
(
|
)
|
|||||||||
| ( |
) | ( |
) | |||||||||
|
Total income tax (benefit) provision
|
$ | ( |
) |
$
|
|
$ | ( |
) | ||||
A reconciliation of the United States federal statutory income tax rate to our effective income tax rate is as follows:
|
Year Ended
December 31, 2021 |
Year Ended
December 31, 2020 |
Year Ended December 31, 2019 |
||||||||||
|
United States federal statutory rate
|
|
%
|
|
%
|
% | |||||||
|
State taxes, net of federal benefit
|
(
|
)%
|
|
%
|
% | |||||||
|
Valuation allowance
|
|
(
|
)%
|
( |
)% | |||||||
|
Stock based compensation
|
(
|
)%
|
(
|
)%
|
||||||||
|
R&D Credit
|
|
%
|
(
|
)%
|
% | |||||||
|
Other
|
(
|
)%
|
|
%
|
( |
)% | ||||||
|
Effective income tax rate
|
% |
|
%
|
% | ||||||||
The Company’s effective tax rate for both 2020 and 2019 was significantly lower than the statutory federal income tax rate primarily due to the
change of valuation allowance. Due to the income in 2020, our valuation allowance against federal net deferred tax assets was fully released in 2020.
Deferred tax assets (liabilities) consist of the following:
|
As of
December 31, 2021 |
As of
December 31, 2020 |
|||||||
|
Deferred tax assets:
|
||||||||
|
Reserves and accruals
|
$
|
|
$
|
|
||||
|
Research and development credits and other credits
|
|
|
||||||
|
Net operating loss carry forward
|
|
|
||||||
|
Stock based compensation
|
|
|
||||||
|
Other
|
|
|
||||||
|
Total deferred tax assets
|
$
|
|
$
|
|
||||
|
Valuation allowance
|
|
(
|
)
|
|||||
|
Deferred tax assets after valuation allowance
|
|
|
||||||
|
Total deferred tax liability – depreciation
|
(
|
)
|
|
|||||
|
Net deferred tax assets
|
$
|
|
$
|
|
||||
In 2021, 2020 and 2019, we had pre-tax losses of $49,126 ,
pre-tax income of $307,452 , and pre-tax losses of $19,573 , respectively. At December 31, 2021, we had federal and state net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $45,326
and $107,989 , respectively. However, none of the state net operating loss carryover is apportioned to a deferred tax asset, because
currently we do not have operations in the state where losses accumulated. The state net operating loss carryforward will be expiring beginning in .
A
valuation allowance is provided for deferred tax assets when, in our judgment, based upon currently available information and other factors, it is more likely than not that all or a portion of such deferred income tax assets will not be realized;
management determined no valuation allowance is necessary for 2021.
We are
required to recognize the financial statement effects of a tax position when it is more likely than not, based on the technical merits, that the position will be sustained upon examination. At December 31, 2021, we have no uncertain tax positions.
Our
tax years for 2005 and forward are subject to examination by the U.S. tax authority and various state tax authorities. These years are open due to NOLs and tax credits generated in these years were utilized in 2020. The statute of limitation for
these years shall expire three years after the date of filing 2020 income tax returns.
Our policy is to recognize interest and penalties, if any, accrued on any unrecognized tax benefits, as a component of income tax expense. We had no
Note 11 − Fair Value Measurement
Fair value is the price that would result from an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. A fair value hierarchy prioritizes the inputs used to
measure fair value. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurement) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurement). Level 2
measurements utilize either directly or indirectly observable inputs in markets other than quoted prices in active markets.
Our
financial instruments are stated at amounts that equal, or approximate, fair value. When we estimate fair value, we utilize market data or assumptions that we believe market participants would use in pricing the financial instrument, including
assumptions about risk and inputs to the valuation technique. We use valuation techniques, primarily the income and market approach, which maximizes the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs for recurring fair value
measurements.
Mutual funds: Valued at the quoted net asset value (NAV) of shares held.
U.S. agency and treasury securities: Fair value measured at the closing price reported on the active market on which the individual securities are traded.
The following table shows the adjusted cost, gross unrealized gains, gross unrealized losses, and fair value of our financial assets as of December
31, 2021 and 2020 (in thousands):
|
December 31, 2021
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Adjusted
Cost |
Unrealized
Gains |
Unrealized
Losses |
Fair
Value |
Cash
and Cash Equivalents |
Investments
Available for Sale |
|||||||||||||||||||
|
Cash
|
$
|
|
$
|
—
|
$
|
—
|
$
|
|
$
|
|
$
|
—
|
||||||||||||
|
Level 1:
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Mutual funds
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||||||||
|
U.S. agency securities
|
|
|
(
|
)
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||
|
U.S. treasury securities
|
|
|
(
|
)
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
(
|
)
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||||||||
|
Total
|
$
|
|
$
|
—
|
$
|
(50
|
)
|
$
|
|
$
|
|
$
|
|
|||||||||||
|
December 31, 2020
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Adjusted
Cost |
Unrealized
Gains |
Unrealized
Losses |
Fair
Value |
Cash
and Cash Equivalents |
Investments
Available for Sale |
|||||||||||||||||||
|
Cash
|
$
|
|
$
|
—
|
$
|
—
|
$
|
|
$
|
|
$
|
—
|
||||||||||||
|
Level 1:
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Mutual funds
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||||||||
|
U.S. agency securities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||||||||
| U.S. treasury securities |
( |
) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
(
|
)
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||||||||
|
Total
|
$
|
|
$
|
2
|
$
|
(1
|
)
|
$
|
|
$
|
|
$
|
|
|||||||||||
The maturities of our investments generally range from within to two years . Actual maturities could differ from contractual maturities due
to call or prepayment provisions.
Note 12 – Litigation (all
dollar amounts in this section are expressed in thousands except for rates per device)
We have several intellectual property
infringement lawsuits pending in the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit (“USCAFC”).
VirnetX Inc. v. Apple, Inc.
(Case 6:12-CV-00855-LED) (“Apple II”)
This case began on November 6, 2012, when we
had filed a complaint against Apple in United States District Court (“USDC”) in which we alleged that Apple infringed on certain of our patents, (U.S. Patent Nos. 6,502,135, 7,418,504, 7,921,211 and 7,490,151). We sought damages and injunctive
relief. The accused products include the iPhone 5, iPod Touch 5th Generation, iPad 4th Generation, iPad mini, and the latest Macintosh computers. Post-trial motions hearing was held on July 18, 2018. On August 31, 2018, the USDC entered a Final
Judgment and issued its Memorandum Opinion and Order regarding post-trial motions, affirming the jury’s verdict of $502,600 and granting
VirnetX motions for supplemental damages, a sunset royalty, and the royalty rate of $1.20 per infringing iPhone, iPad and Mac products,
pre-judgment and post-judgment interest and costs. Apple filed a notice of appeal with the USCAFC in the Apple II case.
On October 9, 2018, USCAFC docketed the appeal as Case No. 19-1050 - VirnetX Inc. v. Apple Inc. On January 24, 2019 Apple filed its opening brief. We filed our response brief on March 1, 2019. Apple
filed its reply brief on April 5, 2019. The oral arguments were heard on October 4, 2019. On November 22, 2019, the USCAFC issued an opinion affirming the district court’s findings that Apple is precluded from making certain invalidity arguments
and that Apple infringed the ’135 and ’151 patents; reversing the USDC’s finding that Apple infringed the ’504 and ’211 patents; and remanding the case for proceedings on damages. Apple sought panel and en banc rehearing, which the USCAFC denied
on February 10, 2020.
On February 22, 2020, the USDC issued a scheduling order for the parties to brief the court about the need for a new trial for recalculating the damages. We filed our motion for entry of judgment on
February 28, 2020. The arguments on this matter were heard on April 14, 2020. In its order, unsealed on May 1, 2020, the USDC denied VirnetX’s motion for entry of a new judgment based on the prior jury verdict and ordered a new jury trial on
damages. On August 10, 2020, the USDC granted Apple’s motion for continuance and reset the date to October 26, 2020. On October 30, 2020, a jury returned a $502,800 verdict in favor of VirnetX based on Apple’s infringement of two network security patents:
VirnetX US Patents No. 6,502,135 and No. 7,490,151. The jury verdict called for damages of $0.84 per accused device since the 2013
launch of Apple’s iOS 7 operating system and represents 598,629,580 infringing units from US sales only. On January 15, 2021, the
district court denied Apple’s motion for judgment as a matter of law, and on February 4, 2021, Apple filed a notice of appeal to the USCAFC.
On February 22, 2021, USCAFC docketed the
appeal as Case No. 19-1672. Apple’s opening brief was filed on June 2, 2021. VirnetX filed its responsive brief on July 26, 2021. Apple filed its reply brief on September 13, 2021. The briefing is complete, and we are awaiting the court order with
the schedule for oral arguments in this matter.
VirnetX
Inc. v. Mangrove Partners Master Fund, Ltd., Apple Inc. (USCAFC Case 20-2271) and VirnetX Inc. v. Mangrove Partners Master Fund, Ltd., Apple Inc., and Black Swamp, LLC (USCAFC Case 20-2272)
On September 15, 2020,
we filed with the USCAFC an appeal of the invalidity findings by the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (“PTAB”) in inter-partes review proceedings IPR2015-01046 and IPR2016-00062 involving our U.S. Patent No. 6,502,135, and an appeal of the invalidity
findings by the PTAB in inter partes review proceedings IPR2015-1047, IPR2016- 00063, and IPR2016-00167 involving our U.S. Patent No. 7,490,151. On September 25, 2020, the USCAFC issued an order consolidating the two appeals. On December 15, 2020,
we filed a motion to vacate the PTAB decisions below and to remand these appeals to the PTAB. On March 16, 2021, the USCAFC denied the motion without prejudice to us raising the challenges made in the motion in our opening brief. Our opening brief
was filed on June 7, 2021.
On June 23, 2021, the USCAFC entered an order directing us (and parties in other appeals that raised Appointments Clause challenges) to file a brief explaining how they believe their cases should proceed in light of
the Supreme Court’s decision in United States v. Arthrex, Inc., 141 S. Ct. 1970 (2021). On July 7, 2021, we filed a brief in response to the court’s order. Other parties, including the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (“PTO”) filed their
responses on July 21, 2021. On August 19, 2021, USCAFC issued an order remanding these appeals for the limited purpose of allowing VirnetX the opportunity to request rehearing of the PTAB’s final written decisions by the Director of the USPTO.
The USCAFC retained jurisdiction over the appeals in the meantime. On September 20, 2021, we filed our requests for Director rehearing with the PTO. On October 29, 2021, our requests for Director rehearing were denied. We subsequently filed an
amended opening brief to the USCAFC on December 10, 2021, the other parties filed response briefs on February 2, 2022, and we filed a reply brief on February 22, 2022. All the briefings have been completed. We are awaiting the court order with
the schedule for oral arguments in this matter.
VirnetX Inc. v. Hirshfeld
(USCAFC Case 17-2593, -2594)
On September 22, 2017,
we filed with the USCAFC an appeal of the invalidity findings by the PTAB in inter-partes review proceeding IPR2016-00693 involving our U.S. Patent No. 7,418,504, and an appeal of the invalidity findings by the PTAB in inter partes review
proceeding IPR2016-00957 involving our U.S. Patent No. 7,921,211. On September 16, 2021, USCAFC issued an order remanding these appeals for the limited purpose of allowing VirnetX the opportunity to request rehearing of the PTAB’s final written
decisions by the Director of the PTO. The USCAFC retained jurisdiction over the appeals in the meantime. On October 18, 2021, we filed our requests for Director rehearing with the PTO. On January 7, 2022, our requests for Director rehearing were
denied. On January 21, 2022, we informed the USCAFC about the denial of Director rehearing and requested that the court dismiss the appeal involving IPR2016-00957 as moot and vacate the PTAB’s underlying decision. On February 15, 2022, the USCAFC
directed the PTO to respond to our request. The PTO’s response is due on March 8, 2022.
VirnetX Inc. v. Cisco Systems, Inc. (USCAFC
Case 19-1671)
On March 18, 2019, we filed
with the USCAFC an appeal of the invalidity findings by the PTAB in inter-partes reexamination proceeding 95/001,679 involving our U.S. Patent No. 6,502,135. On October 5, 2021, USCAFC issued an order remanding these appeals for the limited purpose
of allowing VirnetX the opportunity to request rehearing of the PTAB’s final written decisions by the Director of the PTO. The USCAFC retained jurisdiction over the appeals in the meantime. Our request for Director rehearing with the PTO was filed
on November 5, 2021. On January 10, 2022, our request for Director rehearing was denied. We informed the USCAFC about the denial of Director rehearing and are awaiting the court order with a schedule for briefings in this matter.
McKool Smith P.C. v. VirnetX, Inc., AAA Case No. 01-20-0003-7975
On March 23, 2020, the law firm of McKool
Smith, P.C. (“McKool”) filed a Demand for Arbitration against VirnetX, Inc. with the American Arbitration Association (“AAA”). In its demand, McKool claimed that a retention agreement it entered into in 2010 with VirnetX entitled it to a
contingency fee arising from the recent 2020 payment made in the Apple I case. McKool claimed it was owed approximately $36,300 (or 8 % of the Apple I payment). We filed a general response with the AAA denying McKool’s claim and contested the matter vigorously. An evidentiary hearing
was held on the matter during the week of February 22, 2021 and the parties submitted additional briefings. On April 19, 2021, the arbitrator awarded McKool $36,323 in damages, plus pre-judgment interest in the amount of 5 % simple interest from March 23, 2020
to April 18, 2021, and post-judgment interest in the amount of 5 %, compounded annually, until payment of the award. We accrued the
resulting $38,284
Other Legal Matters
One or more potential intellectual property
infringement claims may also be available to us against certain other companies who have the resources to defend against any such claims. Although we believe these potential claims are likely valid, commencing a lawsuit can be expensive and
time-consuming, and there is no assurance that we could prevail on such potential claims if we made them. In addition, bringing a lawsuit may lead to potential counterclaims which may distract our management and our other resources, including capital
resources, from efforts to successfully commercialize our products.
Currently, we are not a party to any other
pending legal proceedings and are not aware of any proceeding threatened or contemplated against us.
Note 13 – Leases
We lease office space under an operating lease which expires on October 31, 2023. At December 31, 2021, the underlying ROU asset and lease
liability totaled $98 44 56
We also lease a facility for corporate
promotional and marketing purposes which was prepaid at inception and originally expired in 2024. In September 2020, the lease was extended for one year
to 2025, due to COVID use-restrictions. No other terms of the original agreement were affected and there was no impact on cash flow. At December 31, 2021 and 2020, the ROU asset totaled $948 and $1,248 , respectively; lease expense totaled $300 , $356 and $385 , during 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and
Stockholders of VirnetX Holding Corporation
Stockholders of VirnetX Holding Corporation
Opinion on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
We have audited VirnetX Holding Corporation’s (the Company’s) internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2021, based on criteria
established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). In our
opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2021, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework (2013) issued by COSO.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the consolidated
balance sheets and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income (loss), stockholders’ equity, and cash flows of the Company, and our report dated March 16, 2022, expressed an unqualified opinion.
Basis for Opinion
The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the
effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial
reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of
the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over
financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other procedures as
we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Definition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial
reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain
to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit
preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and
(3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any
evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
/s/ Farber Hass Hurley LLP
Chatsworth, California
March 16, 2022
March 16, 2022
| Item 9. |
Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
|
None.
| Item 9A. |
Controls and Procedures
|
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, we conducted an evaluation
of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, December 31, 2021.
The purpose of this evaluation was to determine whether as of December 31, 2021 our disclosure controls and procedures were effective to provide reasonable
assurance that the information we are required to disclose in our filings with the SEC, (i) is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms and (ii) accumulated and communicated to our
management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Based on their evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that as of December 31, 2021, our disclosure controls and
procedures were effective.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
There were no changes in our internal controls over financial reporting (as such term is defined in rules 13a-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended) during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal controls over financial reporting.
Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting for the Company. Internal control over financial
reporting is a process to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of our financial reporting for external purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Internal control over
financial reporting includes maintaining records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect our transactions; providing reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary for preparation of our financial statements;
providing reasonable assurance that receipts and expenditures of Company assets are made in accordance with management authorization; and providing reasonable assurance that unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of Company assets that could
have a material effect on our financial statements would be prevented or detected on a timely basis. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting is not intended to provide absolute assurance that a misstatement of
our financial statements would be prevented or detected.
Management conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the framework in
Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on this evaluation, management concluded that the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was
effective as of December 31, 2021. There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the period ended December 31, 2021 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control
over financial reporting. Farber Hass Hurley LLP has audited our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2021; their report is included elsewhere herein.
| Item 9B. |
Other Information
|
None.
| Item 9C. |
Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspections
|
None.
PART III
| Item 10. |
Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
|
The information required by this item will be contained in our definitive proxy statement to be filed with the SEC in connection with our 2022 Annual Meeting of
Stockholders (the “Proxy Statement”), which is expected to be filed not later than 120 days after the end of our fiscal year ended December 31, 2021 and is incorporated in this report by reference.
| Item 11. |
Executive Compensation
|
The information required by this item will be set forth in the Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.
| Item 12. |
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
|
The information required by this item will be set forth in the Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.
Securities Authorized for Issuance Under the Equity Compensation Plans
We have an equity incentive plan for employees and others called the VirnetX Holding Corporation 2013 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2013 Plan”), which has been approved by our
stockholders. To the extent that any award should expire, become un-exercisable or is otherwise forfeited, the shares subject to such award will again become available for issuance under the 2013 Plan. The 2013 Plan provides for the granting of
stock options and restricted stock units purchase rights (“RSUs”) to our employees and consultants. Stock options granted under the 2013 Plan may be incentive stock options or nonqualified stock options. Incentive stock options (“ISOs”) may only be
granted to our employees (including officers and directors). Nonqualified stock options (“NSOs”) and stock purchase rights may be granted to our employees and consultants. The 2013 Plan expires in 2023. In April 2021, our Board of Directors
approved an amendment and restatement of the 2013 Plan to, among other things, increase the shares reserved under the Plan by 2,500,000 shares (the “Plan Amendment”). Our stockholders approved the Plan Amendment at the 2021 Annual Meeting of the
Stockholders held on June 3, 2021.
As of December 31, 2021, there were 2,240,296 shares available to be granted under the Plan. We had 6,397,437 and 5,812,521 options outstanding as of December 31,
2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively, with an average exercise price of $6.99 and $8.55, respectively. We had 509,155 and 504,323 RSUs outstanding as of December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively, with a weighted average grant price
of $5.38 and $5.69, respectively.
|
Plan Category
|
Number of
Securities to be
Issued Upon
Exercise of
Outstanding
Options and
RSUs
|
Weighted-Average
Exercise Price of
Outstanding
Options and RSUs
|
Number of
Securities
Remaining
Available for
Future Issuance
Under Equity
Compensation
Plans
|
|||||||||
|
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders
|
6,906,592
|
$
|
6.88
|
2,240,296
|
||||||||
|
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders
|
—
|
—
|
||||||||||
|
Total
|
6,906,592
|
$
|
6.88
|
2,240,296
|
||||||||
On June 3, 2021, the Compensation Committee of our Board of Directors (the “Compensation Committee”) granted 37,500 stock options and 24,999 RSUs to members of our
Board of Directors. On June 14, 2021, the Compensation Committee granted 742,000 stock options and 211,662 RSUs to our employees. On August 2, 2021, the Compensation Committee granted 50,000 stock options to an employee. On September 1, 2021, the
Compensation Committee granted 120,000 options to an employee. On December 13, 2021, the Compensation Committee granted 50,000 options to an employee.
| Item 13. |
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
|
The information required by this item will be set forth in the Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.
| Item 14. |
Principal Accountant Fees and Services
|
The information required by this item will be set forth in the Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.
PART IV
| Item 15. |
Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
|
| (a) |
The following documents are filed as part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K
|
| (1) |
Financial Statements: See the Index to Consolidated Financial Statements under Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
|
| (2) |
Financial Statement Schedule: Financial statement schedules are omitted because they are not applicable, or the required information is
shown in the financial statements or notes thereto. All other schedules are omitted because of the absence of conditions under which they are required or because the required information is given in the financial statements or the notes
thereto.
|
| (3) |
Exhibits: The documents listed in the Exhibit Index of this Annual Report on Form 10-K are incorporated by reference or are filed with
this Annual Report on Form 10-K, in each case as indicated therein (numbered in accordance with Item 601 of Regulation S-K).
|
EXHIBIT INDEX
|
Exhibit
|
Incorporated by reference herein
|
||||
|
Number
|
Description
|
Form
|
Exhibit No.
|
Filing Date
|
File No.
|
|
3.1
|
8-K
|
3.1
|
11/01/2007
|
000-26895
|
|
|
3.2
|
8-K
|
3.2
|
11/01/2007
|
000-26895
|
|
|
4.1
|
S-1/A
|
4.1
|
01/16/2009
|
333-153645
|
|
|
4.2
|
8-K
|
4.1
|
09/03/2009
|
001-33852
|
|
|
4.3
|
S-3
|
4.1
|
07/30/2018
|
333-226413
|
|
|
4.4
|
S-3
|
4.2
|
07/30/2018
|
333-226413
|
|
|
4.5
|
S-3
|
4.4
|
07/30/2018
|
333-226413
|
|
|
4.6
|
10-K
|
4.6
|
03/16/2020
|
001-33852
|
|
|
10.1
|
10-K
|
10.1
|
03/18/2019
|
001-33852
|
|
|
10.2*
|
10-Q
|
10.2
|
05/10/2012
|
001-33852
|
|
|
10.3*
|
10-Q
|
4.5
|
05/10/2011
|
001-33852
|
|
|
10.4*
|
10-Q
|
10.3
|
05/10/2012
|
001-33852
|
|
|
10.5*
|
DEF 14A
|
Appendix A
|
04/13/2021
|
001-33852
|
|
|
10.6*
|
10-K
|
10.6
|
03/02/2015
|
001-33852
|
|
|
10.7*
|
10-K
|
10.7
|
03/02/2015
|
001-33852
|
|
|
10.8
|
10-K
|
10.11
|
03/31/2008
|
001-33852
|
|
|
10.9
|
8-K
|
10.1
|
09/03/2009
|
001-33852
|
|
|
10.10
|
8-K
|
10.2
|
09/03/2009
|
001-33852
|
|
|
10.11
|
S-1/A
|
1.1
|
01/16/2009
|
333-153645
|
|
|
10.12
|
8-K
|
10.4
|
07/12/2007
|
000-26895
|
|
|
10.13**
|
8-K
|
10.6
|
07/12/2007
|
000-26895
|
|
|
10.14
|
8-K
|
10.1
|
03/18/2008
|
001-33852
|
|
|
10.15
|
8-K
|
10.5
|
07/12/2007
|
000-26895
|
|
|
10.16
|
8-K
|
10.7
|
07/12/2007
|
000-26895
|
|
|
10.17
|
8-K
|
10.8
|
07/12/2007
|
000-26895
|
|
|
10.18**
|
10-Q/A
|
10.1
|
01/31/2011
|
001-33852
|
|
|
10.19**
|
10-K
|
10.23
|
03/02/2015
|
001-33852
|
|
|
10.20**
|
10-Q
|
10.1
|
11/09/2017
|
001-33852
|
|
|
10.21
|
10-Q
|
10.2
|
11/09/2017
|
001-33852
|
|
|
10.22
|
8-K
|
10.1
|
08/31/2018
|
001-33852
|
|
|
10.23*
|
10-Q
|
10.1
|
11/08/2021
|
001-33852
|
|
|
Consent of Farber Hass Hurley LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.
|
|||||
|
Power of Attorney (contained on signature page hereto)
|
|||||
|
Chief Executive Officer Certification pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act.
|
|||||
|
Chief Financial Officer Certification pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act.
|
|||||
|
Chief Executive Officer Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of
2002
|
|||||
|
Chief Financial Officer Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of
2002.
|
|||||
|
101.INS
|
XBRL Instance Document
|
||||
|
101.SCH
|
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
|
||||
|
101.CAL
|
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
|
||||
|
101.DEF
|
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
|
||||
|
101.LAB
|
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
|
||||
|
101.PRE
|
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
|
||||
|
104
|
Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101)
|
| * |
Indicates management contract or compensatory plan.
|
| ** |
Confidential treatment has been granted by the SEC as to certain portions of this exhibit.
|
| *** |
Portions of this exhibit have been omitted pending a determination by the SEC as to whether these portions should be granted confidential treatment.
|
| † |
The certifications attached as Exhibit 32.1 and 32.2 that accompany this Report are not deemed filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and are not to be incorporated
by reference into any filing of VirnetX Holding Corporation under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, whether before or after the date of this Report, irrespective of any general incorporation language contained in such filing.
|
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this Annual Report on Form 10-K to be
signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
|
VirnetX Holding Corporation
|
||
|
By:
|
/s/ Kendall Larsen
|
|
|
Name: Kendall Larsen
|
||
|
Title: Chief Executive Officer and President
|
||
Dated: March 16, 2022
KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Kendall Larsen as his attorney-in-fact, with full power
of substitution, for him in any and all capacities, to sign any amendments to this Annual Report on Form 10-K, and to file the same, with exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith with the Securities and Exchange Commission,
hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorney-in-fact, or his substitute or substitutes may do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this Annual Report on Form 10-K has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of
the registrant and in the capacities indicated.
|
Name
|
Capacity
|
Date
|
||
|
/s/ Kendall Larsen
|
Director, Chief Executive Officer and President
|
March 16, 2022
|
||
|
Kendall Larsen
|
(Principal Executive Officer)
|
|||
|
/s/ Katherine Allanson
|
Chief Financial Officer
|
March 16, 2022
|
||
|
Katherine Allanson
|
(Principal Financial Officer and
Principal Accounting Officer)
|
|||
|
/s/ Robert D. Short III
|
Director
|
March 16, 2022
|
||
|
Robert D. Short III
|
||||
|
/s/ Gary Feiner
|
Director
|
March 16, 2022
|
||
|
Gary Feiner
|
||||
|
/s/ Michael F. Angelo
|
Director
|
March 16, 2022
|
||
|
Michael F. Angelo
|
||||
|
/s/ Thomas M. O’Brien
|
Director
|
March 16, 2022
|
||
|
Thomas M. O’Brien
|