The Company refers to Veritec, Inc. (Veritec) and its wholly owned subsidiaries, Veritec Iconix Ventures, Inc. (VIVI-Japan; a Japanese company, discontinued April 2005) and VCode Holdings, Inc. (VCode).
Veritec was incorporated in the State of Nevada on September 8, 1982 for the purpose of development, marketing and sales of a line of microprocessor based encoding and decoding system products that utilize Matrix Symbology technology, a two-dimensional barcode technology originally invented by the founders of Veritec under United States patents 4,924,078, 5,331,176 and 5,612,524. As more fully described below, these patents are the property of VCode.
In 1995, an involuntary proceeding under Chapter 7 of the United States Bankruptcy Code was commenced against us. The proceeding was subsequently converted to a Chapter 11 proceeding and a plan of reorganization was confirmed on April 23, 1997. The plan was completed, the trustee was discharged, and the case closed on October 13, 1999. Further information with respect to the bankruptcy proceeding is set forth in Item 3 of the Annual Report on Form 10-KSB filed by us for the year ended June 30, 1999, which report is incorporated herein by reference.
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In 1999, we moved from our previous location in California to a suburb of Minneapolis, Minnesota. After moving to Minnesota, engineering efforts were focused on converting the DOS based operating system to both Windows and UNIX operating platforms, further augmenting the number of computers with which our technology works.
In January 2002, Veritec initiated arbitration in the International Court of Arbitration of the International Chamber of Commerce in Los Angeles, California, against Mitsubishi Corporation (Mitsubishi), alleging five causes of action arising out of various contracts and business dealings. Mitsubishi counterclaimed and arbitration commenced.
In February 2002, as part of our objective to increase sales in Asia, we acquired 50% ownership of Veritec Iconix Ventures, Inc. (VIVI-USA). The other 50% of VIVI-USA was acquired by The Matthews Group, a related party. In April 2002, VIVI-USA acquired VIVI-Japan. In June 2003, we acquired The Matthews Group's 50% interest in VIVI-USA bringing our ownership of VIVI-USA and VIVI-Japan to 100%.
In June 2003, we sold VIVI-Japan's textile customer to Com Techno Alpha Inc. (Com Techno), a Japanese corporation, for:
- 8,100,000 yen to be paid at a rate of 225,000 yen per month for thirty-six months ($67,782 and $1,883 respectively in U.S. dollars).
- 120,000 shares of Veritec's common stock (subsequently returned and cancelled).
Yoshihiro Tasaka, the principal of Com Techno, is a former employee and officer of VIVI-Japan. The agreement provided for acceleration of payments to be received for each sale of a Tuft Controller by Com Techno to this customer.
In November 2003, Veritec formed VCode to which it assigned United States patents 4,924,078, 5,331,176 and 5,612,524, together with all corresponding patent applications, foreign patents, foreign patent applications, and all continuations, continuations in part, divisions, extensions, renewals, reissues and re-examinations. VCode in turn entered into an Exclusive License Agreement with VData, LLC (VData), an Illinois limited liability company unrelated to Veritec. The purpose of the Exclusive Licensing Agreement is to allow VData to pursue enforcement and licensing of the patents against parties who wrongfully exploit the technology of such patents. VData is the wholly owned subsidiary of Acacia Research Corporation (NASDAQ: ACTG) (collectively Acacia). The Exclusive License Agreement provides that all expenses related to the enforcement and licensing of the patents will be the responsibility of VData, with the parties sharing in the net proceeds, as specified under the terms of the agreement, arising from enforcement or licensing of the patents.
In January 2004, the Mitsubishi arbitration continued with Veritec proceeding on two claims against Mitsubishi (tortuous interference with prospective business opportunities and termination of a licensing agreement); and, Mitsubishi proceeded on various claims against Veritec for trade secret misappropriation and copyright infringement based upon the Error Detection and Correction Technology functionality utilized by Veritec, together with, assorted breach of contract claims. After three days the hearing was suspended because of procedural irregularities.
In May 2004, VIVI-USA was dissolved and VIVI-USA's investment in VIVI-Japan was transferred to Veritec.
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In February 2005, an adverse ruling was made against Veritec and in favor of Mitsubishi resulting in a monetary award of $8,174,518 to Mitsubishi and enjoining Veritec and by extension Veritec's customers from the future use or sale of what was ruled as Mitsubishi's Error Detection and Correction Technology. This ruling compelled Veritec to file a voluntary petition for relief under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code in the United States Bankruptcy Court (Bankruptcy Court) for the District of Minnesota on February 28, 2005.
In April 2005, the Company discontinued the VIVI-Japan operations due to continuing losses and the Company's financial condition. Mr. Masayuki Kuriyama, the former operations manager of VIVI-Japan, was assigned the right to utilize the VIVI-Japan name without liability to Veritec.
In December 2005, the Bankruptcy Court converted the Chapter 11 proceeding to Chapter 7 of the Bankruptcy Code. Under Chapter 7, Veritec would be liquidated and the shareholders would not receive anything upon liquidation.
Veritec's Third Amended Plan of Reorganization, with proof of acceptability of its provisions by Mitsubishi and the majority of the other classes of creditors, was submitted to the Bankruptcy Court with a motion requesting reconversion of Veritec's case in bankruptcy to Chapter 11. This motion and related order was approved in March 2006. On March 13, 2006, the order was executed subject only to approval of the majority of creditors and shareholders of record, which was subsequently obtained.
Upon execution of the order, Veritec once again became a "debtor-in-possession" under the jurisdiction of the Bankruptcy Court. In general, as a debtor-in-possession, Veritec was authorized under Chapter 11 to continue to operate as an ongoing business, but could not engage in transactions outside the ordinary course of business without the prior approval of the Bankruptcy Court.
In April 2006, Veritec's Third Amended Plan of Reorganization was confirmed by the Bankruptcy Court. On August 8, 2006, after resolution of disputed creditor claims, Veritec received from the Bankruptcy Court an Order and Final Decree closing the Chapter 11 case in its entirety. As reflected in the Consolidated Financial Statements appearing in this Form 10-KSB, Veritec was relieved of $9,356,948 in debt including $7,874,518 owed to Mitsubishi.
In October 2006, Veritec entered into an agreement to purchase selected assets of Secure Environments, Inc. (SEI), a Minnesota corporation that produces identification cards. The assets acquired consisted of office furniture, computer equipment, specialty software, security card and badge printers, and a customer base of 73 small to large commercial and municipal customers, including security firms and police departments. Terms of the purchase were Veritec's assumption of $3,900 in debt and a 10% royalty, not to exceed $150,000 in aggregate, for any future sales by Veritec to the 73 SEI customers. No other consideration was, or is, to be paid.
(b) Nature of Business
The Company is primarily engaged in the development, marketing, and sales of a line of microprocessor based encoding and decoding systems that utilize Matrix Symbology technology, a two-dimensional barcode technology originally invented by the founders of Veritec under United States patents 4,924,078, 5,331,176 and 5,612,524. The Company's encoding and decoding systems allow a manufacturer, distributor, reseller or user of products, to create and apply unique identifiers to the products in the form of a coded symbol. The coded symbol containing the binary encoded data applied to the product enable automated manufacturing control, together with identification, tracking, and collection of data through cameras, readers and scanners also marketed by the Company. The collected data is then available for contemporaneous verification or other user definable purposes. Veritec has also developed a Secured
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Identification System based upon its proprietary VSCode and VeriCode(R) Symbology. The Company's Secured Identification System enables the storage of images, biometric information and data for contemporaneous verification of an individual's unique identity. In addition to its United States patents, the Company holds patents in Europe (German Patent No. 69033621.7; French Patent No. 0438841; and Great Britain Patent No. 0438841); and has applications pending with the United States Patent and Trademark Office for novel uses of its Multi-Dimensional Matrix Symbology.
The Company also seeks fees from the enforcement and licensing of it patents under its Exclusive License Agreement with Acacia. These fees have been a primary source of revenue for the Company.
The Company's main products are as follows:
The VeriCode(R)
The VeriCode(R) symbol is a two-dimensional high data density machine-readable symbol that can contain up to approximately 500 bytes of data in a small area. The VeriCode(R) symbol is based on a matrix pattern. The matrix is made up of data cells, which are light and dark contrasting squares. This part of the symbol looks like a scrambled chessboard. The matrix is enclosed within at least two solid lines and/or a solid border. Surrounding the solid border is a quiet zone of empty cells. This simple structure is the basis for the symbol's space efficiency.
The size of the VeriCode(R) symbol is variable and can be increased or decreased depending on application requirements. The symbol can be configured to fit virtually any space. The data capacity of the symbol is also variable. By using a greater or smaller number of data cells, more or less information can be stored in the symbol. The main limitation to the size and density of the VeriCode(R) symbol is the resolution of the marking and reading devices utilized by the user.
Special orientation for reading the symbol is not necessary and is the basis of the novelty of the Company's 5,612,524 patent. The VeriCode(R) symbol can be read at high degrees of angularity from vertical, in any direction relative to the reader. Veritec's symbology and reading software presently employs "Error Detection and Correction" (EDAC) technology of our own design, similar to that on music CD's. That means that if a symbol is partially damaged or obscured, the complete data set stored in the symbol might be recovered. EDAC lowers the symbol's data capacity, but it can permit data recovery if up to 25% of the symbol is damaged. With EDAC, the code will return either accurate information or no information, but it will not return false or wrong information.
The VeriCode(R) symbol offers high degrees of security and the level of this security can be specified depending on the user's requirements. For any specific application or organization, a unique encryption algorithm can be created so that only authorized persons can create or read a VeriCode(R) symbol within the user's application.
The VeriCode(R) symbol can hold any form of binary information that can be digitized including numbers, letters, images and the minutia for biometric information to the extent of its data storage capacity.
The VSCode
The VSCode is a derivative of the two-dimensional VeriCode(R) symbol. It is built around the core competencies of the VeriCode(R) symbol which includes the solid border, omni-directional reading and Error Detection and Correction capability. The distinguishing factor for the VSCode is its ability to encrypt a greater amount of data by increasing data density. This matrix can hold up to approximately 4,151 bytes of data making it ideal for holding identification and biometric information. The VSCode offers a high degree of security, which can also be defined by the application requirements of the user.
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The VSCode symbol can hold any form of binary information that can be digitized, including numbers, letters, images, photos, graphics, the minutia for biometric information, including fingerprints, to the extent of its data storage capacity, that are likewise limited by the resolution of the marking and reading devices employed by the user.
VSCode is designed for bankcards and high security applications. Because the code is encrypted on the card it can be an independent portable database containing non-duplicative information that is unique to the individual owner of the bank account or credit card; or, the data can be verified through a central database while maintaining high security for the card issuer without the need of a PIN.
The FCR-100 Fingerprint Card Reader
The FCR-100 is a compact fingerprint card reader used to read and decode the VSCode symbology containing biometric information and other secured data. It consists of a combination of several modular components, including a quality camera, lighting mechanism, digital fingerprint reader, software lock, USB cable and housing, all tied into a PC operating system running the proprietary Veritec software. Due to its modular design, the FCR-100 can be modified to meet specific application needs.
The FCR-100 can be designed to work on most PC based operating systems, including the full suite of Windows(R) operating systems. This allows the operating system to function with the many different types of VSCode applications such as bankcards, access control, personnel identification, border control, and hospital identification cards. The FCR-100 is connected and powered by a USB cable connection to a PC or server. The FCR-100 can be utilized with wireless applications and will allow multiple reading stations to be connected to a single computer.
Patents
United States Patent No. 4,924,078 was issued on May 8, 1990 on our founders' application filed November 25, 1987. United States Patent No. 5,612,524 is a continuation of the 4,924,078 patent. U.S. Patent No. 5,331,176 was issued on July 19, 1994 on our founders' application filed on April 10, 1992. Veritec has filed for additional U.S. patents related to novel uses of the Matrix Symbologies. The Company holds the following European Patents: Germany Patent No. 69033621.7; French and Great Britain Patent No. 0438841.
Trademarks
We have filed applications to register the trademark "VeriSecure" in the United States. We have also filed applications to trademark "VSCode" in the following countries: Australia, Taiwan, South Korea, Singapore, Japan, China, and Vietnam. In addition we have filed applications to register VeriCode(R) in the following countries: China, Singapore, Vietnam, and Australia. We have registered trademarks for VeriCode(R) in the United States, Taiwan and South Korea. The Company uses the following trademarks VeriWrite(C), VeriRead(C), VSWrite(C) and VSRead(C).
Seasonality
We have not historically experienced seasonality.
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Major Customers
During the fiscal year ended June 30, 2006, two foreign customers accounted for 41% of our revenues and three customers accounted for 74% of our revenues. Our largest customers have distribution facilities in Korea, Japan and Taiwan. During the fiscal year ended June 30, 2005, two foreign customers and two United States based customers accounted for 77% of our revenues.
Engineering, Research and Development
As of June 30, 2006, Veritec employed two full-time engineers and two consultants in its engineering, research and development department. Despite the fact that we were trying to improve our products and to develop new ones, with the Company in bankruptcy we had to curtail these efforts. Since emerging from bankruptcy we now employ three full-time engineers and have resumed our research and development efforts.
Competition
The "symbology" business is intensely competitive. The Company is presently under capitalized and recently emerged from bankruptcy. Consequently, there can be no assurance that the Company will be able to successfully compete in the "symbology" business.
Our VeriCode(R) and VSCode Matrix Symbologies compete with alternative machine-readable codes such as conventional bar code systems, including UPC, EAN Code 39 and Code 49; and alphanumeric systems such as OCR-A and OCR-B. Competitors offering alternative symbologies include numerous well capitalized publicly traded companies who offer a spectrum of bar code related systems including Symbol Technologies (NYSE: SBL); Zebra Technologies Corporation (NASDAQ: ZBRA); and Siemens Energy and Automation, Inc., a subsidiary of Siemens AG (NYSE: SI).
The "DataMatrix" two-dimensional bar code is an established competitor to the VeriCode(R). The DataMatrix code was popularized by Robotic Vision Systems, Inc., which declared the DataMatrix symbol to be "in the public domain." In contrast, our VeriCode(R) Symbol and technology are protected by various U.S. and European patents and our software source codes are proprietary and protected by copyright.
Veritec believes that while many potential customers and users of symbology prefer to use a system that is believed to be in the public domain with open source code software applications, we believe that other companies, especially those requiring high security encoding and decoding capability will prefer to purchase "closed" or proprietary systems. Our technology may be the technology of choice for these potential customers.
Moreover, because of the high data density of the Company's VSCode and its ability to provide error free reading in low contrast applications, we believe the other 2-Dimensional symbols are not capable of competing in these applications. However, new codes may be developed in the future that could.
Environmental Compliance
We believe that we are in compliance with all current federal and state environmental laws.
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Employees
As of June 30, 2006, inclusive of the two full-time engineers and two contracted individuals employed by the Company in its engineering, research and development department as described above, the Company employs six full-time employees and one part-time employee compared to seven full-time employees and one part-time employees in 2005. In addition, the Company retained three consultants to provide specific services related to various projects and specific needs throughout the year. The Company continually evaluates the need for the hiring of qualified personnel.
Financial Information about Geographic Areas
Foreign revenues accounted for 65% of the Company's revenue in fiscal year 2006 compared to 63% in fiscal year 2005. To date our revenues are concentrated in Japan, Korea and Taiwan.
Available Information
The public may read and copy any materials Veritec has filed with the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Minnesota at Room 301 U.S. Courthouse, 300 South Fourth Street, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55415, attention Ms. Lori Vosejpke, Bankruptcy Clerk (612) 664-5200.
The public may read and copy any materials we have filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) at the SEC's Public Reference Room at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington D.C. 20549. The public may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. We electronically file reports with the SEC. Filings may be found on the Internet site maintained by the SEC at www.SEC.gov; or, by accessing www.freeedgar.com; and other Internet based financial service providers. Other information about us can be found at our website, www.veritecinc.com and by contacting the Company at 2445 Winnetka Avenue North, Golden Valley, Minnesota 55427 (763) 253-2670.
ITEM 1A RISK FACTORS
Risk Factors
Investing in our Company entails substantial risk. In addition to the other risks and uncertainties discussed herein or available from outside sources, a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the plans, intentions and expectations reflected in or suggested by forward-looking statements of the Company set forth within the body and Exhibits hereof include amongst other things:
General Factors
We Have a History of Operating Losses
We have a history of operating losses that were a substantial factor in the Company having been twice placed in bankruptcy. Once from October 1995 through October 1999 and again from February 2005 through August 2006. To halt the continuation of these losses, we are developing new products, entering new markets and developing strategic alliances to grow revenue. There can be no assurance that we will be successful in these efforts, and even if we are, whether we can become profitable.
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Loss of the Services of Key Employees Could Harm Our Operations
The Company's performance depends on the talents and efforts of our key management and technical employees. The loss of certain key individuals could diminish our ability to maintain relationships with current and potential customers or to meet development and implementation schedules for existing technology and the technology that the Company intends to introduce in the future. Our future success also depends on our continuing ability to identify, hire, train and retain highly qualified technical and managerial personnel. If we fail to attract or retain these key individuals in the future, our business could be disrupted.
Continuing Licensing Revenues from Acacia and Intellectual Property
The Company is dependent on Acacia for a significant portion of its revenue. In the event of an adverse determination either with regard to the Patent Reexaminations or the Declaratory Judgment being sought by Cognex, our future ability to obtain licensing fees for the 4,924,078 and 5,612,524 patents could cease. In addition to Cognex, future challenges of our intellectual property could be made by other claimants. Our business would be materially impacted in the event such claims are raised and ruled against us.
Competition in the Asian Market
The Company currently relies heavily on its sales to the Asian markets. The cross-licensing agreement we executed with Mitsubishi that allowed for our emergence from bankruptcy and rights to use of the Mitsubishi Error Detection and Correction Technology, gave Mitsubishi a license to our VeriCode(R) Technology that may result in increased competition. Competition in the Machine Readable Information and symbology sector, coupled with the strain on our relationships with our licensees and distributors while we were in bankruptcy may impact future sales.
Dependence on The Matthews Group
The Company has traditionally been dependent on The Matthews Group for its financial support. Management does not believe additional monies above the stock subscription obligation will be required in the immediate future. However additional capital may be required at some future point. The Company cannot guarantee going forward that The Matthews Group will continue to provide additional funding.
Ability to Obtain Access to Capital
Due to the Company's prior bankruptcies and history of losses, the Company's ability to raise funds, whether from lending, selling stock, or other sources, may be difficult to achieve. The Company may need to raise additional capital for the development or marketing of new products. If the Company can not raise such capital, or if the cost of such capital is too high, we may be unable to successfully develop and launch new products.
Effect of the Bankruptcy
The Company having been in bankruptcy has made it difficult for the Company to establish new trade credit relationships with both vendors and customers. Although the Company believes it will restore its credibility going forward, the lack of trade credit could substantially impair the Company's ability to grow and implement its plans.
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Competition
Our VeriCode(R) and VSCode Matrix Symbologies compete with alternative machine-readable codes such as conventional bar code systems, including UPC, EAN Code 39 and Code 49; and, alphanumeric systems such as OCR-A, OCR-B, PDF-417, Data Matrix and many others. Competitors offering alternative symbologies include numerous well capitalized private and publicly traded companies who offer a wide variety of bar code systems and solutions, as well as, alternative product solutions such as Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) and Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) technology. Our competitors include but are not limited to: Intermec (NYSE: IN); Siemens Energy and Automation, Inc., a subsidiary of Siemens AG (NYSE: SI); Symbol Technologies (NYSE: SBL); and, Zebra Technologies Corporation (NASDAQ: ZBRA). These companies have more resources than the Company, already have a strong customer base, and their products are widely used in the market place. Competition from such companies may further reduce the future level of demand for the Company's products and/or the Company's future margins of profit.
General Conditions Beyond the Companies Control
The general economic condition of the United States and other regions of the world, work disruptions, labor negotiations both at the Company and with our licensees and distributors, actions of the U.S. and foreign governments, foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations, inflation and other economic events all to varying degrees do, could and would have an effect upon the Company some of which could be a material adverse impact.
I
Veritec, Inc (VRTC) - Description of business
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