Ocean Power Technologies, Inc. Commitments Disclosure

(14) Commitments and Contingencies

 

Litigation with Paragon Technologies, Inc.

 

On October 10, 2023, Paragon Technologies, Inc. filed a complaint in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware against the Company, and the members of its Board of Directors, claiming certain breaches of their fiduciary duties. The complaint sought only injunctive relief against the Company, and not monetary damages, and therefore the financial exposure derived therein was limited to applicable legal fees and costs at that stage, which was material to FY’ 24. On November 2, 2023, Paragon sought leave to amend its complaint to add additional claims. The Court granted this motion for leave to amend, provided that the Court would not delay the hearing on the matters raised in the initial complaint, which was set for November 28, 2023. This hearing on the initial complaint was held and on November 30, 2023, the Court ruled in favor of the Company and denied Paragon’s motion for injunctive relief. On February 28, 2024, the Company successfully finalized its 2023 annual meeting of stockholders in spite of Paragon’s repeated attempts to contest the meeting. In an August 12, 2024 Press Release and its Form 10-Q report for the second quarter of 2024, Paragon announced that it was no longer pursuing litigation against the Company. Pursuant to a Court order dated January 9, 2025, Paragon was required “to file a status report within 30 days. Otherwise, the case will be dismissed under Rule 41(e).” Because Paragon did not file a status report by February 10, 2025, the Company anticipates that the Court will dismiss the case, with prejudice, due to Paragon’s failure to prosecute.

 

Section 220 Demand

 

In February 2025, the Company received a shareholder demand under Section 220 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware for inspection of certain books and records relating to prior equity grants made to officers and directors under the 2015 Plan in January 2023, February 2024 and January 2025. The Company has produced to the Plaintiff documents fully responsive to the Demand. The Company is reviewing and considering the demand and engaging with counsel for the shareholder but has not recorded any material liability for these matters as of April 30, 2025 as it cannot estimate the ultimate outcome at this time.

 

General Legal Matters

 

From time to time, the Company is involved in legal and administrative proceedings and claims of various types. The Company records a liability in its consolidated financial statements for these matters when a loss is known or considered probable and the amount can be reasonably estimated. The Company reviews these estimates each accounting period as additional information is known and adjusts the loss provision when appropriate. If a matter is both probable to result in a liability and the amounts of loss can be reasonably estimated, the Company estimates and discloses the possible loss or range of loss to the extent necessary to make the consolidated financial statements not misleading. If the loss is not probable or cannot be reasonably estimated, a liability is not recorded in its consolidated financial statements.