d20f.htm


UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20549

FORM 20-F
 
 
  o  
REGISTRATION STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) or (g) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
OR

  x  
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE
ACT OF 1934
for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008
 
OR
 
  o  
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
OR
 
 o  
SHELL COMPANY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
Date of event requiring this shell company report ____________________
 
For the transition period from                                                                                                 to                                                      
 
Commission file number 0-17164
 
COPERNIC INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
(formerly MAMMA.COM)
 
 
(Translation of Registrant’s name into English)
 
PROVINCE OF ONTARIO (CANADA)
(Jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
 
360 Franquet Street, Suite 60
Sainte-Foy, Quebec
Canada, G1P 4N3
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
Marc Ferland
Telephone: (418) 527-0528, E-mail address: mferland@copernic.com, Facsimile: (418) 527-1751, Address: 360 Franquet Street, Suite 60, Sainte-Foy, Quebec, G1P 4N3

Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act.
None

Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act.
Common Shares, no par value

Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act.
None

 
1

 
 
Indicate the number of outstanding shares of each of the issuer’s classes of capital or common stock as of the close of the period covered by the annual report.

14,637,531 Common Shares

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-know seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Act.

       
     o Yes                                     x       No

If this report is an annual or transition report, indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

       
     o Yes                                      x      No
Note- Checking the box above will not relieve any registrant required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1932 from their obligations under those Sections.

Indicate by a 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.

       
     x Yes                                          o  No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer.  See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b of the Exchange Act (Check one):

Large Accelerated Filer  o
 
Accelerated Filer  o
 
Non-Accelerated Filer  x

Indicate by check mark which basis of accounting the registrant has used to prepare the financial statements included in this filing:

U.S. GAAP o
 
International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board  o
 
Other  x

If “Other” has been checked in response to the previous question, indicate by check mark which financial statement item the registrant has elected to follow.
   
 x  Item 17
 
  o Item 18

If this is an annual report, indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
   
  o Yes
 
  x No

(APPLICABLE ONLY TO ISSUERS INVOLVED IN BANKRUPTCY PROCEEDINGS DURING THE PAST FIVE YEARS)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed all documents and reports required to be filed by Sections 12, 13, or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 subsequent to the distribution of securities under a plan confirmed by a court.

   
  o Yes
 
  o  No


EXPLANATORY NOTES

On June 14, 2007, the Company changed its name from Mamma.com Inc. to Copernic Inc.

In this Annual Report on Form 20-F, unless otherwise indicated or the context otherwise requires, all monetary amounts are expressed in United States dollars.

 
2

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 
SPECIAL NOTE ON FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
4
PART I
5
IDENTITY OF DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND ADVISERS
5
OFFER STATISTICS AND EXPECTED TIMETABLE
5
KEY INFORMATION
5
INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY
17
OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS
25
DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES
51
MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
63
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
64
THE OFFER AND LISTING
66
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
70
QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
74
DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES OTHER THAN EQUITY SECURITIES
75
PART II
75
DEFAULTS, DIVIDEND ARREARAGES AND DELINQUENCIES
75
MATERIAL MODIFICATIONS TO THE RIGHTS OF SECURITY HOLDERS AND USE OF PROCEEDS
76
CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
76
AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT
76
CODE OF ETHICS
77
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
77
EXEMPTIONS FROM THE LISTING STANDARDS FOR AUDIT COMMITTEES
82
PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY THE ISSUER AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS
83
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
83
EXHIBITS
114
SIGNATURES
114

 
3

 
 
SPECIAL NOTE ON FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 20-F INCLUDES FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS, WHICH CAN BE IDENTIFIED BY THE USE OF FORWARD-LOOKING TERMINOLOGY SUCH AS “BELIEVES,” “EXPECTS,” “MAY,” “DESIRES,” “WILL,” “SHOULD,” “PROJECTS,” “ESTIMATES,” “CONTEMPLATES,” “ANTICIPATES,” “INTENDS,” OR ANY NEGATIVE SUCH AS “DOES NOT BELIEVE” OR OTHER VARIATIONS THEREOF OR COMPARABLE TERMINOLOGY. NO ASSURANCE CAN BE GIVEN THAT POTENTIAL FUTURE RESULTS OR CIRCUMSTANCES DESCRIBED IN THE FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS WILL BE ACHIEVED OR OCCUR. SUCH INFORMATION MAY ALSO INCLUDE CAUTIONARY STATEMENTS IDENTIFYING IMPORTANT FACTORS WITH RESPECT TO SUCH FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS, INCLUDING CERTAIN RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES THAT COULD CAUSE ACTUAL RESULTS TO VARY MATERIALLY FROM THE PROJECTIONS AND OTHER EXPECTATIONS DESCRIBED IN SUCH FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS. PROSPECTIVE INVESTORS, CUSTOMERS, VENDORS AND ALL OTHER PERSONS ARE CAUTIONED THAT FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS ARE NOT ASSURANCES, FORECASTS OR GUARANTEES OF FUTURE PERFORMANCE DUE TO RELATED RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES, AND THAT ACTUAL RESULTS MAY DIFFER MATERIALLY FROM THOSE PROJECTED. FACTORS WHICH COULD CAUSE RESULTS OR EVENTS TO DIFFER FROM CURRENT EXPECTATIONS INCLUDE, AMONG OTHER THINGS: THE SEVERITY AND DURATION OF THE ADJUSTMENTS IN OUR BUSINESS SEGMENTS; THE EFFECTIVENESS OF OUR RESTRUCTURING ACTIVITIES, INCLUDING THE VALIDITY OF THE ASSUMPTIONS UNDERLYING OUR RESTRUCTURING EFFORTS; FLUCTUATIONS IN OPERATING RESULTS; THE IMPACT OF GENERAL ECONOMIC, INDUSTRY AND MARKET CONDITIONS; THE ABILITY TO RECRUIT AND RETAIN QUALIFIED EMPLOYEES; FLUCTUATIONS IN CASH FLOW; INCREASED LEVELS OF OUTSTANDING DEBT; EXPECTATIONS REGARDING MARKET DEMAND FOR PARTICULAR PRODUCTS AND SERVICES AND THE DEPENDENCE ON NEW PRODUCT/SERVICE DEVELOPMENT; DELAYS IN MARKET ACCEPTANCE OF NEW PRODUCTS; THE ABILITY TO MAKE ACQUISITIONS AND/OR INTEGRATE THE OPERATIONS AND TECHNOLOGIES OF ACQUIRED BUSINESSES IN AN EFFECTIVE MANNER; THE IMPACT OF RAPID TECHNOLOGICAL AND MARKET CHANGE; THE IMPACT OF PRICE AND PRODUCT COMPETITION; THE UNCERTAINTIES IN THE MARKET FOR INTERNET-BASED PRODUCTS AND SERVICES; STOCK MARKET VOLATILITY; THE TRADING VOLUME OF OUR STOCK; THE POSSIBILITY THAT OUR STOCK MAY NOT SATISFY OUR REQUIREMENTS FOR CONTINUED LISTING ON THE NASDAQ CAPITAL MARKET INCLUDING WHETHER THE MINIMUM BID PRICE FOR THE STOCK FALLS BELOW $1; AND THE ADVERSE RESOLUTION OF LITIGATION OR RELATED EVENTS COULD HAVE A NEGATIVE IMPACT ON THE COMPANY, INCREASE COMPANY EXPENSES OR CAUSE EVENTS OR RESULTS TO DIFFER FROM CURRENT EXPECTATIONS. FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION WITH RESPECT TO THESE AND CERTAIN OTHER FACTORS THAT MAY AFFECT ACTUAL RESULTS, SEE THE REPORTS AND OTHER INFORMATION FILED OR FURNISHED BY THE COMPANY WITH THE UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION (“SEC”) AND/OR THE ONTARIO SECURITIES COMMISSION (“OSC”) RESPECTIVELY ACCESSIBLE ON THE INTERNET AT WWW.SEC.GOV AND WWW.SEDAR.COM, OR THE COMPANY’S WEB SITE AT WWW.COPERNIC-INC.COM. ALL INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 20-F IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY THE FOREGOING AND REFERENCE TO THE OTHER INFORMATION THE COMPANY FILES WITH THE OSC AND SEC. UNLESS OTHERWISE REQUIRED BY APPLICABLE SECURITIES LAWS, THE COMPANY DISCLAIMS ANY INTENTION OR OBLIGATION TO UPDATE OR REVISE ANY FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS, WHETHER AS A RESULT OF NEW INFORMATION, FUTURE EVENTS OR OTHERWISE.

 
PERIOD-TO-PERIOD COMPARISONS

A VARIETY OF FACTORS MAY CAUSE PERIOD-TO-PERIOD FLUCTUATIONS IN THE COMPANY’S OPERATING RESULTS, INCLUDING BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS, REVENUES AND EXPENSES RELATED TO THE INTRODUCTION OF NEW PRODUCTS AND SERVICES OR NEW VERSIONS OF EXISTING PRODUCTS, NEW OR STRONGER COMPETITORS IN THE MARKETPLACE AS WELL AS CURRENCY FLUCTUATIONS, ECONOMIC RECESSIONS AND RECOVERIES. HISTORICAL OPERATING RESULTS ARE NOT INDICATIVE OF FUTURE RESULTS AND PERFORMANCE.


 
4

 
PART I

ITEM 1.
 
IDENTITY OF DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND ADVISERS
Not Applicable
   
     
ITEM 2.
 
OFFER STATISTICS AND EXPECTED TIMETABLE
Not Applicable
   
     
ITEM 3.
 
KEY INFORMATION

SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

The following consolidated statements of operations data for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, and consolidated balance sheets data as at December 31, 2008 and 2007 is derived from the audited consolidated financial statements included in Item 17. All other financial information below is unaudited and derived from sources not included in Item 17.  The selected consolidated financial data in the following tables should be read in conjunction with our audited consolidated financial statements, including the notes thereto, and “Item 5 – Operating and Financial Review and Prospects”, included elsewhere in this Form 20-F.


 
5

 

 

 
CANADIAN GAAP
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31st

 
   
2008
 
2007
 
2006
 
2005
 
2004
   
$
 
$
 
$
 
$
 
$
Consolidated Statements of
                   
Operations Data
                   
Revenues
 
7,011,631
 
8,116,408
 
9,596,402
 
9,443,975
 
14,636,318
Earnings (loss) from continuing
                   
operations
 
(6,490,704)
 
(14,430,826)
 
(4,358,708)
 
(3,342,983)
 
370,753
Results of discontinued
                   
operations, net of income taxes
 
-
 
-
 
89,328
 
(2,315,335)
 
733,654
Net earnings (loss) for the year
 
 
(6,490,704)
 
 
(14,430,826)
 
 
(4,269,380)
 
 
(5,658,318)
 
 
1,104,407
Basic and diluted earnings (loss)
                   
per share from continuing
                   
operations
 
(0.44)
 
(0.99)
 
(0.31)
 
(0.27)
 
0.03
Basic and diluted earnings (loss)
                   
per share from discontinued
                   
operations
 
-
 
-
 
0.01
 
(0.19)
 
0.07
Basic and diluted net earnings
                   
(loss) per share
 
(0.44)
 
(0.99)
 
(0.30)
 
(0.46)
 
0.10
Weighted average number of
                   
shares – basic
 
14,637,531
 
14,564,894
 
14,340,864
 
12,168,117
 
10,758,604
Weighted average number of
                   
shares – diluted
 
14,637,531
 
14,564,894
 
14,340,864
 
12,168,117
 
11,209,906
 
Consolidated Balance Sheets
 
2008
 
2007
 
2006
 
2005
 
2004
Data
 
$
 
$
 
$
 
$
 
$
Total assets
 
10,782,059
 
18,357,856
 
33,339,488
 
38,327,198
 
35,166,098
Total liabilities
 
1,509,843
 
2,557,462
 
4,444,838
 
5,810,217
 
3,130,526
Net assets
 
9,272,216
 
15,800,394
 
28,894,650
 
32,516,981
 
32,035,572
Working capital
 
5,051,474
 
6,413,044
 
8,533,546
 
8,944,985
 
27,528,003
Capital stock
 
96,556,485
 
96,556,485
 
95,298,234
 
95,298,234
 
90,496,088
Additional paid-in capital
 
5,747,028
 
5,784,502
 
5,706,183
 
5,249,902
 
3,921,806
Accumulated other
                   
comprehensive gain
 
561,137
 
561,137
 
561,137
 
370,369
 
360,884
Accumulated deficit
 
(93,592,434)
 
(87,101,730)
 
(72,670,904)
 
(68,401,524)
 
(62,743,206)
Shareholders’ equity
 
9,272,216
 
15,800,394
 
28,894,650
 
32,516,981
 
32,035,572
 
Other
                   
Cash dividends
 
None
 
None
 
None
 
None
 
None


 
6

 


 

 
U.S. GAAP
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31st 

 
   
2008
 
2007
 
2006
 
2005
 
2004
   
$
 
$
 
$
 
$
 
$
Consolidated Statements of
                   
Operations Data
                   
Revenues
 
7,011,631
 
8,116,408
 
9,596,402
 
9,443,975
 
14,636,318
Earnings (loss) from continuing
                   
operations
 
(6,490,704)
 
(14,430,826)
 
(4,358,708)
 
(3,342,983)
 
370,753
Results of discontinued
                   
operations, net of income taxes
 
-
 
-
 
89,328
 
(2,315,335)
 
733,654
Net earnings (loss) for the year
 
 
(6,490,704)
 
 
(14,430,826)
 
 
(4,269,380)
 
 
(5,658,318)
 
 
1,104,407
Basic and diluted earnings (loss)
                   
per share from continuing
                   
operations
 
(0.44)
 
(0.99)
 
(0.31)
 
(0.27)
 
0.03
Basic and diluted earnings (loss)
                   
per share from discontinued
                   
operations
 
-
 
-
 
0.01
 
(0.19)
 
0.07
Basic and diluted net earnings
                   
(loss) per share
 
(0.44)
 
(0.99)
 
(0.30)
 
(0.46)
 
0.10
Weighted average number of
                   
shares – basic
 
14,637,531
 
14,564,894
 
14,340,864
 
12,168,117
 
10,758,604
Weighted average number of
                   
shares – diluted
 
14,637,531
 
14,564,894
 
14,340,864
 
12,168,117
 
11,209,906
 
Consolidated Balance Sheets
 
2008
 
2007
 
2006
 
2005
 
2004
Data
 
$
 
$
 
$
 
$
 
$
Total assets
 
10,782,059
 
18,357,856
 
33,339,488
 
38,327,198
 
35,166,098
Total liabilities
 
1,509,843
 
2,557,462
 
4,444,838
 
5,810,217
 
3,130,526
Net assets
 
9,272,216
 
15,800,394
 
28,894,650
 
32,516,981
 
32,035,572
Working capital
 
5,051,474
 
6,413,044
 
8,533,546
 
8,944,985
 
27,528,003
Capital stock
 
113,326,055
 
113,326,055
 
112,067,804
 
112,067,804
 
107,265,658
Additional paid-in capital
 
 
6,784,718
 
 
6,822,192
 
 
6,743,873
 
 
6,287,592
 
 
4,959,496
Accumulated other
                   
comprehensive gain
 
 
561,137
 
 
561,137
 
 
561,137
 
 
370,369
 
 
360,884
Accumulated deficit
 
(111,399,694)
 
(104,908,990)
 
(90,478,164)
 
(86,208,784)
 
(80,550,466)
Shareholders’ equity
 
9,272,216
 
15,800,394
 
28,894,650
 
32,516,981
 
32,035,572
 
Other
                   
Cash dividends
 
None
 
None
 
None
 
None
 
None


 
7

 

 
CAPITALIZATION AND INDEBTEDNESS
 
The following tables set forth the consolidated cash and consolidated capitalization of the Company as at December 31, 2008 prepared in accordance with Canadian GAAP and United States GAAP, respectively.

(Prepared in accordance with Canadian GAAP)
 
 
As at December 31,
2008
$
 
Cash and cash equivalents
    2,067,705  
Temporary investments
    3,005,227  
Indebtedness
       
Current liabilities
    1,210,003  
Obligations under capital leases
    39,992  
Future income taxes
    259,848  
Shareholders’ Equity
       
Capital stock
    96,556,485  
Additional paid-in capital
    5,747,028  
Cumulative translation adjustment
    561,137  
Accumulated deficit
    (93,592,434 )
Total shareholders’ equity
    9,272,216  
Total capitalization
    10,782,059  
   
   
(Prepared in accordance with US GAAP)
 
 
As at December 31,
2008
$
 
Cash and cash equivalents
    2,067,705  
Temporary investments
    3,005,227  
Indebtedness
       
Current liabilities
    1,210,003  
Obligations under capital leases
    39,992  
Future income taxes
    259,848  
Shareholders’ Equity
       
Capital stock
    113,326,055  
Additional paid-in capital
    6,784,718  
Cumulative translation adjustment
    561,137  
Accumulated deficit
    (111,399,694 )
Total shareholders’ equity
    9,272,216  
Total capitalization
    10,782,059  
   
Reasons for the Offer and Use of Proceeds
       
   
Not Applicable.
       


 
8

 
 
RISK FACTORS
 
Our revenues depend to some degree on our relationship with one customer, the loss of which would adversely affect our business and results of operations.

For the year ended December 31, 2008, approximately 13% of our revenues were derived from an agreement with our largest customer. Revenues from this customer represented 14% of our revenues in 2007 and 11% of our revenues in 2006. Although we monitor our accounts receivable for credit risk deterioration and this customer has been paying its payables to Copernic Inc. in accordance with the terms of its agreement with the Company, there can be no assurance that it will continue to do so or that it will continue to do so at the volume of business it has done historically. Our loss of this customer’s business would adversely affect our business and results of operations.

Our operating results may fluctuate, which makes our results difficult to predict and could cause our results to fall short of expectations.

Our operating results may fluctuate as a result of a number of factors, many of which are outside of our control. For these reasons, comparing our operating results on a period-to-period basis may not be meaningful, and you should not rely on our past results as an indication of our future performance. Our operating results may fluctuate as a result of many factors related to our business, including the competitive conditions in the industry, loss of significant customers, delays in the development of new services and usage of the Internet, as described in more detail below, and general factors such as size and timing of orders and general economic conditions.  Our quarterly and annual expenses as a percentage of our revenues may be significantly different from our historical or projected rates. Our operating results in future quarters may fall below expectations. Any of these events could cause our stock price to fall. Each of the risk factors listed in this “Risk Factors” section, and the following factors, may affect our operating results:

 
·
Our ability to continue to attract users to our Web sites.
 
·
Our ability to monetize (or generate revenue from) traffic on our Web sites and our network of advertisers’ Web sites.
 
·
Our ability to attract advertisers.
 
·
The amount and timing of operating costs and capital expenditures related to the maintenance and expansion of our businesses, operations and infrastructure.
 
·
Our focus on long term goals over short term results.
 
·
The results of any investments in risky projects.
 
·
Payments that may be made in connection with the resolution of litigation matters.
 
·
General economic conditions and those economic conditions specific to the Internet and Internet advertising.
 
·
Our ability to keep our Web sites operational at a reasonable cost and without service interruptions.
 
·
Geopolitical events such as war, threat of war or terrorist actions.
 
·
Our ability to generate CDS revenues through licensing and revenue share.

Because our business is changing and evolving, our historical operating results may not be useful to you in predicting our future operating results. In addition, advertising spending has historically been cyclical in nature, reflecting overall economic conditions as well as budgeting and buying patterns. Also, user traffic tends to be seasonal.

We rely on our Web site partners for a significant portion of our net revenues, and otherwise benefit from our association with them. The loss of these Web site partners could prevent us from receiving the benefits we receive from our association with them, which could adversely affect our business.

We provide advertising, Web search and other services to members of our partner Web sites. We consider this network to be critical in the future growth of our revenues. However, some of the participants in this network may compete with us in one or more areas. Therefore, they may decide in the future to terminate their agreements with us. If our Web site partners decide to use a competitor’s or their own Web search or advertising services, our revenues would decline.

We face significant competition from Microsoft, Yahoo, Google and Ask.com.

We face formidable competition in every aspect of our business, and particularly from other companies that seek to connect people with information on the Web and provide them with relevant advertising. Currently, we consider our primary competitors to be Microsoft, Yahoo, Google and Ask.com. Microsoft, Yahoo, Google and Ask.com have a variety of Internet products, services and content that directly competes with our products, services, content and advertising solutions.  We expect that Microsoft will increasingly use its financial and engineering resources to compete with us.

Microsoft, Yahoo, Google and Ask.com have more employees and cash resources than we do. These companies also have longer histories operating search engines and more established relationships with customers. They can use their experience and resources against us in a variety of competitive ways, including by making acquisitions, investing more aggressively in research and development and competing

 
9

 

more aggressively for advertisers and Web sites. Microsoft and Yahoo also may have a greater ability to attract and retain users than we do because they operate Internet portals with a broad range of products and services. If Microsoft, Yahoo, Google or Ask.com are successful in providing similar or better Web search results compared to ours or leverage their platforms to make their Web search services easier to access than ours, we could experience a significant decline in user traffic. Any such decline in user traffic could negatively affect our net revenues.

We face competition from other Internet companies, including Web search providers, Internet advertising companies and destination Web sites that may also bundle their services with Internet access.

In addition to Microsoft, Yahoo, Google and Ask.com, we face competition from other Web search providers, including companies that are not yet known to us. We compete with Internet advertising companies, particularly in the areas of pay-for-performance and keyword-targeted Internet advertising. Also, we may compete with companies that sell products and services online because these companies, like us, are trying to attract users to their Web sites to search for information about products and services.  Barriers to entry in our business are generally low and products, once developed, can be distributed quickly and to a wide range of customers at a reasonably low cost.

We also compete with destination Web sites that seek to increase their search-related traffic. These destination Web sites may include those operated by Internet access providers, such as cable and DSL service providers. Because our users need to access our services through Internet access providers, they have direct relationships with these providers. If an access provider or a computer or computing device manufacturer offers online services that compete with ours, the user may find it more convenient to use the services of the access provider or manufacturer. In addition, the access provider or manufacturer may make it hard to access our services by not listing them in the access provider’s or manufacturer’s own menu of offerings. Also, because the access provider gathers information from the user in connection with the establishment of a billing relationship, the access provider may be more effective than we are in tailoring services and advertisements to the specific tastes of the user.

There has been a trend toward industry consolidation among our competitors, and so smaller competitors today may become larger competitors in the future. If our competitors are more successful than we are at generating traffic and advertising, our revenues may decline.

We face competition from traditional media companies, and we may not be included in the advertising budgets of large advertisers, which could harm our operating results.

In addition to Internet companies, we face competition from companies that offer traditional media advertising opportunities. Most large advertisers have set advertising budgets, a very small portion of which is allocated to Internet advertising. We expect that large advertisers will continue to focus most of their advertising efforts on traditional media. If we fail to convince these companies to spend a portion of their advertising budgets with us, or if our existing advertisers reduce the amount they spend on our programs, our operating results would be harmed.

Our revenues declined in 2008 and we are experiencing downward pressure on our operating margin, which we expect will intensify in the future.

We believe our operating margin may decline as a result of increasing competition and increased expenditures for all aspects of our business as a percentage of our revenues, including product development and sales and marketing expenses. Also, our operating margin has declined as a result of increases in the proportion of our revenues generated from our partner Web sites. The margin on revenues we generate from our partner Web sites is generally significantly less than the margin on revenues we generate from advertising on our Web sites. Additionally, the margin we earn on revenues generated from our partner Web sites could decrease in the future if our partners require a greater portion of the advertising fees.

If we do not continue to innovate and provide products and services that are useful to users, we may not remain competitive, and our revenues and operating results could suffer.

Our success depends on providing products and services that people use for a high quality Internet experience. Our competitors are constantly developing innovations in Web search, online advertising and providing information to people. As a result, we must continue to invest significant resources in research and development in order to enhance our Web search technology and our existing products and services and introduce new high-quality products and services that people will use. If we are unable to predict user preferences or industry changes, or if we are unable to modify our products and services on a timely basis, we may lose users, advertisers and Web site partners. Our operating results would also suffer if our innovations were not responsive to the needs of our users, advertisers and Web site partners are not appropriately timed with market opportunity, effectively brought to market or well received in the market place.  As search technology continues to develop, our competitors may be able to offer search results that are, or that are perceived to be, substantially similar or better than those generated by our search services. This may force us to compete on bases in addition to quality of search results and to expend significant resources in order to remain competitive.

 
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Our business depends on a strong brand, and if we are not able to maintain and enhance our brands, our ability to expand our base of users and advertisers will be impaired and our business and operating results will be harmed.

We believe that the brand identity that we have developed has significantly contributed to the success of our business. We also believe that maintaining and enhancing the Company’s brands are critical to expanding our base of users and advertisers. Maintaining and enhancing our brands may require us to make substantial investments and these investments may not be successful. If we fail to promote and maintain the Mamma® and Copernic® brands, or if we incur excessive expenses in this effort, our business, operating results and financial condition will be materially and adversely affected. We anticipate that, as our market becomes increasingly competitive, maintaining and enhancing our brands may become increasingly difficult and expensive. Maintaining and enhancing our brands will depend largely on our ability to continue to provide high quality products and services, which we may not do successfully.

We generated a significant portion of our revenues in 2008 from our advertisers. Our advertisers can generally terminate their contracts with us at any time. Advertisers will not continue to do business with us if their investment in advertising with us does not generate sales leads, and ultimately customers, or if we do not deliver their advertisements in an appropriate and effective manner.

New technologies could block our ads, which would harm our business.

Technologies are being developed that can block the display of our ads. Most of our revenues are derived from fees paid to us by advertisers in connection with the display of ads on Web pages. As a result, ad-blocking technology could, in the future, adversely affect our operating results.

We generate all of our revenue from advertising and software licensing, and the reduction of spending by or loss of customers could seriously harm our business.

If we are unable to remain competitive and provide value to our advertisers, they may stop placing ads with us, which could negatively affect our net revenues and business. Copernic has on-going efforts to maintain a high quality network of publishers in order to offer advertisers high quality users that will provide for a satisfactory ROI. Therefore, from time to time we cease sending advertisements to what we determine are low quality publishers. This can reduce our revenues in the short term in order to create advertiser retention in the long term.

We make investments in new products and services that may not be profitable.

We have made and will continue to make investments in research, development and marketing for new products, services and technologies.  Our success in this area depends on many factors including our innovativeness, development support, marketing and distribution.  We may not achieve significant revenue from a new product for a number of years, if at all.  For the years 2007 and 2008, we did not generate significant revenues from licensing Copernic® software and we cannot assure you that we will generate significant revenue from the licensing of Copernic® software going forward. In addition, our competitors are constantly improving their competing software, and if we fail to innovate and remain competitive our revenues from software licensing will decline.

Volatility of stock price and trading volume could adversely affect the market price and liquidity of the market for our Common Shares.

Our Common Shares are subject to significant price and volume fluctuations, some of which result from various factors including (a) changes in our business, operations, and future prospects, (b) general market and economic conditions, and (c) other factors affecting the perceived value of our Common Shares. Significant price and volume fluctuations have particularly impacted the market prices of equity securities of many technology companies including without limitation those providing communications software or Internet-related products and services. Some of these fluctuations appear to be unrelated or disproportionate to the operating performance of such companies. The market price and trading volume of our Common Shares have been, and may likely continue to be, volatile, experiencing wide fluctuations. In addition, the stock market in general, and market prices for Internet-related companies in particular, have experienced volatility that often has been unrelated to the operating performance of such companies.  These broad market and industry fluctuations have adversely affected the price of our stock, regardless of our operating performance.

On June 16, 2008 a notice from NASDAQ Listing Qualifications was received by the Company.  The notice stated that for the last 30 consecutive business days, the bid price of the Company’s common stock had closed below the minimum $1.00 per share requirement for continued inclusion under Marketplace Rule 4310(c)(4) (the “Rule”).  Therefore, in accordance with Marketplace Rule 4310(c)(8)(D), the Company will be provided 180 calendar days, or until December 15, 2008 to regain compliance.  If, at anytime before December 15, 2008, the bid price of the Company’s common stock closes at $1.00 per share or more for a minimum of 10 consecutive business days, NASDAQ Staff will provide written notification that it complies with the Rule. If compliance with this Rule cannot be demonstrated by December 15, 2008, NASDAQ Staff will determine whether the Company meets The NASDAQ Capital Market initial listing criteria as set forth in Marketplace Rule 4310(c), except for the bid price requirement.  If it meets the initial listing criteria, NASDAQ Staff will notify the Company that it has been granted an additional 180 calendar day compliance period. If the Company is not eligible for an additional compliance period, NASDAQ Staff will provide written notification that the Company’s securities will be delisted.  At that

 
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time, the Company may appeal NASDAQ Staff’s determination to delist its securities to a Listing Qualifications Panel (the “Panel”). These circumstances may adversely impact trading in our Common Shares and may also adversely affect our ability to access capital.

On October 22, 2008, the Company received a NASDAQ Notice, indicating that the Company has received an extension to comply with the minimum bid price requirement for continued listing.

The notice stated: “Given these extraordinary market conditions, NASDAQ has determined to suspend enforcement of the bid price and market value of publicly held shares requirements through Friday, January 16, 2009. In that regard, on October 16, 2008, NASDAQ filed an immediately effective rule change with the Securities and Exchange Commission to implement the suspension. As a result, all companies presently in a bid price or market value of publicly held shares compliance period will remain at that same stage of the process and will not be subject to being delisted for these concerns. These rules will be reinstated on Monday, January 19, 2009 and the first relevant trade date will be Tuesday, January 20, 2009.

Since your company had 59 calendar days remaining in its compliance period as of October 16th, it will, upon reinstatement of the rules, still have this number of days, or until March 19, 2009, to regain compliance. The company can regain compliance, either during the suspension or during the compliance period resuming after the suspension, by achieving a $1 closing bid price for a minimum of 10 consecutive trading days”.

On December 19, 2008, NASDAQ issued an issuer alert #2008-005A stating “Given the continued extraordinary market conditions, NASDAQ is extending the suspension of the bid price and market value of publicly held shares requirements. Enforcement of these rules is scheduled to resume on Monday, April 20, 2009. Any company in the compliance process for a bid price or market value of publicly held shares concern will continue to be “frozen” at the same stage of the process until the end of the suspension. However, a company could be delisted for other reasons during the suspension. NASDAQ staff will contact each company affected by this extension and notify those that regain compliance with these requirements during the suspension. NASDAQ will continue to monitor closely these circumstances.” The Company had 59 calendar days remaining in its compliance period, therefore, with the new extension, it has until June 18, 2009 to effect compliance.

As at December 31, 2008, the Company’s closing stock price was at $0.13.

Infringement and liability claims could damage our business.

Companies in the Internet, technology and media industries own large numbers of patents, copyrights, trademarks and trade secrets and frequently enter into litigation based on allegations of infringement or other violations of intellectual property rights. As we face increasing competition and become increasingly high profile, the possibility of intellectual property rights claims against us grows. Our technologies may not be able to withstand any third-party claims or rights against their use. Any intellectual property claims, with or without merit, could be time-consuming, expensive to litigate or settle and could divert resources and attention. In addition, many of our agreements with our advertisers require us to indemnify certain third-party intellectual property infringement claims, which would increase our costs as a result of defending such claims and may require that we pay damages if there were an adverse ruling in any such claims. An adverse determination also could prevent us from offering our services to others and may require that we procure substitute services for these members.

With respect to any intellectual property rights claim, to resolve these claims, we may enter into royalty and licensing agreements on less favorable terms, pay damages or stop using technology or content found to be in violation of a third party’s rights. We may have to seek a license for the technology or content, which may not be available on reasonable terms and may significantly increase our operating expenses. The technology or content also may not be available for license to us at all. As a result, we may also be required to develop alternative non-infringing technology, which could require significant effort and expense, or stop using the content. If we cannot license or develop technology or content for the infringing aspects of our business, we may be forced to limit our product and service offerings and may be unable to compete effectively. Any of these results could harm our brand and operating results.

In addition, we may be liable to third-parties for content in the advertising we deliver if the artwork, text or other content involved violates copyright, trademark, or other intellectual property rights of third-parties or if the content is defamatory. Any claims or counterclaims could be time-consuming, could result in costly litigation and could divert management’s attention.

Additionally, we may be subject to legal actions alleging patent infringement, unfair competition or similar claims. Others may apply for or be awarded patents or have other intellectual property rights covering aspects of our technology or business. For example, we understand that Overture Services, Inc. (acquired by Yahoo) purports to be the owner of U.S. Patent No. 6,269,361, which was issued on July 31, 2001 and is entitled “System and method for influencing a position on a search result list generated by a computer network search engine.” Overture has aggressively pursued its alleged patent rights by filing lawsuits against other pay-per-click search engine companies such as MIVA (formerly known as FindWhat.com) and Google. MIVA and Google have asserted counter-claims against Overture including, but not limited to, invalidity, unenforceability and non-infringement.  While it is our understanding that the lawsuits against MIVA and Google have been settled, there is no guarantee Overture (owned by Ask.com) will not pursue its alleged patent rights against

 
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other companies. In addition, X1 has won a patent to provide search results as you type a function utilised by other companies including Copernic Inc.

An inability to protect our intellectual property rights could damage our business.

We rely upon a combination of trade secret, copyright, trademark, patents and other laws to protect our intellectual property assets. We have entered into confidentiality agreements with our management and key employees with respect to such assets and limit access to, and distribution of, these and other proprietary information. However, the steps we take to protect our intellectual property assets may not be adequate to deter or prevent misappropriation. We may be unable to detect unauthorized uses of and take appropriate steps to enforce and protect our intellectual property rights.  Additionally, the absence of harmonized patent laws between the United States and Canada makes it more difficult to ensure consistent respect for patent rights.  Although senior management believes that our services and products do not infringe on the intellectual property rights of others, we nevertheless are subject to the risk that such a claim may be asserted in the future. Any such claims could damage our business.

Historical net results include net losses for the years ended December 31, 1999 to December 31, 2003 and for the years ended December 31, 2005 to December 31, 2008. Working capital may be inadequate.

For the years ended December 31, 1999 through the year ended December 31, 2003 and for the years ended December 31, 2005 to December 31, 2008, we have reported net losses and net losses per share. We have been financing operations mainly from funds obtained in several private placements, and from exercised warrants and options. Management considers that liquidities as at December 31, 2008 will be sufficient to meet normal operating requirements throughout 2009. In the long term, we may require additional liquidity to fund growth, which could include additional equity offerings or debt finance. No assurance can be given that we will be successful in getting required financing in the future.

Goodwill may be written-down in the future.

Goodwill is evaluated for impairment annually, or when events or changed circumstances indicate impairment may have occurred. Management monitors goodwill for impairment by considering estimates including discount rate, future growth rates, amounts and timing of estimated future cash flows, general economic, industry conditions and competition. Future adverse changes in these factors could result in losses or inability to recover the carrying value of the goodwill. Consequently, our goodwill, which amounts to approximately $3.0M as at December 31, 2008, may be written-down in the future which could adversely affect our financial position.

Long-lived assets may be written-down in the future.

The Company assesses the carrying value of its long-lived assets, which include property and equipment and intangible assets, for future recoverability when events or changed circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. Management monitors long-lived assets for impairment by considering estimates including discount rate, future growth rates, general economic, industry conditions and competition. Future adverse changes in these factors could result in losses or inability to recover the carrying value of the long-lived assets. Consequently, our long-lived assets, which amount to approximately $1.2M as at December 31, 2008, may be written-down in the future.

Reduced Internet use may adversely affect our results.

Our business is based on Internet driven products and services including direct online Internet marketing. The emerging nature of the commercial uses of the Internet makes predictions concerning a significant portion of our future revenues difficult. As the industry is subject to rapid changes, we believe that period-to-period comparisons of its results of operations will not necessarily be meaningful and should not be relied upon as indicative of our future performance. It is also possible that in some fiscal quarters, our operating results will be below the expectations of securities analysts and investors. In such circumstances, the price of our Common Shares may decline. The success of a significant portion of our operations depends greatly on increased use of the Internet by businesses and individuals as well as increased use of the Internet for sales, advertising and marketing. It is not clear how effective Internet related advertising is or will be, or how successful Internet-based sales will be. Our results will suffer if commercial use of the Internet, including the areas of sales, advertising and marketing, fails to grow in the future.

Our business depends on the continued growth and maintenance of the Internet infrastructure.

The success and availability of our Internet based products and services depend on the continued growth, maintenance and use of the Internet.  Spam, viruses, worms, spyware, denial of service attacks, phishing and other acts of malice may affect not only the Internet’s speed and reliability but also its desirability for use by customers.  If the Internet is unable to meet these threats placed upon it, our business, advertiser relationships, and revenues could be adversely affected.


 
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Our long-term success may be materially adversely affected if the market for e-commerce does not grow or grows slower than expected.

Because many of our customers’ advertisements encourage online purchasing and/or Internet use, our long-term success may depend in part on the growth and market acceptance of e-commerce. Our business will be adversely affected if the market for e-commerce does not continue to grow or grows slower than expected. A number of factors outside of our control could hinder the future growth of
e-commerce, including the following:

 
·
the network infrastructure necessary for substantial growth in Internet usage may not develop adequately or our performance and reliability may decline;
 
·
insufficient availability of telecommunication services or changes in telecommunication services could result in inconsistent quality of service or slower response times on the Internet;
 
·
negative publicity and consumer concern surrounding the security of e-commerce could impede our growth; and
 
·
financial instability of e-commerce customers.

Security breaches and privacy concerns may negatively impact our business.

Consumer concerns about the security of transmissions of confidential information over public telecommunications facilities is a significant barrier to increased electronic commerce and communications on the Internet that are necessary for growth of the Company’s business. Many factors may cause compromises or breaches of the security systems we use or other Internet sites use to protect proprietary information, including advances in computer and software functionality or new discoveries in the fields of cryptography and processor design. A compromise of security on the Internet would have a negative effect on the use of the Internet for commerce and communications and negatively impact our business. Security breaches of their activities or the activities of their customers and sponsors involving the storage and transmission of proprietary information, such as credit card numbers, may expose our operating business to a risk of loss or litigation and possible liability. We cannot assure you that the measures in place are adequate to prevent security breaches.

If we fail to detect click fraud or other malicious applications or activity of others, we could lose the confidence of our advertisers as well as face potential litigation, government regulation or legislation, thereby causing our business to suffer.

We are exposed to the risk of fraudulent clicks on our ads and other clicks that advertisers may perceive as undesirable. Click fraud occurs when a person clicks on an ad displayed on a Web site for a reason other than to view the underlying content. These types of fraudulent activities could hurt our brands. If fraudulent clicks are not detected, the affected advertisers may experience a reduced return on their investment in our advertising programs because the fraudulent clicks will not lead to potential revenue for the advertisers.  Advertiser dissatisfaction with click fraud and other traffic quality related claims has lead to litigation and possible governmental regulation of advertising. Any increase in costs due to any such litigation, government regulation, or refund could negatively impact our profitability.

Index spammers could harm the integrity of our Web search results, which could damage our reputation and cause our users to be dissatisfied with our products and services.

There is an ongoing and increasing effort by “index spammers” to develop ways to manipulate our Web search results. Although they cannot manipulate our results directly, “index spammers” can manipulate our suppliers, which can result in our search engine pages producing poor results. We take this problem very seriously because providing relevant information to users is critical to our success. If our efforts to combat these and other types of manipulation are unsuccessful, our reputation for delivering relevant information could be diminished. This could result in a decline in user traffic, which would damage our business.

Our business is subject to a variety of U.S. and foreign laws that could subject us to claims or other remedies based on the nature and content of the information searched or displayed by our products and services, and could limit our ability to provide information regarding regulated industries and products.

The laws relating to the liability of providers of online services for activities of their users are currently unsettled both within the U.S. and abroad. Claims have been threatened and filed under both U.S. and foreign law for defamation, libel, invasion of privacy and other data protection claims, tort, unlawful activity, copyright or trademark infringement, or other theories based on the nature and content of the materials searched and the ads posted or the content generated by our users. Increased attention focused on these issues and legislative proposals could harm our reputation or otherwise affect the growth of our business.

The application to us of existing laws regulating or requiring licenses for certain businesses of our advertisers, including, for example, distribution of pharmaceuticals, adult content, financial services, alcohol or firearms and online gambling, can be unclear. Existing or new legislation could expose us to substantial liability, restrict our ability to deliver services to our users, limit our ability to grow and cause us to incur significant expenses in order to comply with such laws and regulations.

Several other federal laws could have an impact on our business. Compliance with these laws and regulations is complex and may impose significant additional costs on us. For example, the Digital Millennium Copyright Act has provisions that limit, but do not eliminate, our liability for listing or linking to third-party Web sites that include materials that infringe copyrights or other rights, so long as we comply

 
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with the statutory requirements of this act. The Children’s Online Protection Act and the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act restrict the distribution of materials considered harmful to children and impose additional restrictions on the ability of online services to collect information from minors. In addition, the Protection of Children from Sexual Predators Act of 1998 requires online service providers to report evidence of violations of federal child pornography laws under certain circumstances. Any failure on our part to comply with these regulations may subject us to additional liabilities.

If the technology that we currently use to target the delivery of online advertisements and to prevent fraud on our networks is restricted or becomes subject to regulation, our expenses could increase and we could lose customers or advertising inventory.

Web sites typically place small files of non-personalized (or “anonymous”) information, commonly known as cookies, on an Internet user’s hard drive, generally without the user’s knowledge or consent. Cookies generally collect information about users on a non-personalized basis to enable Web sites to provide users with a more customized experience. Cookie information is passed to the Web site through an Internet user’s browser software. We currently use cookies to track an Internet user’s movement through the advertiser’s Web site and to monitor and prevent potentially fraudulent activity on our network. Most currently available Internet browsers allow Internet users to modify their browser settings to prevent cookies from being stored on their hard drive, and some users currently do so. Internet users can also delete cookies from their hard drives at any time. Some Internet commentators and privacy advocates have suggested limiting or eliminating the use of cookies, and legislation (including, but not limited to, Spyware legislation such as U.S. House of Representatives Bill HR 29 the “Spy Act”) has been introduced in some jurisdictions to regulate the use of cookie technology. The effectiveness of our technology could be limited by any reduction or limitation in the use of cookies. If the use or effectiveness of cookies were limited, we would have to switch to other technologies to gather demographic and behavioural information. While such technologies currently exist, they are substantially less effective than cookies. We would also have to develop or acquire other technology to prevent fraud. Replacement of cookies could require significant reengineering time and resources, might not be completed in time to avoid losing customers or advertising inventory, and might not be commercially feasible. Our use of cookie technology or any other technologies designed to collect Internet usage information may subject us to litigation or investigations in the future. Any litigation or government action against us could be costly and time-consuming, could require us to change our business practices and could divert management’s attention.

Increased regulation of the Internet may adversely affect our business.

If the Internet becomes more strongly regulated, a significant portion of our operating business may be adversely affected. For example, there is increased pressure to adopt and where adopted, strengthen laws and regulations relating to Internet unsolicited advertisements, privacy, pricing, taxation and content. The enactment of any additional laws or regulations in Canada, Europe, Asia or the United States, or any state or province of the United States or Canada may impede the growth of the Internet and our Internet-related business, and could place additional financial burdens on us and our Internet-related business.

Changes in key personnel, labour availability and employee relations could disrupt our business.

Our success is dependent upon the experience and abilities of our senior management and our ability to attract, train, retain and motivate other high-quality personnel, in particular for our technical and sales teams. There is significant competition in our industries for qualified personnel. Labour market conditions generally and additional companies entering industries which require similar labour pools could significantly affect the availability and cost of qualified personnel required to meet our business objectives and plans. There can be no assurance that we will be able to retain our existing personnel or that we will be able to recruit new personnel to support our business objectives and plans. Currently, none of our employees are unionized. There can be no assurance, however, that a collective bargaining unit will not be organized and certified in the future. If certified in the future, a work stoppage by a collective bargaining unit could be disruptive and have a material adverse effect on us until normal operations resume.

Possible future exercise of warrants and options could dilute existing and future shareholders.

As at March 25, 2009, we had 646,392 warrants at a weighted average exercise price of $15.60 expiring from April to July 2009 and 693,993 stock options at a weighted average exercise price of $1.54 outstanding. As at March 25, 2009, the exercise prices of all outstanding warrants and options, were higher than the market price of our Common Shares. When the market value of the Common Shares is above the respective exercise prices of all options and warrants, their exercise could result in the issuance of up to an additional 1,320,385 Common Shares. To the extent such shares are issued, the percentage of our Common Shares held by our existing stockholders will be reduced. Under certain circumstances the conversion or exercise of any or all of the warrants or stock options might result in dilution of the net tangible book value of the shares held by existing Company stockholders. For the life of the warrants and stock options, the holders are given, at prices that may be less than fair market value, the opportunity to profit from a rise in the market price of the shares of Common Shares, if any. The holders of the warrants and stock options may be expected to exercise them at a time when the Company may be able to obtain needed capital on more favourable terms. In addition, we reserve the right to issue additional shares of Common Shares or securities convertible into or exercisable for shares of Common Shares, at prices, or subject to conversion and exercise terms, resulting in reduction of the percentage of outstanding Common Shares held by existing stockholders and, under certain circumstances, a reduction in the net tangible book value of existing stockholders’ Common Shares.

 
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Strategic acquisitions and market expansion present special risks.

A future decision to expand our business through acquisitions of other businesses and technologies presents special risks. Acquisitions entail a number of particular problems, including (i) difficulty integrating acquired technologies, operations, and personnel with the existing businesses, (ii) diversion of management’s attention in connection with both negotiating the acquisitions and integrating the assets as well as the strain on managerial and operational resources as management tries to oversee larger operations, (iii) exposure to unforeseen liabilities relating to acquired assets, and (iv) potential issuance of debt instruments or securities in connection with an acquisition possessing rights that are superior to the rights of holders of our currently outstanding securities, any one of which would reduce the benefits expected from such acquisition and/or might negatively affect our results of operations. We may not be able to successfully address these problems.  We also face competition from other acquirers, which may prevent us from realizing certain desirable strategic opportunities.

We do not plan to pay dividends on the Common Shares.

The Company has never declared or paid dividends on its shares of Common Shares. The Company currently intends to retain any earnings to support its working capital requirements and growth strategy and does not anticipate paying dividends in the foreseeable future. Payment of future dividends, if any, will be at the discretion of the Company’s Board of Directors after taking into account various factors, including the Company’s financial condition, operating results, current and anticipated cash needs and plans for expansion.

Rapidly evolving marketplace and competition may adversely impact our business.

The markets for our products and services are characterized by (i) rapidly changing technology, (ii) evolving industry standards, (iii) frequent new product and service introductions, (iv) shifting distribution channels, and (v) changing customer demands. The success of the Company will depend on its ability to adapt to its rapidly evolving marketplaces. There can be no assurance that the introduction of new products and services by others will not render our products and services less competitive or obsolete. We expect to continue spending funds in an effort to enhance already technologically complex products and services and develop or acquire new products and services. Failure to develop and introduce new or enhanced products and services on a timely basis might have an adverse impact on our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. Unexpected costs and delays are often associated with the process of designing, developing and marketing enhanced versions of existing products and services and new products and services. The market for our products and services is highly competitive, particularly the market for Internet products and services which lacks significant barriers to entry, enabling new businesses to enter this market relatively easily. Competition in our markets may intensify in the future. Numerous well-established companies and smaller entrepreneurial companies are focusing significant resources on developing and marketing products and services that will compete with the Company’s products and services. Many of our current and potential competitors have greater financial, technical, operational and marketing resources. We may not be able to compete successfully against these competitors. Competitive pressures may also force prices for products and services down and such price reductions may reduce our revenues.

To the extent that some of our revenues and expenses are paid in foreign currencies, and currency exchange rates become unfavourable, we may lose some of the economic value in U.S. dollar terms.

Although we currently transact a majority of our business in U.S. dollars, as we expand our operations, more of our customers may pay us in foreign currencies. Conducting business in currencies other than U.S. dollars subjects us to fluctuations in currency exchange rates. This could have a negative impact on our reported operating results. We do not currently engage in hedging strategies, such as forward contracts, options and foreign exchange swaps related to transaction exposures to mitigate this risk. If we determine to initiate such hedging activities in the future, there is no assurance these activities will effectively mitigate or eliminate our exposure to foreign exchange fluctuations. Additionally, such hedging programs would expose us to risks that could adversely affect our operating results, because we have limited experience in implementing or operating hedging programs. Hedging programs are inherently risky and we could lose money as a result of poor trades.  In 2008, revenues were decreased by approximately $101,000 and total expenses were increased by $50,000 resulting in a net loss $151,000 due to the fluctuation of foreign currencies.

Higher inflation could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.

We do not believe that the relatively moderate rates of inflation experienced in the United States and Canada in recent years have had a significant effect on our revenues or profitability. Although higher rates of inflation have been experienced in a number of foreign countries in which we might transact business, we do not believe that such rates have had a material effect on our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. Nevertheless, in the future, high inflation could have a material, adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.

Our future growth significantly depends to a high degree on our ability to successfully commercialize the Copernic Desktop Search® product, and any failure or delays in that commercialization would adversely affect our business and results of operations.

On December 22, 2005, we completed our acquisition of Copernic, which we believe positioned the Company as a leader in search technologies and applications and as a multi-channel online marketing services provider.  Although we have high expectations for the

 
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Copernic Desktop Search® (CDS) award-winning product, to date our program to commercialize that product through licensing to large ISP’s and Internet Portals has not generated significant revenue and we cannot guarantee we will obtain such significant licensing revenue in the future. However in 2008, we have generated subscription sales of $636,893 through new products and sales channel expansion which appears to have reversed the previous trend.

ITEM 4.   INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY

GENERAL INFORMATION
 
The legal name of the Company is Copernic Inc. and the Company operates under the commercial names Mamma.com and Copernic.  The Company was incorporated on July 5, 1985, pursuant to the Business Corporations Act (Ontario), promulgated under the laws of the Province of Ontario, Canada. The Company’s principal executive officers are located at 360 Franquet Street, Suite 60, Sainte-Foy, Quebec, Canada G1P 4N3.

The Company maintains its registered office c/o Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP, Toronto Dominion Bank Tower, P.O. Box 20, Suite 4200, 66 Wellington Street West, Toronto-Dominion Centre, Toronto, Ontario, M5K 1N6, Canada.

RECENT EVENTS
 
Write-down of intangible assets and goodwill

In Q4 2008, the Company concluded that its software unit was still facing delays in execution and changes of market conditions of its commercial deployment solutions.  Based on the Company’s assessment of the fair value of its assets related to the software unit, the Company concluded that these assets had suffered a loss in value and the fair values of intangible assets and goodwill were less than their carrying value.  Therefore, write-downs of $140,000 for trade names, $192,000 for technology and goodwill of $3,995,000 were recorded in 2008.

Normal course issuer bid

On November 11, 2008 the Company announced a normal course issuer bid under which it may purchase up to a maximum of 700,000 of its common shares, representing approximately 5% of the issued and outstanding common shares of the Company as of the date hereof.  Purchases under the normal course issuer bid may take place over a twelve month period commencing on the 17th day of November, 2008 and ending on the 16th day of November, 2009.  The Company reserves the right to discontinue its normal course issuer bid at any time.  As of March 2009, no shares have been acquired by the Company.

Cost reduction plan

In Q4 2008, the Company continued to execute its cost reduction plan announced at the end of Q1 2008.  Total costs in 2008 excluding write-downs, termination costs and restructuring costs were at $6,678,774 compared to $10,318,889 in 2007.

In addition, the Company has decided to close its Montreal office in Q1 2009 and concentrate all its activity in Quebec City.

The total cost of the restructuring which includes termination costs, head hunters’ fees, lease termination costs and moving expenses is estimated at approximately $150,000. In 2008, the Company has recorded $101,012 of restructuring costs.

Resignation and departure of officers

Éric Bouchard, Vice President Marketing and Officer of the Company, for personal reasons, did not renew his employment contract which expired on December 31, 2008, with the Company. In relation with this departure, 51,999 stock options were cancelled, resulting in a reversal of employee stock-based compensation expense of $40,878 that was recorded in Q4 2008.

The Company accepted the resignation of Mr. Daniel Bertrand, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, effective September 8, 2008. Furthermore Ms. Claire Castonguay, the Company’s Controller for the past three years was appointed Vice President, Finance and Controller while Mr. Ferland, President and CEO assumed the additional responsibilities of Chief Financial Officer on an interim basis. In relation with this resignation, the Company recorded and paid termination costs of $149,420 in Q3 2008. Furthermore, 121,791 non vested  stock options held by Mr. Bertrand were cancelled, resulting in a reversal of employee stock-based compensation expense of $104,741 that was recorded in Q3 2008. In Q4 2008, an additional 52,709 vested stock options held by Mr. Bertrand were cancelled.

On February 11, 2008, the Company announced the departure of Patrick Hopf, Executive Vice President of Business Development.  117,134 options held by Mr. Hopf were cancelled, resulting in a reversal of employee stock-based compensation expense of $48,542 which was recorded in Q1 2008.

 
17

 

On February 8, 2008, the Company announced that its President and Chief Executive Officer, Martin Bouchard, tendered his resignation, effective March 3, 2008, citing personal reasons. 155,000 options held by Mr. Bouchard were cancelled, resulting in a reversal of employee stock-based compensation expense of $49,320 which was recorded in Q1 2008.  Mr. Marc Ferland, a director of the Company, was appointed President and CEO commencing on March 3, 2008.

Notice from NASDAQ

On June 16, 2008 a notice from NASDAQ Listing Qualifications was received by the Company.  The notice stated that for the last 30 consecutive business days, the bid price of the Company’s common stock had closed below the minimum $1.00 per share requirement for continued inclusion under Marketplace Rule 4310(c)(4) (the “Rule”).  Therefore, in accordance with Marketplace Rule 4310(c)(8)(D), the Company will be provided 180 calendar days, or until December 15, 2008 to regain compliance.  If, at any time before December 15, 2008, the bid price of the Company’s common stock closes at $1.00 per share or more for a minimum of 10 consecutive business days, NASDAQ Staff will provide written notification that it complies with the Rule. If compliance with this Rule cannot be demonstrated by December 15, 2008, NASDAQ Staff will determine whether the Company meets The NASDAQ Capital Market initial listing criteria as set forth in Marketplace Rule 4310(c), except for the bid price requirement.  If it meets the initial listing criteria, NASDAQ Staff will notify the Company that it has been granted an additional 180 calendar day compliance period. If the Company is not eligible for an additional compliance period, NASDAQ Staff will provide written notification that the Company’s securities will be delisted.  At that time, the Company may appeal NASDAQ Staff’s determination to delist its securities to a Listing Qualifications Panel (the “Panel”). These circumstances may adversely impact trading in our Common Shares and may also adversely affect our ability to access capital.

On October 22, 2008, the Company received a NASDAQ Notice, indicating that the Company has received an extension to comply with the minimum bid price requirement for continued listing.

The notice stated: “Given these extraordinary market conditions, NASDAQ has determined to suspend enforcement of the bid price and market value of publicly held shares requirements through Friday, January 16, 2009. In that regard, on October 16, 2008, NASDAQ filed an immediately effective rule change with the Securities and Exchange Commission to implement the suspension. As a result, all companies presently in a bid price or market value of publicly held shares compliance period will remain at that same stage of the process and will not be subject to being delisted for these concerns. These rules will be reinstated on Monday, January 19, 2009 and the first relevant trade date will be Tuesday, January 20, 2009.

Since your company had 59 calendar days remaining in its compliance period as of October 16th, it will, upon reinstatement of the rules, still have this number of days, or until March 19, 2009, to regain compliance. The company can regain compliance, either during the suspension or during the compliance period resuming after the suspension, by achieving a $1 closing bid price for a minimum of 10 consecutive trading days”.

On December 19, 2008, NASDAQ issued an issuer alert #2008-005A stating “Given the continued extraordinary market conditions, NASDAQ is extending the suspension of the bid price and market value of publicly held shares requirements. Enforcement of these rules is scheduled to resume on Monday, April 20, 2009. Any company in the compliance process for a bid price or market value of publicly held shares concern will continue to be “frozen” at the same stage of the process until the end of the suspension. However, a company could be delisted for other reasons during the suspension. NASDAQ staff will contact each company affected by this extension and notify those that regain compliance with these requirements during the suspension. NASDAQ will continue to monitor closely these circumstances.” The Company had 59 calendar days remaining in its compliance period, therefore, with the new extension, it has until June 18, 2009 to effect compliance.

As at December 31, 2008, the Company’s closing stock price was at $0.13.

Granting, exercising and cancellation of stock options

On April 2, 2008, the Company granted 100,000 stock options to an officer, at an exercise price of $1.00 expiring in five years.

On June 17, 2008, the Company granted 125,000 stock options to directors and a new officer, at an exercise price of $0.62 expiring in five years.

On November 11, 2008, the Company granted 125,000 stock options to two officers and employees at an exercise price of $0.22 expiring in five years.

As at December 31, 2008, 785,819 stock options were forfeited.

RECENT FINANCINGS
 
On June 30, 2004, the Company sold under a securities purchase agreement an aggregate of 1,515,980 common shares and 606,392

 
18

 

warrants to certain accredited investors for an aggregate price of $16,599,981. Net proceeds from the offering amounted to $15,541,162, net of issue cost of $1,058,819, $996,000 of which was paid to Merriman Curhan Ford & Co. (“MCF”). For this specific transaction, MCF waived their entitlement to a warrant component of the financing completion fee. Each warrant entitles the accredited investors to purchase one additional common share at an exercise price equal to $15.82 per share. The warrants are exercisable beginning six months after the closing date, and have a term of five years from the closing date.

On December 12, 2002, the Company entered into subscription agreements to sell 1,893,939 Units, for a purchase price of $1.32 per Unit or total proceeds of $2.5 million. Each Unit consisted of one share of Common Shares plus one nontransferable “A Warrant” that entitled the holder to purchase one additional Common Share at a price of $1.40 on or before November 30, 2004. Only in the event and upon the exercise of each respective A Warrant, the holder thereof was entitled to be issued one “B Warrant” that would entitle such holder to purchase one additional Common Share at a price of $1.50 on or before November 30, 2006. A placement fee of 142,045 Units was paid to a placement agent for arranging this financing and the A and B warrants attached were exercised in September 2004 and November 2004, respectively. A sum of $5,904,354 accrued to the treasury of the Company and a further 4,071,968 common shares of the Company were issued.

RECENT AGREEMENT
 
ThomasLloyd Capital LLC

On June 7, 2007, the Company retained ThomasLloyd Capital LLC (“ThomasLloyd Capital”) as its financial and investment banking advisor.  In consideration for these services, the Company committed to pay ThomasLloyd Capital a monthly fee of $5,000 for seven  months beginning June 1, 2007, plus a success fee of the greater of $1,000,000 (but in no event shall such amount exceed 3% of the transaction value) or 2% of the transaction value but in no event to exceed $2,000,000 (less any amounts previously paid as monthly fees) plus an additional fee of $200,000, credited against the above fees payable upon delivery of a fairness opinion.  This agreement has been terminated in 2008.

OTHER AGREEMENTS

Merriman Curhan Ford & Co.

On March 16, 2004, the Company retained Merriman Curhan Ford & Co. (“MCF”) as a financial advisor and as an investment banking advisor. The Company then signed two separate agreements. In consideration for financial services, the Company had committed to pay MCF a monthly fee of $5,000 for a minimum obligation of $30,000 and 10,000 warrants per month with a minimum issuance of 60,000 warrants; each warrant gives the rights to purchase one common share of the Company. Warrants are issuable at an exercise price equal to the average closing bid for the last five trading days at the end of the month of issue, for the duration of the agreement upon the same terms and conditions. The warrants have a life of five years from the issuance date. For the investment banking services, the Company had committed to pay a cash financing completion fee equal to 6% of the total amount of capital received by the Company from the sale of its equity securities and warrants to purchase common shares of the Company in an amount equal to 6% of the number of common shares purchased by investors in capital raising transactions. The warrants are immediately exercisable at the higher of the price per share at which the investor can acquire common shares or the closing price of the Company’s common shares at the date of the capital raising transaction. For mergers and acquisitions, the Company had committed to pay a success fee upon closing equal to the sum of 4% of up to $10,000,000 transaction value, 3% of $10,000,000 to $15,000,000 transaction value and 2% of greater than $15,000,000 transaction value, provided that MCF either introduces and/or performs specific services for the transaction. The minimum success fee for a transaction is $200,000. For a sale transaction, the Company had committed to pay a success fee with the same parameters of an acquisition except for the minimum fee which is $500,000.

For the period ended December 31, 2004, 40,000 warrants were issued to MCF at an average price of $12.31, the fair value of which was $260,301 estimated as of the grant date using the Black-Sholes pricing model, and charged to expense with a corresponding credit to additional paid-in capital. The following weighted average assumptions were used:

Expected option life
 
3.5 years
Volatility
 
86%
Risk-free interest rate
 
3.99%
Dividend yield
 
nil

On July 16, 2004, the agreement for financial services, dated March 16, 2004 was amended. The Company committed to pay MCF a monthly fee of $5,000 for eight months from July 16, 2004. The agreement for investment banking services was amended on July 16, 2004, on September 8, 2004 and subsequently on October 12, 2005. The Company then was committed to pay a success fee upon closing equal to the sum of 3% of up to $20,000,000 transaction value, 1.5% of the excess of $20,000,000. If an acquisition transaction is less than 50% interest in the Company or the Target, a fee shall be payable in cash for 7% of the transaction value. If transaction is not consummated and the Company is entitled to receive break-up fee and other form of compensation, the Company then will pay to MCF 30% of Company’s entire entitlement. In the event that the Board deems it necessary or appropriate for a fairness opinion to be rendered

 
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in connection with an acquisition transaction, MCF will receive a Fairness Opinion Fee of $200,000 for rendering its opinion, payable upon delivery of the Fairness Opinion and will be credited against the M&A Completion Fee due to MCF.

At the completion of the Copernic Technologies Inc. acquisition, total fees paid to MCF were $618,468 including the fairness opinion fee of $200,000.

Maxim Group, LLC
 
On January 29, 2003, the Company retained Maxim Group LLC (“Maxim”), on a non-exclusive basis, as its investment banker, strategic advisor and financial advisor. In consideration for these services, the Company paid a retainer of $25,000 for the first month and a monthly fee of $5,000 for the duration of the agreement. Upon execution of the agreement, the Company issued a warrant to purchase 25,000 of the Company’s Common Shares at an exercise price of $2.15 expiring on June 30, 2006. Under the agreement, on a monthly basis, commencing 30 days after execution of the agreement, the Company was obligated to issue additional warrants, each to purchase 8,000 Common Shares, at an exercise price equal to the market price, for the duration of the agreement upon the same terms and conditions. For any Transaction completed by the Company with Maxim Group LLC, the Company agreed to pay a success fee upon closing equal to the sum of 2½% of the aggregate transaction value, provided that Maxim either introduced and/or performed specific services for the Transaction. The minimum success fee for any transaction was $200,000. On May 5, 2003, an amendment was made to the agreement to increase the success fee for a specific Transaction from 2½% to 3½%.

The term of this agreement was indefinite. However, the Company or Maxim could terminate it upon 30 days written notice. If such a notice was sent by the Company, the monetary consideration was payable by the Company for the ensuing five months; however, the warrant consideration would cease after the 30 days written notice. If Maxim sent such a notice, both the monetary and warrant consideration will cease immediately. The preceding statements notwithstanding, the agreement could also be terminated upon 30 days written notice by either party any time after the 6th  month anniversary of the agreement. On October 30, 2003 the Company advised Maxim of termination of this agreement effective November 30, 2003. In 2003, the Company granted a total of 105,000 warrants at an average price of $2.50 to Maxim Group LLC for financial advisory fees.

Maxim Group was paid a $200,000 success fee related to the acquisition of Digital Arrow in June 2004.

As at March 30, 2005, Maxim Group, LLC had exercised all its warrants.

ACQUISITIONS, DIVESTITURES AND DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

Acquisition of Copernic Technologies Inc.

On December 22, 2005, the Company acquired 100% of the issued and outstanding securities of Copernic Technologies Inc. including an amount to settle Copernic Technologies Inc.’s outstanding stock appreciation right obligations.

The consideration for the acquisition, including costs directly related to the acquisition, consisted of $15,851,922 in cash including $3,297,007 paid to settle Copernic Technologies Inc.’s stock appreciation right and severance obligations net of cash acquired. The Company also issued 2,380,000 common shares as part of the consideration paid. The fair value of the Company’s common shares issued to owners of Copernic Technologies Inc. has been determined to be $2.958 per share. This value has been determined using the average closing price of the Company’s common shares for the two days before and after August 17, 2005, the date the significant terms and conditions of the transaction were agreed to and publicly announced.

This acquisition has been accounted for using the purchase method and the results of operations have been included in the Company’s statement of operations from the date of acquisition. The purchase price allocation was finalized upon receipt of a valuation report.

On May 31, 2006, Copernic Technologies Inc. was wound up into the Company.  The wind-up allows the Company to use carry forward tax losses where needed.

In 2006, the purchase price allocation was adjusted to reflect additional assets and liabilities assumed by the Company. These adjustments resulted by increasing accounts receivable by $480,091, liabilities by $22,286 and consequently decreasing original goodwill by $457,805. The increase in accounts receivable, which was not accounted for in the audited closing balance sheet of Copernic Technologies Inc. at the date of acquisition, was due to revenue recognition adjustment related to a specific contract that existed prior to the date of the transaction.

In 2006, $379,382 was received by the Company from the sellers of Copernic Technologies Inc. to compensate for a reduction of research and development tax credits prior to the acquisition date, the purchase price and goodwill were then reduced accordingly.

Discontinued Digital Arrow LLC and High Performance Broadcasting Inc. (“Digital Arrow”) Operations

In September 2005, following the poor performance of Digital Arrow LLC and High Performance Broadcasting, Inc. (“Digital Arrow”)

 
20

 

located in Florida, management decided to discontinue its subsidiary’s operations.  The Company has therefore not renewed the lease in Florida and recorded closing costs.

Consequently, the results of the operations of Digital Arrow were recorded as discontinued operations and the results of the Company for the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004 were reclassified to account for the closure of the subsidiary’s operations.

Digital Arrow, which the Company acquired on June 10, 2004, was a privately held marketing company that was engaged in the distribution of online, opt-in e-mail marketing solutions via the Internet. In that acquisition, the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Mamma.com USA, Inc., entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement with Digital Arrow and their equity holders, pursuant to which Mamma.com USA, Inc. acquired all equity interests in Digital Arrow. The consideration for the acquisition, including costs directly related to the acquisition, consisted of $1,264,210 in cash, net of cash acquired, and 90,000 of the Company’s common shares.  The fair value of the Company shares issued to owners of Digital Arrow was determined to be $8.23 per share.  The operations of the business have been included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements since June 1, 2004.

This acquisition has been accounted for using the purchase method.  The fair value of the net assets acquired was $1,535,744, which with goodwill of $556,196, resulted in a total purchase price of $2,091,940. From this purchase price, $740,782 was paid by issuance of the Company’s common shares, $86,948 for cash acquired at the transaction for a cash paid net of cash acquired of $1,264,210. Digital Arrow LLC and High Performance Broadcasting, Inc. have since been liquidated.

INCUBATOR ACTIVITIES

Prior to February 2001, when the Company announced a moratorium on new incubator activities, the Company had engaged in incubator management services and held positions in companies in the analog circuit, new media and telecommunications sectors. These companies included LTRIM Technologies Inc., (“LTRIM”), interWAVE communications International, Ltd. Tri-Link Technologies Inc., TEC Technology Evaluation.com Corporation, uPath.com Inc. and ESP Media Inc. The Company had written down completely or disposed of its interest in all of these companies, except for LTRIM.

LTRIM is engaged in the design and development of high-performance analog integrated circuit products. LTRIM’s proprietary core technology consists of a laser-based fine-tuning system designed to set the electrical characteristics of high-performance analog integrated circuits by precisely adjusting the resistance of silicon-embedded resistive elements that are fabricated through standard semiconductor manufacturing processes. It is expected that this technology will have advantages over conventional circuit fine-tuning techniques, in terms of manufacturing cost, integration, and time-to-market, when applied to the production of high-performance analog semiconductor products.

On May 4, 2000, the Company initiated a series of transactions pursuant to which it subscribed to a CDN $850,000 secured debenture convertible into 12.75% of the equity of LTRIM. On February 23, 2001, the Company started acquiring preferred shares by step purchase and by May 2001, a total of 207,323 preferred shares were subscribed to and entirely paid. These shares were subsequently split 10 for 1, resulting in 2,073,230 shares.

On December 13, 2002, LTRIM closed the first round of an intended two-round financing transaction with new investors. As part of the transaction, the Company converted all preference shares and the secured debenture into 4,891,686 Class A Common Shares. Accrued interest on the debenture in the amount of CDN $137,014 (US $80,038) was converted into 359,281 Class A preference shares. On February 11, 2004, LTRIM closed the second round of financing.

In 2006, based on its assessment of the fair value of the Company’s investment in LTRIM, the Company concluded that its investment had suffered a loss in value other than a temporary decline and therefore recorded a write-down of $570,000.

As at December 31, 2006, the investment in LTRIM was carried at a value of $150,000 for approximately 4% of LTRIM.

In 2007, based on its assessment of the fair value of the Company’s investment in LTRIM, the Company concluded that its investment had suffered a loss in value other than a temporary decline due to significant corporate restructuring and therefore recorded a write-down of $150,000 to bring its investment value to nil.


 
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BUSINESS OVERVIEW
 
 
Copernic Inc. is a leading provider of award winning search technology for both the web and desktop space delivered through its online properties, including www.mamma.com and www.copernic.com.
 
Through its award winning Copernic Desktop Search® software search engine product, the Company develops cutting edge search solutions bringing the power of a sophisticated, yet easy-to-use search engine to the user’s PC. It allows for instant searching of files, calendar, emails, and email attachments stored anywhere on a PC hard drive. The desktop search application won the CNET Editors’ Choice Award, as well as the PC World World Class award in 2005.  In 2007, PC Pro, the UK’s most respected IT magazine for professionals, and Micro Hebdo, one of France’s most read IT magazines, each selected Copernic Desktop Search® 2.0 software search engine as the top desktop search tool. At the CTIA Wireless 2008® Copernic’s Desktop Search won first prize for innovation in the enterprise solutions category.  Also in 2008, Copernic Desktop Search® 3.0 received the prestigious “Gizmo’s Top Pick” award in the “Best Free Desktop Search Utility” category at Gizmo’s popular Best-ever Freeware site.
 
In Q3 2008, the Company launched version 3.0 of its business-oriented desktop search product. The upgraded Copernic Desktop Search (“CDS”) Corporate Edition further increases its competitive edge by adding Intranet integration features and expanding its MS Outlook® search capabilities. CDS Professional Edition also specifically targets knowledge workers with features such as the indexing of Microsoft Outlook’s calendar, tasks and notes. Some advanced search functions are now exclusive to the Professional and Corporate products: network drive indexing, “as you type” display of results, and saving of queries for frequently used searches. CDS Home Edition offers a unique competitive advantage with the new “One Search” feature which simultaneous searches the desktop and the Internet. Although the Home Edition is free to consumers, it does provide for contextual advertised sponsored banner ads based on search queries.
 
Through its well established media placement channels, Copernic Inc. provides both online advertising as well as pure content to its partnerships worldwide. Copernic’s search division handles over 1 billion search requests per month and has media placement partnerships established not only in North America, but in Europe and elsewhere.  The revenue models of the Company are based on:
 
Pay-Per-Click search listing placement – advertisers bid or pay a fixed price for position on search listing advertisements on www.mamma.com and within the Copernic Media Solutions™ Publisher Network.
 
Graphic Ad Units – priced on a CPM (Cost-Per-Thousand) basis and are distributed through the Copernic Media Solutions™ Publisher Network.
 
Copernic Media Solutions™ Publisher Network has over 98 active publishers (combined search and graphic ad publishers).
 
Copernic Agent® and Copernic Desktop Search® users generate Web searches and clicks from pay-per-click advertising listings.
 
Copernic Desktop Search® licensing to ISPs, portals, enterprise search providers and e-commerce sites generates license, maintenance and customization revenues.
 
Copernic Agent® Personal Pro, Copernic Summarizer® and Copernic Tracker® software are sold from our e-commerce store.
 

 
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PRINCIPAL MARKETS
 
Although we operate in the global on-line market, and now engage in the development and sale of information management and search solution products, the majority of our users and customers are concentrated in the U.S., Europe and Canada. Our total revenues in 2008 can be divided into several categories: search and graphic advertising, software licensing, customized development and maintenance support revenues. The following table gives a breakdown of the total revenues by category for the last five financial years. The operations of Copernic Technologies Inc. have been included since December 23, 2005.

             
   
search and graphic
 
 
Software
 
Customized
Development and
year
 
advertising
 
Licensing
 
Maintenance Support
   
US $
 
US $
 
US $
2008
 
5,606,383
 
951,022
 
454,226
2007
 
7,354,709
 
415,263
 
346,436
2006
 
8,024,972
 
957,488
 
613,942
2005
 
   9,426,772
 
6,671
 
10,532
2004
 
   14,624,222
 
-
 
12,096

SEASONALITY AND FLUCTUATION IN REVENUES
 
The Company is subject to seasonal fluctuations affecting its operations and results. Historically, the first and third quarters have shown significant decreases in search and graphic revenues, which the Company believes are respectively attributable to decreased advertising and Internet use during the post-Christmas lull and the Summer holiday season.

Although not seasonal, our software licensing revenues fluctuate from quarter to quarter based upon the quarters in which we obtain new agreements or existing agreements terminate.

MARKETING CHANNELS AND SALES METHODS

The Company maintains its own sales and marketing staff and has its own experienced direct sales force to address the new and evolving requirements of its target markets. Although the Company itself does not expend significant resources on public relations, the Company markets itself through on-line advertising, press releases, internally sponsored events and trade shows.

The Company solicits revenues by direct sales force, e-mail directly to the end client, or through specialized search engines through advertising agencies or network distribution business associates who mainly specialize in the online advertising market. Search listings are solicited either directly or through on-line marketing campaigns from the end client.

DEPENDENCE ON INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AND OTHER MATTERS MATERIAL TO PROFITABILITY

We rely upon a combination of trade secret, copyright, trademark, patent and other laws to protect our intellectual property assets. We have entered into confidentiality agreements with our management and key employees with respect to such assets and limit access to, and

 
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distribution of, these assets and other proprietary information. However, the steps we take to protect our intellectual property assets may not be adequate to deter or prevent misappropriation. We may be unable to detect unauthorized uses of and take appropriate steps to enforce and protect our intellectual property rights. Although senior management believes that our services and products do not infringe on the intellectual property rights of others, we nevertheless are subject to the risk that such a claim may be asserted in the future. Any such claims could damage our business.

GOVERNMENT REGULATION
 
The laws relating to the liability of providers of online services for activities of their users are currently unsettled both within the U.S. and abroad. Claims have been threatened and filed under both U.S. and foreign law for defamation, libel, invasion of privacy and other data protection claims, tort, unlawful activity, copyright or trademark infringement, or other theories based on the nature and content of the materials searched and the ads posted or the content generated by users of other services similar to ours. Increased attention focused on these issues and legislative proposals could harm our reputation or otherwise affect the growth of our business.

The application to us of existing laws regulating or requiring licenses for certain businesses of our advertisers, including, for example, distribution of pharmaceuticals, adult content, financial services, online gambling, alcohol or firearms, can be unclear. Existing or new legislation could expose us to substantial liability, restrict our ability to deliver services to our users, limit our ability to grow and cause us to incur significant expenses in order to comply with such laws and regulations.

Several other federal laws could have an impact on our business. Compliance with these laws and regulations is complex and may impose significant additional costs on us. For example, the Digital Millennium Copyright Act has provisions that limit, but do not eliminate, our liability for listing or linking to third-party web sites that include materials that infringe copyrights or other rights, so long as we comply with the statutory requirements of this act. The Children’s Online Protection Act and the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act restrict the distribution of materials considered harmful to children and impose additional restrictions on the ability of online services to collect information from minors. In addition, the Protection of Children from Sexual Predators Act of 1998 requires online service providers to report evidence of violations of federal child pornography laws under certain circumstances. Any failure on our part to comply with these and similar regulations in other jurisdictions may subject us to additional liabilities.

COMPETITION
 
The Company primarily competes in the areas of on-line advertising and software licensing which includes sales of licenses, customization and maintenance support.  The market for these services is in a constant state of flux and competition is intense.

The Company faces intense competition expects this competition will continue to intensify. The Company’s markets are subject to rapid changes in technology and marketing strategies and the Company is significantly affected by new product introductions and other market activities of its existing and potential competitors. The Company believes the principal competitive factors in this market are name recognition, product performance and functionality, ease of use, size of the Web index, user traffic, the speed with which search results return and the relevance of results, pricing and quality of customer support. Many of the Company’s current and potential competitors in on-line advertising and software licensing, includes Google, Ask.com, Miva, Looksmart, Findwhat, Microsoft, Yahoo!, Value Click, FastClick, Burst Media, Tribal Fusion and X1 have significant operating histories, larger customer bases, greater brand name recognition, greater access to proprietary content and significantly greater financial, marketing and other resources which give them a competitive advantage.

The markets for our products and services are characterized by (i) rapidly changing technology, (ii) evolving industry standards, (iii) frequent new product and service introductions, (iv) shifting distribution channels, and (v) changing customer demands. The success of the Company will depend on its ability to adapt to its rapidly evolving marketplaces. There can be no assurance that the introduction of new products and services by others will not render our products and services less competitive or obsolete. We expect to continue spending funds in an effort to enhance already technologically complex products and services and develop or acquire new products and services. Failure to develop and introduce new or enhanced products and services on a timely basis might have an adverse impact on our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. Unexpected costs and delays are often associated with the process of designing, developing and marketing enhanced versions of existing products and services and new products and services. The market for our products and services is highly competitive, particularly the market for Internet products and services which lacks significant barriers to entry, enabling new businesses to enter this market relatively easily. Competition in our markets may intensify in the future. Numerous well-established companies and smaller entrepreneurial companies are focusing significant resources on developing and marketing products and services that will compete with the Company’s products and services. Many of our current and potential competitors have greater financial, technical, operational and marketing resources. We may not be able to compete successfully against these competitors. Competitive pressures may also force prices for products and services down and such price reductions may reduce our revenues.


 
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ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE
 
On May 31, 2004, the wholly owned subsidiary, Mamma.com Enterprises Inc. was wound up into the Company. The transaction has allowed the Company to use carry forward tax losses.  On May 31, 2006, the wholly owned subsidiary, Copernic Technologies Inc. which was acquired on December 22, 2005, was wound up into the Company.  During 2007 and 2008, a few non-active companies were wound up into the Company.  As at March 27, 2009 the Company had an active wholly-owned subsidiary, Mamma.com USA, Inc.

The Company leases two office locations. They are in Quebec City, Canada with 13,000 square feet and Montreal, Canada with 3,400 square feet. The Montreal office will be closed March 31, 2009.

ITEM 5.   OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following discussion and analysis of the consolidated financial condition and results of operations of Copernic Inc. for the three years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 should be read in conjunction with its consolidated financial statements and the related notes.  All statements in the following discussion, which are not reports of historical information or descriptions of current accounting policy, are forward-looking statements.  Please consider our forward-looking statements in light of the risks referred to in this Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations cautionary note.  The Company’s consolidated financial statements are reported in US dollars and have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles as applied in Canada (“Canadian GAAP”).  As a registrant with the Securities and Exchange Commission in the United States, the Company is required to reconcile its financial results for significant measurement differences between Canadian GAAP and generally accepted accounting principles as applied in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”) as they specifically relate to the Company as described in note 27 to its consolidated financial statements. This Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations is dated March 27, 2009.

Business overview
 
Copernic Inc. is a leading provider of award winning search technology for both the web and desktop space delivered through its online properties, including www.mamma.com and www.copernic.com.
 
Through its award winning Copernic Desktop Search® software search engine product, the Company develops cutting edge search solutions bringing the power of a sophisticated, yet easy-to-use search engine to the user’s PC. It allows for instant searching of files, calendar, emails, and email attachments stored anywhere on a PC hard drive. The desktop search application won the CNET Editors’ Choice Award, as well as the PC World World Class award in 2005.  In 2007, PC Pro, the UK’s most respected IT magazine for professionals, and Micro Hebdo, one of France’s most read IT magazines, each selected Copernic Desktop Search® 2.0 software search engine as the top desktop search tool. At the CTIA Wireless 2008® Copernic’s Desktop Search won first prize for innovation in the enterprise solutions category.  Also in 2008, Copernic Desktop Search® 3.0 received the prestigious “Gizmo’s Top Pick” award in the “Best Free Desktop Search Utility” category at Gizmo’s popular Best-ever Freeware site.
 
In Q3 2008, the Company launched version 3.0 of its business-oriented desktop search product. The upgraded Copernic Desktop Search (“CDS”) Corporate Edition further increases its competitive edge by adding Intranet integration features and expanding its MS Outlook® search capabilities. CDS Professional Edition also specifically targets knowledge workers with features such as the indexing of Microsoft Outlook’s calendar, tasks and notes. Some advanced search functions are now exclusive to the Professional and Corporate products: network drive indexing, “as you type” display of results, and saving of queries for frequently used searches. CDS Home Edition offers a unique competitive advantage with the new “One Search” feature which simultaneous searches the desktop and the Internet. Although the Home Edition is free to consumers, it does provide for contextual advertised sponsored banner ads based on search queries.
 
Through its well established media placement channels, Copernic Inc. provides both online advertising as well as pure content to its partnerships worldwide. Copernic’s search division handles over 1 billion search requests per month and has media placement partnerships established not only in North America, but in Europe and elsewhere.  The revenue models of the Company are based on:
 
Pay-Per-Click search listing placement – advertisers bid or pay a fixed price for position on search listing advertisements on www.mamma.com and within the Copernic Media Solutions™ Publisher Network.
 
Graphic Ad Units – priced on a CPM (Cost-Per-Thousand) basis and are distributed through the Copernic Media Solutions™ Publisher Network.
 
Copernic Media Solutions™ Publisher Network has over 98 active publishers (combined search and graphic ad publishers).
 
Copernic Agent® and Copernic Desktop Search® users generate Web searches and clicks from pay-per-click advertising listings.
 
 
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Copernic Desktop Search® licensing to ISPs, portals, enterprise search providers and e-commerce sites generates license, maintenance and customization revenues.
 
Copernic Agent® Personal Pro, Copernic Summarizer® and Copernic Tracker® software are sold from our e-commerce store.
 
Search and graphic advertising

Approximately 80% of our revenues come from our search based businesses which are:  search property Mamma.com, “The Mother of All Search Engines®” and its search publisher network of approximately 98 partners representing 68% of these revenues and Copernic Agent® and Copernic Desktop Search® for 12% of these revenues respectively.  The revenue model in this sector is simply a pay-per-click fee that is charged to the advertiser when a user clicks on a sponsored link. The business model consists of advertisers buying keywords. When these keywords are searched by a user, the advertiser’s Web site will be listed in a premium position in the search results, identified as a sponsored result. The Company aggregates advertisers from other search-based businesses and from its own direct sales efforts (through direct sales and automated online marketing initiatives). Advertising revenues generated through third party search properties have associated payout costs; these payout costs represent a percentage of the revenues generated from the distribution of search advertisements onto third party search property.  Higher margins are obtained through our own properties as there are no payout costs associated with these revenues.

The other revenue model is CPM based (cost per one thousand impressions published). The business model is based on advertisers buying impressions for ad campaigns (these are creative based campaigns: different size banners, pop-ups, rich media advertising) and targeting them through our network of publishers. Campaigns can be targeted in several ways: geo-targeting (by region), or by site category (e.g.: travel, entertainment, finance).

Software licensing

Approximately 14% of our revenues came from software licensing. The business model is based on selling licenses of Copernic Desktop Search® to ISPs, portals, enterprises, international distributors and resellers as well as Copernic Agent® Personal/Pro, Copernic Summarizer® and Copernic Tracker® through our e-commerce store.

Customized development and maintenance support

Approximately 6% of our revenues were the result of customized development and maintenance support.  The business model is based on billing our technical team for software customization and maintenance support.

Recent events

Write-down of intangible assets and goodwill

In Q4 2008, the Company concluded that its software unit was still facing delays in execution and changes of market conditions of its commercial deployment solutions.  Based on the Company’s assessment of the fair value of its assets related to the software unit, the Company concluded that these assets had suffered a loss in value and the fair values of intangible assets and goodwill were less than their carrying value.  Therefore, write-downs of $140,000 for trade names, $192,000 for technology and goodwill of $3,995,000 were recorded in 2008.

Normal course issuer bid

On November 11, 2008 the Company announced a normal course issuer bid under which it may purchase up to a maximum of 700,000 of its common shares, representing approximately 5% of the issued and outstanding common shares of the Company as of the date hereof.  Purchases under the normal course issuer bid may take place over a twelve month period commencing on the 17th day of November, 2008 and ending on the 16th day of November, 2009.  The Company reserves the right to discontinue its normal course issuer bid at any time. As of March 2009, no shares have been acquired by the Company.

Cost reduction plan

In Q4 2008, the Company continued to execute its cost reduction plan announced at the end of Q1 2008.  Total costs in 2008 excluding write-downs, termination costs and restructuring costs were at $6,678,774 compared to $10,318,889 in 2007.

In addition, the Company has decided to close its Montreal office in Q1 2009 and concentrate all its activity in Quebec City.

The total cost of the restructuring which includes termination costs, head hunters’ fees, lease termination costs and moving expenses is estimated at approximately $150,000. In 2008, the Company has recorded $101,012 of restructuring costs.

 
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Resignation and departure of officers

Éric Bouchard, Vice President Marketing and Officer of the Company, for personal reasons, did not renew his employment contract which expired on December 31, 2008, with the Company. In relation with this departure, 51,999 stock options were cancelled, resulting in a reversal of employee stock-based compensation expense of $40,878 that was recorded in Q4 2008.

The Company accepted the resignation of Mr. Daniel Bertrand, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, effective September 8, 2008. Furthermore Ms. Claire Castonguay, the Company’s Controller for the past three years was appointed Vice-President Finance and Controller while Mr. Ferland, President and CEO assumed the additional responsibilities of Chief Financial Officer on an interim basis. In relation with this resignation, the Company recorded and paid termination costs of $149,420 in Q3 2008. Furthermore, 121,791 non vested  stock options held by Mr. Bertrand were cancelled, resulting in a reversal of employee stock-based compensation expense of $104,741 that was recorded in Q3 2008. In Q4 2008, an additional 52,709 vested stock options held by Mr. Bertrand were cancelled.

On February 11, 2008, the Company announced the departure of Patrick Hopf, Executive Vice President of Business Development.  117,134 options held by Mr. Hopf were cancelled, resulting in a reversal of employee stock-based compensation expense of $48,542 which was recorded in Q1 2008.

On February 8, 2008, the Company announced that its President and Chief Executive Officer, Martin Bouchard, tendered his resignation, effective March 3, 2008, citing personal reasons. 155,000 options held by Mr. Bouchard were cancelled, resulting in a reversal of employee stock-based compensation expense of $49,320 which was recorded in Q1 2008.  Mr. Marc Ferland, a director of the Company, was appointed President and CEO commencing on March 3, 2008.

Notice from NASDAQ

On June 16, 2008 a notice from NASDAQ Listing Qualifications was received by the Company.  The notice stated that for the last 30 consecutive business days, the bid price of the Company’s common stock had closed below the minimum $1.00 per share requirement for continued inclusion under Marketplace Rule 4310(c)(4) (the “Rule”).  Therefore, in accordance with Marketplace Rule 4310(c)(8)(D), the Company will be provided 180 calendar days, or until December 15, 2008 to regain compliance.  If, at anytime before December 15, 2008, the bid price of the Company’s common stock closes at $1.00 per share or more for a minimum of 10 consecutive business days, NASDAQ Staff will provide written notification that it complies with the Rule. If compliance with this Rule cannot be demonstrated by December 15, 2008, NASDAQ Staff will determine whether the Company meets The NASDAQ Capital Market initial listing criteria as set forth in Marketplace Rule 4310(c), except for the bid price requirement.  If it meets the initial listing criteria, NASDAQ Staff will notify the Company that it has been granted an additional 180 calendar day compliance period. If the Company is not eligible for an additional compliance period, NASDAQ Staff will provide written notification that the Company’s securities will be delisted.  At that time, the Company may appeal NASDAQ Staff’s determination to delist its securities to a Listing Qualifications Panel (the “Panel”). These circumstances may adversely impact trading in our Common Shares and may also adversely affect our ability to access capital.

On October 22, 2008, the Company received a NASDAQ Notice, indicating that the Company has received an extension to comply with the minimum bid price requirement for continued listing.

The notice stated: “Given these extraordinary market conditions, NASDAQ has determined to suspend enforcement of the bid price and market value of publicly held shares requirements through Friday, January 16, 2009. In that regard, on October 16, 2008, NASDAQ filed an immediately effective rule change with the Securities and Exchange Commission to implement the suspension. As a result, all companies presently in a bid price or market value of publicly held shares compliance period will remain at that same stage of the process and will not be subject to being delisted for these concerns. These rules will be reinstated on Monday, January 19, 2009 and the first relevant trade date will be Tuesday, January 20, 2009.

Since your company had 59 calendar days remaining in its compliance period as of October 16th, it will, upon reinstatement of the rules, still have this number of days, or until March 19, 2009, to regain compliance. The company can regain compliance, either during the suspension or during the compliance period resuming after the suspension, by achieving a $1 closing bid price for a minimum of 10 consecutive trading days”.

On December 19, 2008, NASDAQ issued an issuer alert #2008-005A stating, “Given the continued extraordinary market conditions, NASDAQ is extending the suspension of the bid price and market value of publicly held shares requirements. Enforcement of these rules is scheduled to resume on Monday, April 20, 2009. Any company in the compliance process for a bid price or market value of publicly held shares concern will continue to be “frozen” at the same stage of the process until the end of the suspension. However, a company could be delisted for other reasons during the suspension. NASDAQ staff will contact each company affected by this extension and notify those that regain compliance with these requirements during the suspension. NASDAQ will continue to monitor closely these circumstances.” The Company had 59 calendar days remaining in its compliance period, therefore, with the new extension, it has until June 18, 2009 to effect compliance.

 
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As at December 31, 2008, the Company’s closing stock price was at $0.13.

Granting, exercising and cancellation of stock options

On April 2, 2008, the Company granted 100,000 stock options to an officer, at an exercise price of $1.00 expiring in five years.

On June 17, 2008, the Company granted 125,000 stock options to directors and a new officer, at an exercise price of $0.62 expiring in five years.

On November 11, 2008, the Company granted 125,000 stock options to two officers and employees at an exercise price of $0.22 expiring in five years.

As at December 31, 2008, 785,819 stock options were forfeited.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

The Company prepares its consolidated financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in Canada. In doing so, management has to make estimates and assumptions that affect reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, as well as related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities.  In many cases, management reasonably has 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.  Management bases its estimates on past experience and other assumptions that it believes are reasonable under the circumstances, and it evaluates these estimates on an ongoing basis. Management refers to accounting estimates of this type as critical accounting policies and estimates, which are discussed further below. Management has reviewed its critical accounting policies and estimates with its Board of Directors.

Use of estimates

Significant estimates in these financial statements include the allowance for doubtful accounts, recovery of future income taxes, goodwill and annual goodwill impairment test, useful lives and impairment of long-lived assets, stock-based compensation costs and determination of the fair value of the intangible assets on acquisitions.  Each of these critical accounting policies is described in more detail below.

Allowance for doubtful accounts

Judgments are made in the ability to collect outstanding receivables and provide allowances for the portion of receivables when collection becomes doubtful. Provisions are made based upon a specific review of all significant outstanding invoices.  The allowance provided for doubtful accounts does not reflect the future ability to collect outstanding receivables, additional provisions for doubtful accounts may be needed and our future results of operations could be adversely impacted.
 
For this item, actual results could differ from those estimates.

Recovery of future income taxes

Significant judgment is used in determining our consolidated recovery of future income taxes. Uncertainties may arise with respect to the tax treatment of certain transactions. Although it is believed that estimates are reasonable, there is no certainty that the final tax outcome of these matters will not be different than that which is reflected in our financial statements. Such differences could have a material effect on our future income taxes in the period in which such determination is made.

For this item, actual results could differ from those estimates.

Goodwill and annual goodwill impairment test

Goodwill is evaluated for impairment annually on December 31st of each year or when events or changed circumstances indicate impairment may have occurred.  In connection with the goodwill impairment test, if the carrying value of the Company’s reporting unit to which goodwill relates exceeds its estimated fair value, the goodwill related to that reporting unit is tested for impairment.  We have determined that in our case, the reporting units is the operating segment or a business one level below that operating segment if discrete financial information is prepared and regularly reviewed by management at that level. If the carrying value of such goodwill is determined to be in excess of its fair value, an impairment loss is recognized in the amount of the excess of the carrying value over the fair value. Management’s determination of the fair value of each reporting unit incorporates multiple inputs including discounted cash flow calculations, peer company price to earnings multiples, the level of the Company’s share price and assumptions that market participants would make in valuing the reporting unit. Other assumptions include levels of economic capital, future business growth, earnings

 
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projections and weighted average cost of capital used for purpose of discounting. Decreases in the amount of economic capital allocated to a reporting unit, decreases in business growth, decreases in earnings projections and increases in the weighted average cost of capital will all cause the reporting unit’s fair value to decrease. The Company completed its annual goodwill assessment for the individual units as of December 31, 2008. Future adverse changes in these factors could result in losses or inability to recover the carrying value of the goodwill, thereby possibly requiring an impairment charge in the future.
 
For this item, actual results could differ from those estimates.

Useful lives and impairment of long-lived assets

The Company assesses the carrying value of its long-lived assets which include property and equipment and intangible assets, for future recoverability when events or changed circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. Useful lives of long-lived assets are regularly reviewed for their appropriateness. An impairment loss is recognized if the carrying value of a long-lived asset exceeds the sum of its estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected from its use.  The amount of impairment loss, if any, is determined as the excess of the carrying value of the assets over their fair value.  Management assesses long-lived assets for impairment using estimates including discount rate, future growth rates, general economic, industry conditions and competition.  Future adverse changes in these factors could result in losses or inability to recover the carrying value of the long-lived assets, thereby possibly requiring an impairment charge in the future.

For this item, actual results could differ from those estimates.

Stock-based compensation costs

In determining the fair value of stock options and warrants issued to employees and service providers, using the Black-Scholes option pricing model, the Company must make estimates of the forfeiture rate, the period in which the holders of the options and warrants will exercise the options and warrants and the volatility of the Company’s stock over that same period. Different estimates would result in different amounts of compensation being recorded in the financial statements.

Revenue recognition
 
Search advertising, graphic advertising, software licensing, customized development and maintenance support revenues are recognized when services are rendered, provided there is persuasive evidence of an arrangement, the fee is fixed or determinable, collection is considered probable, and fees are not subject to forfeiture, refund or other concessions.

With respect to search advertising and graphic advertising revenues, insertion orders or signed contracts are generally used as evidence of an arrangement. Revenues are recognized in accordance with EIC-123, Reporting Revenue Gross as a Principal Versus Net as an Agent.

Software licensing agreements are recognized upon delivery of software if persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, collection is probable, the fee is fixed or determinable and vendor-specific evidence of an arrangement exists to allocate the total fee to the different elements of an arrangement. Vendor-specific objective evidence is typically based on the price charged when an element is sold separately, or, in the case of an element not yet sold separately, the price established by management, if it is probable that the price, once established, will not change before market introduction.
 
Revenues from maintenance support for licenses previously sold and implemented are recognized ratably over the term of the contract.
 
Revenues from customized development, not considered as part of the implementation of software licenses, are recognized as the services are provided.
 
Amounts received in advance of the delivery of products or performance of services are classified as deferred revenue.
 
Estimates of collection likelihood are based on a number of factors, including past transaction history with the customer and the credit-worthiness of the customer. If it is determined that collection of a fee is not probable, management defers the fee and recognizes revenues at the time collection becomes probable, which is generally upon receipt of cash.

 
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Recent accounting changes
 
 a)  For changes affecting 2007

Initial application of primary source of GAAP

On January 1, 2007, in accordance with the applicable transitional provisions, the Company applied the recommendations of new Section 1506, “Accounting Changes”, of the CICA’s Handbook.  This new section, effective for the years beginning on or after January 1, 2007, prescribes the criteria for changing accounting policies, together with the accounting treatment and disclosure of changes in accounting policies, changes in accounting estimates and corrections of errors.  Furthermore, the new standard requires the communication of the new primary sources of GAAP that are issued but not yet effective or not yet adopted by the Company.  The new standard had a negligible effect on the Company’s financial statements.

Effective in January 2007, the Company adopted three new accounting standards issued by the CICA: Section 1530, Comprehensive Income; Section 3855, Financial Instruments – Recognition and Measurement; and Section 3865, Hedges. These new accounting standards establish standards for recognizing and measuring financial instruments, namely financial assets, financial liabilities and derivatives. Certain changes in the value of these financial instruments are presented under Comprehensive Income in the Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity. The application of these new standards had a negligible effect on the Company’s financial statements and financial position.

Accounting policy choice for transaction costs (“EIC-166”)

Issued in June 2007, EIC-166 addresses whether the entity must make one accounting policy choice that applies to all financial assets and financial liabilities classified other than held for trading. This Abstract mentions that the same accounting policy choice should be made for all similar financial instruments classified as other than held for trading but that a different accounting policy choice might be made for financial instruments that are not similar. This accounting treatment should be applied retrospectively to transaction costs accounted for in accordance with Section 3855 in financial statements issued for interim and annual periods ending on or after September 30, 2007.  The adoption of this Abstract had no impact on the Company’s financial statements.

Convertible and other debt instruments with embedded derivatives (“EIC-164”)

EIC-164 addresses the situation where a company issues a debt instrument that is convertible at any time at the holder’s option into a fixed number of common shares. Upon conversion, the issuer is either required or has the option to satisfy all or part of the obligation in cash. The instrument may also permit the issuer to redeem the instrument prior to maturity, and/or permit the holder to force the issuer to redeem the instrument prior to maturity. This Abstract provides guidance on various issues related to such debt instruments.

The accounting treatment in this Abstract should be applied retrospectively to financial instruments accounted for in accordance with Section 3855 in financial statements issued for interim and annual periods ending on or after June 30, 2007. The adoption of this Abstract had no impact on the financial statements.

Accounting by an investor upon a loss of significant influence (“EIC-165”)

Issued in April 2007, EIC-165 addresses the situation of how an investor that loses significant influence in an investee should account for the amount the investor has in its accumulated other comprehensive income (OCI) for its proportionate share of the investee’s equity adjustment for OCI.  The amount recorded by the investor in accumulated OCI for the investor’s proportionate share of an investee’s equity adjustments for OCI should be deducted from or added to the carrying value of the investment at the time significant influence is lost. To the extent that the adjustment results in a carrying value of the investment that is less than zero, an investor should reduce the carrying value of the investment to zero and record the remaining balance in net income.

The accounting treatment in this Abstract should be applied retrospectively, with restatement of prior periods, to all financial statements for interim and annual reporting periods ending June 30, 2007.  The adoption of this Abstract had no impact on the Company’s financial statements.

b)  For changes affecting 2008

CICA Section 1535 - Capital Disclosures

In December 2006, the CICA issued Handbook Section 1535 – Capital Disclosures.  The new accounting standard requires disclosure of information about an entity’s objectives, policies, and processes for managing capital, as well as quantitative data about capital and whether the entity has complied with any capital requirements.  This Handbook Section is effective for interim and annual periods beginning on or after October 1, 2007.  The Company has adopted this new Section in its first quarter.

 
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CICA Section 3862 – Financial Instruments – Disclosures
CICA Section 3863 – Financial Instruments – Presentation

In December 2006, the CICA issued Handbook Section 3862 and 3863 that provide additional guidance regarding disclosure of the risks associated with both recognized and unrecognized financial instruments and how those risks are managed.  These Handbook Sections are also effective for interim and annual periods beginning on or after October 1, 2007. The Company has adopted these new Sections in its first quarter.

EIC-169, Determining Whether a Contract is Routinely Denominated in a Single Currency

Issued January 8, 2008, EIC-169 provides guidance on how to define or apply the term “routinely denominated in commercial transactions around the world” as discussed in Section 3855 when assessing contracts for embedded foreign currency derivatives.  It also determines the factors that can be used to determine whether a contract for the purchase or sale of a non-financial item such as a commodity is routinely denominated in a particular currency in commercial transactions around the world.  The accounting treatment of this Abstract should be applied retrospectively to embedded foreign currency derivatives in host contracts that are not financial instruments accounted for in accordance with Section 3855 in financial statements issued for interim and annual periods ending on or after March 15, 2008. The adoption of this Abstract did not have any impact on the Company’s financial statements.

c)  Future accounting changes

Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Section 3064

In January 2008, the CICA issued Section 3064, Goodwill and Intangible Assets, which replaces Section 3062, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.  The objectives of Section 3064 are to reinforce the principle-based approach to the recognition of assets only in accordance with the definition of an asset and the criteria for asset recognition; and clarify the application of the concept of matching revenues and expenses such that the current practice of recognizing asset items that do not meet the definition and recognition criteria is eliminated.  This standard also provides guidance for the recognition of internally developed intangible assets (including research and development activities), ensuring consistent treatment of all intangible assets, whether separately acquired or internally developed.  This Section applies to interim and annual periods beginning on or after October 1, 2008, with early adoption encouraged.  The adoption of this new standard will not have any impact on the Company’s financial statements.

Transition to International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”)

In February 2008, the Canadian Accounting Standards Board confirmed that publicly accountable enterprises will be required to transition from Canadian GAAP to IFRS for interim and annual financial reporting purposes for fiscal years beginning on or after January 1, 2011 with comparative information. In May 2008, the Canadian Securities Administrators issued Staff Notice 52-320, which provides guidance on the disclosure of changes expected in accounting policies related to the change over IFRS. In accordance with the notice, the Company is required to provide an update of the Company’s IFRS conversion plan in each financial reporting period prior to conversion on January 1, 2011.

The Company started working on the conversion plan in Q4 2008 with the help of an external advisor. The project consists of three phases to be completed in order to change over to IFRS: the diagnostic, development and implementation.

The first phase includes the identification of significant differences between existing Canadian GAAP and IFRS that are relevant to the Company and a review of the alternatives available upon adoption.  In Q4 2008, the Company performed a diagnostic review and established that the most significant differences for the Company between Canadian GAAP and IFRS relate to revenue recognition, property and equipment, leases, provisions, reporting currency, presentation and additional disclosure requirements under IFRS. Additional differences might be identified in the future as changes to IFRS standards are released.

The second phase includes identification, evaluation and selection of accounting policies necessary for the Company to change over to IFRS as well as potential first-time adoption exemptions. During this phase, the Company will assess the impact of the transition on the data system and internal control over financial reporting, the further training required for the financial team and the impact on business activities such as foreign currency, capital requirements, banking agreements or compensation arrangements. The Company began this phase in Q1 2009.

The implementation phase will integrate all the solutions into the Company’s financial system and processes that are necessary for the Company to convert to IFRS.

 
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Results of Operations

Revenues

2008 as compared to 2007

Revenues for 2008 were $7,011,631 compared to $8,116,408 in 2007, a decrease of 14%.

In 2008 search and graphic advertising revenues decreased by $1,748,326 or 24% to $5,606,383 from $7,354,709 last year. The variance is explained by a decrease in search advertising revenues due to a change in client mix and reduced traffic.  In 2008, the revenues decrease was offset by the reversal of old prepayments totalling $80,000.

Software licensing went from $415,263 in 2007 to $951,022 in 2008, an increase of $535,759. The increase is explained by the sales of a new product “CDS Corporate Edition” in 2008. Also, the launch of the new CDS Pro version in late Q3 2008 started having an impact on  Q4 2008 results.

In 2008, customized development and maintenance support amounted to $454,226 compared to $346,436 in 2007 an increase of $107,790.
The difference is explained by the maintenance fees included in the sales of “CDS Corporate Edition” launched in 2008.

2007 as compared to 2006

In 2007, the Company generated revenues of $8,116,408 compared to $9,596,402 for the previous year, a decrease of 15%.

Search and graphic advertising revenues totalled $7,354,709 in 2007 compared to $8,024,972 for the same period in 2006, a decrease of $670,263 or 8%. The decrease is due to the decline in pop-up campaigns and a decrease in demand for all other graphic ad units.

Software licensing stood at $415,263 in 2007 compared to $957,488 in 2006, a decrease of $542,225 or 57%.  The decrease is explained by the sale of one major CDS license in 2006 compared to two smaller CDS licenses in 2007.

Customized development and maintenance support revenues generated $346,436 in 2007 compared to $613,942 for the same period the previous year, a decrease of $267,506 or 44%. The decrease is explained by maintenance support contracts that were not renewed in 2007.

Expenses

Cost of revenues

Cost of revenues is comprised of partners’ payouts and bandwidth costs to deliver our services.

2008 as compared to 2007

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008, cost of revenues represented $2,530,908 or 45% of search and graphic advertising revenues, compared to $2,636,410 or 36% of search and graphic revenues for the same period last year, due to the loss of a high margin account in 2007.

In 2008, search and graphic payouts totalled $2,169,916 compared to $2,262,356 for the same period last year and represented respectively 39% and 31% over search and graphic revenues. The increase in percentage in 2008 is explained by higher payouts to retain partners which deliver better quality traffic.

The bandwidth costs were $360,992 for the twelve-month period ended December 31, 2008, compared to $374,054 for the same period in 2007.

2007 as compared to 2006

In 2007, cost of revenues represented $2,636,410 or 36% over search and graphic advertising revenues, compared to $2,704,101 or 34% over search and graphic advertising revenues for the same period in 2006.

Search and graphic payouts totalled $2,262,356 in 2007 compared to $2,309,435 for the same period in 2006 and represented respectively 31% and 29% over search revenues.  The increase in percentage in 2007 is explained by gradually increasing payouts to partners which deliver better quality traffic.

In 2007, bandwidth costs decreased by $20,612 or 5% to $374,054 from $394,666 in 2006.

 
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Marketing, sales and services

Marketing, sales and services consist primarily of salaries, commissions and related personnel expenses for our sales force, advertising and promotional expenses, as well as the provision for doubtful accounts.

2008 as compared to 2007

For the year ended December 31, 2008, marketing, sales and services expenses stood at $938,611 from $1,897,822 in 2007, a decrease of $959,211 or 51%. The variance for the year is explained by the decrease in salaries and related employment costs of $540,000, decrease in stock options compensation of $206,000 in relation with the termination of employees and employee departures, decrease in training and recruiting costs and purchase of algorithmic contents of respectively $121,000 and $77,000.

2007 as compared to 2006

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007, marketing, sales and services increased by $47,646 or 3% from $1,850,176 in 2006 to $1,897,822. The variance for the twelve-month period reflected an increase in salaries due to reorganization of the department, professional services due to new sales consultants for CDS and stock-based compensation of respectively $127,000, $93,000 and $67,000. The increases were offset by a decrease in purchase of algorithmic contents and publicity and promotion of respectively $137,000 and $117,000 due to reduced revenue.

General and administration

General and administrative expenses include salaries, stock-based compensation and associated costs of employment of executive management and finance personnel. These costs also include facility charges, investor relations, as well as legal, tax and accounting, consulting and professional service fees associated with operating our business and corporate compliance requirements.

2008 as compared to 2007

In 2008, general and administrative expenses amounted to $2,907,964 compared to $4,691,572 in 2007, a decrease of $1,783,608. Salaries and stock-based compensation expenses decreased by respectively $338,000 and $428,000. In 2008, salaries included termination costs of $149,000 related to the resignation of the former CFO offset by a decrease in salaries of $53,000 due to employee departures. In 2007, salaries included termination costs of $434,000 related to the departure of the former President and CEO. The decrease in stock-based compensation expenses is mainly explained by the reversal of expenses in 2008 of $154,000 due to the departure of two officers compared to an additional expense of $261,000 in 2007 related to the departure of the former CEO. In 2008, professional fees decreased by $650,000 explained mainly by the reduction of legal fees,  the investor relation expenses decreased by $147,000 due to decrease expenses related to the annual reporting and the insurance expenses decreased by $142,000 due to lower premium for D&O insurance.

2007 as compared to 2006

For the year ended December 31, 2007, general and administrative expenses increased by $695,245 to $4,691,572 from $3,996,327 in 2006. The increase is mainly explained by the termination costs of approximately $695,000, which included a non-cash item for accelerated vesting options of $253,236, related to the departure of the former President and CEO of the Company in January 2007.

Product development and technical support

Product development and technical support costs include the salaries and associated costs of employment of our team’s software developers and maintenance of our metasearch engine and other IT systems. These charges also include the costs of technical support and license maintenance. Research and development (R&D) tax credits are also recorded against product development and technical support expenses.

2008 as compared to 2007

In 2008, product development and technical support expenses amounted to $1,938,724 compared to $2,416,410 last year, a decrease of $477,686 and mainly explained by a decrease in salaries and related employment costs of $313,000, lower stock-based compensation expenses of $63,000 and lower technical fees of $60,000.

2007 as compared to 2006

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007, product development and technical support decreased to $2,416,410 from $2,538,867 in 2006, representing a decrease of $122,457. The decrease is explained by a reduction in salaries due to a reorganization of our R&D team.

 
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Amortization of property and equipment

2008 as compared to 2007

In 2008, amortization of property and equipment stood at $211,056 compared to $302,509 in 2007 explained by the decrease of the asset’s net book value at the beginning of 2008.

2007 as compared to 2006

Amortization of property and equipment totalled $302,509 for the year ended December 31, 2007, compared to $178,192 in 2006. The increase is explained by acquisitions of equipment during the year of approximately $150,000 and the change in the amortization rates, from 30% in 2006 to 50% in 2007 and from 20% to 33% for computer equipment and for furniture respectively.

Amortization of intangible assets

2008 as compared to 2007

Amortization of intangible assets stood at $1,019,159 in 2008 compared to $1,991,286 in 2007. The decrease is explained by the write-downs of intangible assets of $1,985,470 recorded in Q4 2007.

2007 as compared to 2006

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007, amortization of intangible assets decreased to $1,991,286 from $2,067,009 in 2006. The decrease is explained by the write-down of intangible assets recorded in Q3 2006 of $413,238.

Write-downs and settlement costs

2008 as compared to 2007

For the twelve-month period ended December 31, 2008, write-down and settlement costs totalled $4,432,264 compared to $10,146,311 in 2007.

The variance is mainly explained by the write-downs of goodwill and intangible assets related to the acquisition of Copernic Technologies Inc. of $4,327,000 in 2008 compared to $9,200,000 in 2007.  Also, in 2007 the Company recorded a write-down of goodwill of $846,310 in relation to the acquisition of FocusIN.

In 2008, faced with improved competitive offerings the underlying core technology in Copernic desktop search needed to be significantly enhanced and therefore, the Company concluded, based on the assessment of the fair value of the Company’s assets related to the software unit that the assets had suffered a loss in value and the fair values of goodwill and intangible assets were less than the carrying value for these assets.

2007 as compared to 2006

In 2007, write-downs and settlement costs amounted to $10,146,311 compared to $1,683,238 for the same period last year.

In Q4 2007, the Company recorded write-downs of goodwill and intangible assets related to Copernic Technologies Inc.’s acquisition of respectively $7,214,531 and $1,985,470. The Company’s software unit was facing delays in execution and changes of market conditions of its commercial deployment solutions.  Based on the assessment of the fair value of the Company’s assets related to the software unit, the Company concluded that these assets had suffered a loss in value and the fair values of goodwill and intangible assets were significantly less than the carrying value for these assets.

In Q4 2007, the Company reported decreased revenues due to industry pressures on advertising rates, slow down in sponsored clicks and a general decrease for all graphic ads.  Based on the Company assessment of the fair value of its assets related to search / media unit, the Company concluded that the goodwill had suffered a loss in value and the fair value of the related goodwill was significantly less then its carrying value.  Therefore, a write-down of goodwill of $846,310 for search / media unit was recorded in 2007 to bring it to nil.

Also in Q4 2007, based on its assessment of the fair value of the Company’s investment in LTRIM, the Company concluded that its investment had suffered a loss in value other than a temporary decline due to LTRIM’s significant corporate restructuring and therefore recorded a write-down of $150,000 to bring it to nil.

These expenses were offset by the reversal of $50,000 of class action settlement costs.

 
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In 2006, the Company recorded class action settlement and closure costs of $700,000, write-downs of property and equipment and intangible assets related to graphic advertising for a total of $413,238 and a write-down of LTRIM’s investment of $570,000.

Restructuring charges

2008 as compared to 2007

In order to reduce its costs, the Company has decided to close its Montreal office in Q1 2009 and concentrate all its activity in Quebec City.

The total cost of the restructuring which includes termination costs, head hunters’ fees, lease termination costs and moving expenses is estimated at approximately $150,000. In 2008, the Company recorded $101,012 as restructuring costs.

Interest and other income

2008 as compared to 2007

Interest income and other income decreased to $162,880 in 2008 from $401,183 in 2007. The decrease reflected lower liquidities and lower interest rates in 2008.

2007 as compared to 2006

Interest and other income stood at $401,183 in 2007 compared to $415,950 in 2006.

Loss (gain) on foreign exchange

Gain on foreign exchange totalled $24,440 for the year ended December 31, 2008 compared to a loss of $115,071 in 2007 and $82,203 in 2006.

The gain in foreign exchange is mainly due to the depreciation of the Canadian dollar in 2008.

Recovery of income taxes

For the fiscal year 2008, the recovery for current and future income taxes amounted to $390,043 compared to $1,248,974 in 2007 and $729,053 in 2006.

In 2008, the recovery of income taxes is explained by current income taxes paid of $522 and the reversal of $390,565 of future income taxes due to current amortization and write-downs of Copernic Technologies Inc.’s intangible assets.

In 2007, the recovery of income taxes is explained by current income tax paid of $1,479 and the reversal of $1,250,453 of future income tax liability due to the current amortization and write-downs of Copernic Technologies Inc.’s intangible assets.

In 2006, the recovery of future income taxes is explained by a recovery of previous year’s income tax for $4,876 and the reversal of $724,177 of future income tax liability related to the amortization of Copernic Technologies Inc.’s intangible assets.

Loss from continuing operations and loss per share from continuing operations

The Company reported a loss from continuing operations of $6,490,704 ($0.44 per share) in 2008, compared to a loss of $14,430,826   ($0.99 per share) in 2007 and a loss of $4,358,708 ($0.31 per share) in 2006.

Results of discontinued operations and loss per share from discontinued operations

Results from discontinued operations for Digital Arrow are nil in 2008 and 2007 compared to contribution to earnings of $89,328 ($0.01 per share) in 2006.

In 2006, the contribution of Digital Arrow was due to a reversal of a reserve for salary expenses after a settlement with two former employees and a reversal of the provision for remaining restructuring costs.


 
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Loss for the year

The loss for the year totalled $6,490,704 ($0.44 per share) in 2008 compared to a loss of $14,430,826 ($0.99 per share) in 2007 and a loss of $4,269,380 ($0.30 per share) in 2006. For 2008, 2007 and 2006, there is no difference between net loss under US GAAP as compared to Canadian GAAP.

Liquidity and capital resources

As at December 31, 2008, the Company had liquidities of $5,072,932 which were composed of $2,067,705 in cash and cash equivalents and $3,005,227 in temporary investments compared to $6,872,412 in 2007 which consisted of $2,099,560 in cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash of $807,468 and $3,965,384 in temporary investments. For the year ended December 31, 2008, working capital was $5,051,474 compared to $6,413,044 for the previous year.

Operating activities

In 2008, the cash used for operating activities of $1,720,571 is explained by the loss from continuing operations net of non-cash items of $1,281,463 and net change in non-cash working capital items of $439,108.

In 2007, the cash used for operating activities of $1,527,890 is mainly due to the loss from continuing operations net of non-cash items of $2,518,048 offset by net change in non-cash working capital items of $990,158. The cash used for discontinued operations in 2007 totalled $6,253.

In 2006, the cash used is explained by the loss from continuing operations net of non-cash items of $1,343,253 offset by net change in non-cash working capital items of $515,619. The cash used for discontinued operations in 2006 stood at $83,948.

Investing activities

In 2008, investing activities provided cash of $939,224 explained by the decrease of temporary investments of $960,157 offset by the purchases of property and equipment and intangible assets of $20,933.

In 2007, investing activities provided cash of $1,408,367 mainly explained by the decrease of temporary investments of $1,626,458 offset by the purchases of property and equipment and intangible assets of $218,091.

In 2006, investing activities used cash of $1,326,652 mainly explained by the purchase of temporary investments of $1,578,530 offset by a reimbursement related to Copernic Technologies Inc.’s business acquisition of $379,382 and purchases of intangible assets and property and equipment of $127,504.

Financing activities

In 2008, financing activities used cash of $57,976 for the repayment of obligations under capital leases.

In 2007, financing activities provided cash totalling $676,258 from issuance of capital stock upon exercise of options offset by repayment of obligations under capital leases of $23,071.

In 2006, no cash was provided by, nor used in the financing activities of the Company.

Liquidity and capital resources

The Company considers that its liquidities will be sufficient to meet normal operating requirements until the end of 2009. It has no plans for a significant capital expenditures program nor does it view its Notice of Intention to purchase up to 700,000 common shares as material in the light of its current cash position. Furthermore, the company intends to fund its growth through internal cash generation and has no plans to enter into debt or equity financing at this time. In the long term, the Company may take advantage of favourable market conditions to gain additional liquidity to fund growth, which could include additional equity offerings or debt financing.

Concentration of credit risk with customers

As at December 31, 2008, four customers represented 52% of our accounts receivable compared to 54% from four customers for the previous year resulting in a significant concentration of credit risk. Management monitors the evolution of these customers closely in order to rapidly identify any potential problems. These customers, which represented more than 10% of the Company’s net accounts receivable, have paid accounts receivable as per their commercial agreements. The Company also monitors the other accounts receivable

 
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and there is no indication of credit risk deterioration. Nevertheless we cannot assure that we can retain the business of these customers or that their business will not decline generally in the future.

Q4 2008 Results

Revenues

Revenues for the three-month period ended December 31, 2008 (“Q4”) totalled $1,909,648 compared to $1,654,352 for the same period in 2007, an increase of $255,296 or 15%. The increase is mainly explained by software licensing.

Search and graphic advertising revenues went from $1,446,167 in Q4 2007 to $1,435,148 in Q4 2008, a decrease of $11,019. In Q4 2008, the revenues decrease was offset partially by the reversal of old prepayments of $80,000.

Software licensing stood at $325,025 in Q4 2008 compared to $85,751 in Q4 2007, an increase of $239,274. The increase is mainly due to the launch of new products “CDS Corporate Edition” and “CDS Pro”.

Customized development and maintenance support revenues generated $149,475 in Q4 2008 compared to $122,434 for the same period last year, an increase of $22,041.

Expenses

Cost of revenues

In Q4 2008, cost of revenues represented $601,519 or 42% over search and graphic advertising revenues, compared to $543,763 or 38% over search and graphic advertising revenues for the same period in 2007.

In Q4 2008, search and graphic advertising payouts totalled $552,605 compared to $433,514 for the same period last year, representing 39% and 30% of search and graphic revenues respectively.  In 2007, payouts were reduced by the reversal of old inactive payables of $79,342. Excluding the adjustment, the percentage of payouts over revenue would have been 35%. In 2008, the percentage of payouts was increased to retain partners with good quality traffic.

The bandwidth costs were $48,914 in Q4 2008 compared to $110,249 for the same period in 2007.  In Q4 2007, two new data centers were opened in Canada and were run in parallel with the ones located in the US. The data centers located in the US were shut down in Q2 2008.

Marketing, sales and services

In Q4 2008, marketing, sales and services expenses decreased to $160,802 from $480,531 in Q4 2007, a decrease of $319,729. The variance is mainly explained by the decrease in salaries and fringe benefits and stock-based compensation of respectively $173,000 and $47,000, a decrease in purchase of algorithmic contents and professional services by respectively $25,000 and $21,000. Other expenses also decreased by $54,000 in Q4 2008.

General and administration

General and administrative expenses in Q4 2008 totalled $525,309 as compared to $1,020,709 for the same period last year, a decrease of $495,400 or 49%. The variance is explained by a decrease in professional fees of $258,000 a decrease in salaries, stock-based compensation, investor relation and other expenses of respectively $79,000, $60,000, $34,000 and $64,000.

Product development and technical support

Product development and technical support expenses amounted to $332,145 in Q4 2008, compared to $651,830 for the same period last year, a decrease of $319,685 or 49%. The decrease is explained by the decrease in salaries and other employment costs of $220,000 and a decrease in stock-based compensation of $75,000 due lower headcount.

Amortization of property and equipment

Amortization of property and equipment totalled $55,353 in Q4 2008, compared to $119,220 for the same period last year. The decrease is explained by lower net book value at the beginning of the year.


 
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Amortization of intangible assets

Amortization of intangible assets decreased to $254,746 in Q4 2008, compared to $511,384 for the same period last year.  The decrease is explained by the write-downs of intangible assets at the end of Q4 2007.

Write-downs, settlement and other costs

In Q4 2008, write-downs and settlement costs amounted to $ 4,410,733 compared to $10,146,311 in Q4 2007.

The variance is mainly explained by the write-downs of goodwill and intangible assets related to the acquisition of Copernic Technologies Inc. of $4,327,000 in 2008 compared to $9,200,000.  Also, in 2007 the Company recorded a write-down of goodwill of $846,310 in relation to the acquisition of FocusIN.

In 2008, still facing delays in execution and changes of market conditions of its commercial deployment solutions, the Company concluded, based on the assessment of the fair value of the Company’s assets related to the software unit that the assets had suffered a loss in value and the fair values of goodwill and intangible assets were less than the carrying value for these assets.

Restructuring charges

In Q4 2008, $69,621 was recorded as restructuring charges in relation with the Company’s decision to close its Montreal office in Q1 2009.

Interest and other income

Interest income and other income decreased to $40,762 in Q4 2008 from $74,078 in Q4 2007. The decrease is explained by lower liquidities during Q4 2008 compared to the same period last year.

Loss (gain) on foreign exchange

Gain on foreign exchange totalled $18,218 for Q4 2008, compared to a loss of $41,164 for the same period last year mainly due to the depreciation of the Canadian dollar in Q4 2008.

Income taxes

The recovery of future income taxes relates to the amortization of intangible assets which does not have the same asset base for accounting and tax purposes.  Recovery of future income taxes totalled $181,163 in Q4 2008, compared to $796,401 for the same period last year.  In 2007, the recovery for income taxes included a more significant reversal of future income taxes liability in relation with the write-downs of intangible assets in Q4 2007 compared to Q4 2008.

Loss and loss per share

Loss for the three-month period ended December 31, 2008, totalled $4,260,437 ($0.29 per share), compared to a loss of $10,990,081 ($0.75) per share for the same period last year.

Off-balance sheet arrangements

As at December 31, 2008 and 2007, the Company has no off-balance sheet arrangements.

Contractual obligations, contingent liabilities and commitments

The following table summarizes our contractual obligations as at December 31, 2008, and the effect such obligations are expected to have on our liquidity and cash flows in future periods:

 
Operating leases
Years:
$
 
2009
249,000
2010
46,000
2011
27,000
2012
18,000
2013
 -


 
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The Company maintains director and officer insurance, which may cover certain liabilities arising from its obligation to indemnify its directors, and officers and former directors, officers and employees of acquired companies, in certain circumstances. It is not possible to determine the maximum potential amount under these indemnification agreements due to the limited history of prior indemnification claims and the unique facts and circumstances involved in each particular agreement. Such indemnification agreements may not be subject to maximum loss clauses. Historically, the Company has not incurred material costs as a result of obligations under these agreements and it has not accrued any liabilities related to such indemnification obligations in its financial statements.

As at December 31, 2008, the Company has change of control agreements with certain executive officers and a few employees.  If there is a change of control of the Company and their employments are not required, the Company will have to pay lump sums up to a maximum of $614,181 for these specific people.

Subsequent Events

On January 28, 2009, the Board of Director’s unanimously approved an adjustment to Mr. David Goldman’s consultancy agreement, to which David Goldman concurred, that the change of control clause is amended to an entitlement to the lesser of $300,000 or 3% of the transaction triggering a change of control. The Board further specified that the resulting payment would be made in the same currency as the transaction itself. The previous agreement stipulated that in the case of change of control, David Goldman was entitled to receive a lump sum payment equal to the greater of the past 24 months consulting payments or CDN$300,000.

On February 2, 2009, the Company sold 5,200,000 shares of TECE Inc. for CDN $208,000.  The Company’s investment in TECE Inc. was completely written off in 2001.

On February 3, 2009, a lawsuit was filed against the Company by one former officer. The plaintiff alleges an unlawful dismissal by the Company and seeks damages amounting to CDN $256,775. The Company denies the allegations against it, believes that the claim is without merit, and intends to defend itself.

On March 4, 2009 the Company announced that Claire Castonguay, Vice President, Finance and Controller will terminate her employment with the Company at the end of the quarter consistent with the closure of the Montreal office at that time. Jean-Rock Fournier, Vice President Finance since the beginning of the quarter and also located in Quebec City will assume the duties of Chief Financial Officer, effective March 31st. Mr. Fournier is a  Chartered Accountant since 2000, practiced public accounting with KPMG, and has been Vice President Finance with Axion Technologies and PGI, both companies in the Information Technology sector.
 
Risks and uncertainties
 

Copernic Inc.’s Management considers that these following factors, among others, should be considered in evaluating its future results of operations.

Our revenues depend to some degree on our relationship with one customer, the loss of which would adversely affect our business and results of operations.

For the year ended December 31, 2008, approximately 13% of our revenues were derived from an agreement with our largest customer. Revenues from this customer represented 14% of our revenues in 2007 and 11% of our revenues in 2006. Although we monitor our accounts receivable for credit risk deterioration and this customer has been paying its payables to Copernic Inc. in accordance with the terms of its agreement with the Company, there can be no assurance that it will continue to do so or that it will continue to do so at the volume of business it has done historically. Our loss of this customer’s business would adversely affect our business and results of operations.

Our operating results may fluctuate, which makes our results difficult to predict and could cause our results to fall short of expectations.

Our operating results may fluctuate as a result of a number of factors, many of which are outside of our control. For these reasons, comparing our operating results on a period-to-period basis may not be meaningful, and you should not rely on our past results as an indication of our future performance. Our operating results may fluctuate as a result of many factors related to our business, including the competitive conditions in the industry, loss of significant customers, delays in the development of new services and usage of the Internet, as described in more detail below, and general factors such as size and timing of orders and general economic conditions.  Our quarterly and annual expenses as a percentage of our revenues may be significantly different from our historical or projected rates. Our operating results in future quarters may fall below expectations. Any of these events could cause our stock price to fall. Each of the risk factors listed in this “Risk Factors” section, and the following factors, may affect our operating results:
 
 
·
Our ability to continue to attract users to our Web sites. 
 
·
Our ability to monetize (or generate revenue from) traffic on our Web sites and our network of advertisers’ Web sites.
 
·
Our ability to attract advertisers.
 
 
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·
The amount and timing of operating costs and capital expenditures related to the maintenance and expansion of our businesses, operations and infrastructure.
 
·
Our focus on long term goals over short term results.
 
·
The results of any investments in risky projects.
 
·
Payments that may be made in connection with the resolution of litigation matters.
 
·
General economic conditions and those economic conditions specific to the Internet and Internet advertising.
 
·
Our ability to keep our Web sites operational at a reasonable cost and without service interruptions.
 
·
Geopolitical events such as war, threat of war or terrorist actions.
 
·
Our ability to generate CDS revenues through licensing and revenue share.

Because our business is changing and evolving, our historical operating results may not be useful to you in predicting our future operating results. In addition, advertising spending has historically been cyclical in nature, reflecting overall economic conditions as well as budgeting and buying patterns. Also, user traffic tends to be seasonal.

We rely on our Web site partners for a significant portion of our net revenues, and otherwise benefit from our association with them. The loss of these Web site partners could prevent us from receiving the benefits we receive from our association with them, which could adversely affect our business.

We provide advertising, Web search and other services to members of our partner Web sites. We consider this network to be critical in the future growth of our revenues. However, some of the participants in this network may compete with us in one or more areas. Therefore, they may decide in the future to terminate their agreements with us. If our Web site partners decide to use a competitor’s or their own Web search or advertising services, our revenues would decline.

We face significant competition from Microsoft, Yahoo, Google and Ask.com.

We face formidable competition in every aspect of our business, and particularly from other companies that seek to connect people with information on the Web and provide them with relevant advertising. Currently, we consider our primary competitors to be Microsoft, Yahoo, Google and Ask.com. Microsoft, Yahoo, Google and Ask.com have a variety of Internet products, services and content that directly compete with our products, services, content and advertising solutions.  We expect that Microsoft will increasingly use its financial and engineering resources to compete with us.

Microsoft, Yahoo, Google and Ask.com have more employees and cash resources than we do. These companies also have longer histories operating search engines and more established relationships with customers. They can use their experience and resources against us in a variety of competitive ways, including by making acquisitions, investing more aggressively in research and development and competing more aggressively for advertisers and Web sites. Microsoft and Yahoo also may have a greater ability to attract and retain users than we do because they operate Internet portals with a broad range of products and services. If Microsoft, Yahoo, Google or Ask.com are successful in providing similar or better Web search results compared to ours or leverage their platforms to make their Web search services easier to access than ours, we could experience a significant decline in user traffic. Any such decline in user traffic could negatively affect our net revenues.

We face competition from other Internet companies, including Web search providers, Internet advertising companies and destination Web sites that may also bundle their services with Internet access.

In addition to Microsoft, Yahoo, Google and Ask.com, we face competition from other Web search providers, including companies that are not yet known to us. We compete with Internet advertising companies, particularly in the areas of pay-for-performance and keyword-targeted Internet advertising. Also, we may compete with companies that sell products and services online because these companies, like us, are trying to attract users to their Web sites to search for information about products and services.  Barriers to entry in our business are generally low and products, once developed, can be distributed quickly and to a wide range of customers at a reasonably low cost.

We also compete with destination Web sites that seek to increase their search-related traffic. These destination Web sites may include those operated by Internet access providers, such as cable and DSL service providers. Because our users need to access our services through Internet access providers, they have direct relationships with these providers. If an access provider or a computer or computing device manufacturer offers online services that compete with ours, the user may find it more convenient to use the services of the access provider or manufacturer. In addition, the access provider or manufacturer may make it hard to access our services by not listing them in the access provider’s or manufacturer’s own menu of offerings. Also, because the access provider gathers information from the user in connection with the establishment of a billing relationship, the access provider may be more effective than we are in tailoring services and advertisements to the specific tastes of the user.
 
There has been a trend toward industry consolidation among our competitors, and so smaller competitors today may become larger competitors in the future. If our competitors are more successful than we are at generating traffic and advertising, our revenues may decline.

 
 
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We face competition from traditional media companies, and we may not be included in the advertising budgets of large advertisers, which could harm our operating results.

In addition to Internet companies, we face competition from companies that offer traditional media advertising opportunities. Most large advertisers have set advertising budgets, a very small portion of which is allocated to Internet advertising. We expect that large advertisers will continue to focus most of their advertising efforts on traditional media. If we fail to convince these companies to spend a portion of their advertising budgets with us, or if our existing advertisers reduce the amount they spend on our programs, our operating results would be harmed.

Our revenues declined in 2008 and we are experiencing downward pressure on our operating margin, which we expect will intensify in the future.

We believe our operating margin may decline as a result of increasing competition and increased expenditures for all aspects of our business as a percentage of our revenues, including product development and sales and marketing expenses. Also, our operating margin has declined as a result of increases in the proportion of our revenues generated from our partner Web sites. The margin on revenues we generate from our partner Web sites is generally significantly less than the margin on revenues we generate from advertising on our Web sites. Additionally, the margin we earn on revenues generated from our partner Web sites could decrease in the future if our partners require a greater portion of the advertising fees.

If we do not continue to innovate and provide products and services that are useful to users, we may not remain competitive, and our revenues and operating results could suffer.

Our success depends on providing products and services that people use for a high quality Internet experience. Our competitors are constantly developing innovations in Web search, online advertising and providing information to people. As a result, we must continue to invest significant resources in research and development in order to enhance our Web search technology and our existing products and services and introduce new high-quality products and services that people will use. If we are unable to predict user preferences or industry changes, or if we are unable to modify our products and services on a timely basis, we may lose users, advertisers and Web site partners. Our operating results would also suffer if our innovations were not responsive to the needs of our users, advertisers and Web site partners are not appropriately timed with market opportunity, effectively brought to market or well received in the market place.  As search technology continues to develop, our competitors may be able to offer search results that are, or that are perceived to be, substantially similar or better than those generated by our search services. This may force us to compete on bases in addition to quality of search results and to expend significant resources in order to remain competitive.

Our business depends on a strong brand, and if we are not able to maintain and enhance our brands, our ability to expand our base of users and advertisers will be impaired and our business and operating results will be harmed.

We believe that the brand identity that we have developed has significantly contributed to the success of our business. We also believe that maintaining and enhancing the Company’s brands is critical to expanding our base of users and advertisers. Maintaining and enhancing our brands may require us to make substantial investments and these investments may not be successful. If we fail to promote and maintain the Mamma® and Copernic® brands, or if we incur excessive expenses in this effort, our business, operating results and financial condition will be materially and adversely affected. We anticipate that, as our market becomes increasingly competitive, maintaining and enhancing our brands may become increasingly difficult and expensive. Maintaining and enhancing our brands will depend largely on our ability to continue to provide high quality products and services, which we may not do successfully.

We generated a significant portion of our revenues in 2008 from our advertisers. Our advertisers can generally terminate their contracts with us at any time. Advertisers will not continue to do business with us if their investment in advertising with us does not generate sales leads, and ultimately customers, or if we do not deliver their advertisements in an appropriate and effective manner.

New technologies could block our ads, which would harm our business.

Technologies are being developed that can block the display of our ads. Most of our revenues are derived from fees paid to us by advertisers in connection with the display of ads on Web pages. As a result, ad-blocking technology could, in the future, adversely affect our operating results.

We generate all of our revenue from advertising and software licensing, and the reduction of spending by or loss of customers could seriously harm our business.

 
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If we are unable to remain competitive and provide value to our advertisers, they may stop placing ads with us, which could negatively affect our net revenues and business. Copernic has on-going efforts to maintain a high quality network of publishers in order to offer advertisers high quality users that will provide for a satisfactory ROI. Therefore, from time to time we cease sending advertisements to what we determine are low quality publishers. This can reduce our revenues in the short term in order to create advertiser retention in the long term.

We make investments in new products and services that may not be profitable.

We have made and will continue to make investments in research, development and marketing for new products, services and technologies.  Our success in this area depends on many factors including our innovativeness, development support, marketing and distribution.  We may not achieve significant revenue from a new product for a number of years, if at all.  For the years 2007 and 2008, we did not generate significant revenues from licensing Copernic® software and we cannot assure you that we will generate significant revenue from the licensing of Copernic® software going forward. In addition, our competitors are constantly improving their competing software, and if we fail to innovate and remain competitive our revenues from software licensing will decline.

Volatility of stock price and trading volume could adversely affect the market price and liquidity of the market for our Common Shares.

· Our Common Shares are subject to significant price and volume fluctuations, some of which result from various factors including (a) changes in our business, operations, and future prospects, (b) general market and economic conditions, and (c) other factors affecting the perceived value of our Common Shares. Significant price and volume fluctuations have particularly impacted the market prices of equity securities of many technology companies including without limitation those providing communications software or Internet-related products and services. Some of these fluctuations appear to be unrelated or disproportionate to the operating performance of such companies. The market price and trading volume of our Common Shares have been, and may likely continue to be, volatile, experiencing wide fluctuations. In addition, the stock market in general, and market prices for Internet-related companies in particular, have experienced volatility that often has been unrelated to the operating performance of such companies.  These broad market and industry fluctuations have adversely affected the price of our stock, regardless of our operating performance.

On June 16, 2008 a notice from NASDAQ Listing Qualifications was received by the Company.  The notice stated that for the last 30 consecutive business days, the bid price of the Company’s common stock had closed below the minimum $1.00 per share requirement for continued inclusion under Marketplace Rule 4310(c)(4) (the “Rule”).  Therefore, in accordance with Marketplace Rule 4310(c)(8)(D), the Company will be provided 180 calendar days, or until December 15, 2008 to regain compliance.  If, at any time before December 15, 2008, the bid price of the Company’s common stock closes at $1.00 per share or more for a minimum of 10 consecutive business days, NASDAQ Staff will provide written notification that it complies with the Rule. If compliance with this Rule cannot be demonstrated by December 15, 2008, NASDAQ Staff will determine whether the Company meets The NASDAQ Capital Market initial listing criteria as set forth in Marketplace Rule 4310(c), except for the bid price requirement.  If it meets the initial listing criteria, NASDAQ Staff will notify the Company that it has been granted an additional 180 calendar day compliance period. If the Company is not eligible for an additional compliance period, NASDAQ Staff will provide written notification that the Company’s securities will be delisted.  At that time, the Company may appeal NASDAQ Staff’s determination to delist its securities to a Listing Qualifications Panel (the “Panel”). These circumstances may adversely impact trading in our Common Shares and may also adversely affect our ability to access capital.

On October 22, 2008, the Company received a NASDAQ Notice, indicating that the Company has received an extension to comply with the minimum bid price requirement for continued listing.

The notice stated: “Given these extraordinary market conditions, NASDAQ has determined to suspend enforcement of the bid price and market value of publicly held shares requirements through Friday, January 16, 2009. In that regard, on October 16, 2008, NASDAQ filed an immediately effective rule change with the Securities and Exchange Commission to implement the suspension. As a result, all companies presently in a bid price or market value of publicly held shares compliance period will remain at that same stage of the process and will not be subject to being delisted for these concerns. These rules will be reinstated on Monday, January 19, 2009 and the first relevant trade date will be Tuesday, January 20, 2009.

Since your company had 59 calendar days remaining in its compliance period as of October 16th, it will, upon reinstatement of the rules, still have this number of days, or until March 19, 2009, to regain compliance. The company can regain compliance, either during the suspension or during the compliance period resuming after the suspension, by achieving a $1 closing bid price for a minimum of 10 consecutive trading days”.

On December 19, 2008, NASDAQ issued an issuer alert #2008-005A stating “Given the continued extraordinary market conditions, NASDAQ is extending the suspension of the bid price and market value of publicly held shares requirements. Enforcement of these rules is scheduled to resume on Monday, April 20, 2009. Any company in the compliance process for a bid price or market value of publicly held shares concern will continue to be “frozen” at the same stage of the process until the end of the suspension. However, a company could be delisted for other reasons during the suspension. NASDAQ staff will contact each company affected by this extension and notify

 
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those that regain compliance with these requirements during the suspension. NASDAQ will continue to monitor closely these circumstances.” The Company had 59 calendar days remaining in its compliance period, therefore, with the new extension, it has until June 18, 2009 to effect compliance.


As at December 31, 2008, the Company’s closing stock price was at $0.13.

Infringement and liability claims could damage our business.

Companies in the Internet, technology and media industries own large numbers of patents, copyrights, trademarks and trade secrets and frequently enter into litigation based on allegations of infringement or other violations of intellectual property rights. As we face increasing competition and become increasingly high profile, the possibility of intellectual property rights claims against us grows. Our technologies may not be able to withstand any third-party claims or rights against their use. Any intellectual property claims, with or without merit, could be time-consuming, expensive to litigate or settle and could divert resources and attention. In addition, many of our agreements with our advertisers require us to indemnify certain third-party intellectual property infringement claims, which would increase our costs as a result of defending such claims and may require that we pay damages if there were an adverse ruling in any such claims. An adverse determination also could prevent us from offering our services to others and may require that we procure substitute services for these members.

With respect to any intellectual property rights claim, to resolve these claims, we may enter into royalty and licensing agreements on less favorable terms, pay damages or stop using technology or content found to be in violation of a third party’s rights. We may have to seek a license for the technology or content, which may not be available on reasonable terms and may significantly increase our operating expenses. The technology or content also may not be available for license to us at all. As a result, we may also be required to develop alternative non-infringing technology, which could require significant effort and expense, or stop using the content. If we cannot license or develop technology or content for the infringing aspects of our business, we may be forced to limit our product and service offerings and may be unable to compete effectively. Any of these results could harm our brand and operating results.

In addition, we may be liable to third-parties for content in the advertising we deliver if the artwork, text or other content involved violates copyright, trademark, or other intellectual property rights of third-parties or if the content is defamatory. Any claims or counterclaims could be time-consuming, could result in costly litigation and could divert management’s attention.

Additionally, we may be subject to legal actions alleging patent infringement, unfair competition or similar claims. Others may apply for or be awarded patents or have other intellectual property rights covering aspects of our technology or business. For example, we understand that Overture Services, Inc. (acquired by Yahoo) purports to be the owner of U.S. Patent No. 6,269,361, which was issued on July 31, 2001 and is entitled “System and method for influencing a position on a search result list generated by a computer network search engine.” Overture has aggressively pursued its alleged patent rights by filing lawsuits against other pay-per-click search engine companies such as MIVA (formerly known as FindWhat.com) and Google. MIVA and Google have asserted counter-claims against Overture including, but not limited to, invalidity, unenforceability and non-infringement.  While it is our understanding that the lawsuits against MIVA and Google have been settled, there is no guarantee Overture (owned by Ask.com) will not pursue its alleged patent rights against other companies. In addition, X1 has won a patent to provide search results as you type a function utilised by other companies including Copernic Inc.

An inability to protect our intellectual property rights could damage our business.

We rely upon a combination of trade secret, copyright, trademark, patents and other laws to protect our intellectual property assets. We have entered into confidentiality agreements with our management and key employees with respect to such assets and limit access to, and distribution of, these and other proprietary information. However, the steps we take to protect our intellectual property assets may not be adequate to deter or prevent misappropriation. We may be unable to detect unauthorized uses of and take appropriate steps to enforce and protect our intellectual property rights.  Additionally, the absence of harmonized patent laws between the United States and Canada makes it more difficult to ensure consistent respect for patent rights.  Although senior management believes that our services and products do not infringe on the intellectual property rights of others, we nevertheless are subject to the risk that such a claim may be asserted in the future. Any such claims could damage our business.

Historical net results include net losses for the years ended December 31, 1999 to December 31, 2003 and for the years ended December 31, 2005 to December 31, 2008. Working capital may be inadequate.

For the years ended December 31, 1999 through the year ended December 31, 2003 and for the years ended December 31, 2005 to December 31, 2008, we have reported net losses and net losses per share. We have been financing operations mainly from funds obtained in several private placements, and from exercised warrants and options. Management considers that liquidities as at December 31, 2008 will be sufficient to meet normal operating requirements throughout 2009. In the long term, we may require additional liquidity to fund growth, which could include additional equity offerings or debt finance. No assurance can be given that we will be successful in getting required financing in the future.
 
 
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Goodwill may be written-down in the future.

Goodwill is evaluated for impairment annually, or when events or changed circumstances indicate impairment may have occurred. Management monitors goodwill for impairment by considering estimates including discount rate, future growth rates, amounts and timing of estimated future cash flows, general economic, industry conditions and competition. Future adverse changes in these factors could result in losses or inability to recover the carrying value of the goodwill. Consequently, our goodwill, which amounts to approximately $3.0M as at December 31, 2008, may be written-down in the future which could adversely affect our financial position.

Long-lived assets may be written-down in the future.

The Company assesses the carrying value of its long-lived assets, which include property and equipment and intangible assets, for future recoverability when events or changed circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. Management monitors long-lived assets for impairment by considering estimates including discount rate, future growth rates, general economic, industry conditions and competition. Future adverse changes in these factors could result in losses or inability to recover the carrying value of the long-lived assets. Consequently, our long-lived assets, which amount to approximately $1.2M as at December 31, 2008, may be written-down in the future.

Reduced Internet use may adversely affect our results.

Our business is based on Internet driven products and services including direct online Internet marketing. The emerging nature of the commercial uses of the Internet makes predictions concerning a significant portion of our future revenues difficult. As the industry is subject to rapid changes, we believe that period-to-period comparisons of its results of operations will not necessarily be meaningful and should not be relied upon as indicative of our future performance. It is also possible that in some fiscal quarters, our operating results will be below the expectations of securities analysts and investors. In such circumstances, the price of our Common Shares may decline. The success of a significant portion of our operations depends greatly on increased use of the Internet by businesses and individuals as well as increased use of the Internet for sales, advertising and marketing. It is not clear how effective Internet related advertising is or will be, or how successful Internet-based sales will be. Our results will suffer if commercial use of the Internet, including the areas of sales, advertising and marketing, fails to grow in the future.

Our business depends on the continued growth and maintenance of the Internet infrastructure.

The success and availability of our internet based products and services depend on the continued growth, maintenance and use of the Internet.  Spam, viruses, worms, spyware, denial of service attacks, phishing and other acts of malice may affect not only the Internet’s speed and reliability but also its desirability for use by customers.  If the Internet is unable to meet these threats placed upon it, our business, advertiser relationships, and revenues could be adversely affected.

Our long-term success may be materially adversely affected if the market for e-commerce does not grow or grows slower than expected.

Because many of our customers’ advertisements encourage online purchasing and/or Internet use, our long-term success may depend in part on the growth and market acceptance of e-commerce. Our business will be adversely affected if the market for e-commerce does not continue to grow or grows slower than expected. A number of factors outside of our control could hinder the future growth of
e-commerce, including the following:

 
·
the network infrastructure necessary for substantial growth in Internet usage may not develop adequately or our performance and reliability may decline;
 
·
insufficient availability of telecommunication services or changes in telecommunication services could result in inconsistent quality of service or slower response times on the Internet;
 
·
negative publicity and consumer concern surrounding the security of e-commerce could impede our growth; and
 
·
financial instability of e-commerce customers.

Security breaches and privacy concerns may negatively impact our business.

Consumer concerns about the security of transmissions of confidential information over public telecommunications facilities is a significant barrier to increased electronic commerce and communications on the Internet that are necessary for growth of the Company’s business. Many factors may cause compromises or breaches of the security systems we use or other Internet sites use to protect proprietary information, including advances in computer and software functionality or new discoveries in the fields of cryptography and processor design. A compromise of security on the Internet would have a negative effect on the use of the Internet for commerce and communications and negatively impact our business. Security breaches of their activities or the activities of their customers and sponsors involving the storage and transmission of proprietary information, such as credit card numbers, may expose our operating business to a risk of loss or litigation and possible liability. We cannot assure you that the measures in place are adequate to prevent security breaches.

 
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If we fail to detect click fraud or other malicious applications or activity of others, we could lose the confidence of our advertisers as well as face potential litigation, government regulation or legislation, thereby causing our business to suffer.

We are exposed to the risk of fraudulent clicks on our ads and other clicks that advertisers may perceive as undesirable. Click fraud occurs when a person clicks on an ad displayed on a Web site for a reason other than to view the underlying content. These types of fraudulent activities could hurt our brands. If fraudulent clicks are not detected, the affected advertisers may experience a reduced return on their investment in our advertising programs because the fraudulent clicks will not lead to potential revenue for the advertisers.  Advertiser dissatisfaction with click fraud and other traffic quality related claims has lead to litigation and possible governmental regulation of advertising. Any increase in costs due to any such litigation, government regulation, or refund could negatively impact our profitability.

Index spammers could harm the integrity of our Web search results, which could damage our reputation and cause our users to be dissatisfied with our products and services.

There is an ongoing and increasing effort by “index spammers” to develop ways to manipulate our Web search results. Although they cannot manipulate our results directly, “index spammers” can manipulate our suppliers, which can result in our search engine pages producing poor results. We take this problem very seriously because providing relevant information to users is critical to our success. If our efforts to combat these and other types of manipulation are unsuccessful, our reputation for delivering relevant information could be diminished. This could result in a decline in user traffic, which would damage our business.

Our business is subject to a variety of U.S. and foreign laws that could subject us to claims or other remedies based on the nature and content of the information searched or displayed by our products and services, and could limit our ability to provide information regarding regulated industries and products.

The laws relating to the liability of providers of online services for activities of their users are currently unsettled both within the U.S. and abroad. Claims have been threatened and filed under both U.S. and foreign law for defamation, libel, invasion of privacy and other data protection claims, tort, unlawful activity, copyright or trademark infringement, or other theories based on the nature and content of the materials searched and the ads posted or the content generated by our users. Increased attention focused on these issues and legislative proposals could harm our reputation or otherwise affect the growth of our business.

The application to us of existing laws regulating or requiring licenses for certain businesses of our advertisers, including, for example, distribution of pharmaceuticals, adult content, financial services, alcohol or firearms and online gambling, can be unclear. Existing or new legislation could expose us to substantial liability, restrict our ability to deliver services to our users, limit our ability to grow and cause us to incur significant expenses in order to comply with such laws and regulations.

Several other federal laws could have an impact on our business. Compliance with these laws and regulations is complex and may impose significant additional costs on us. For example, the Digital Millennium Copyright Act has provisions that limit, but do not eliminate, our liability for listing or linking to third-party Web sites that include materials that infringe copyrights or other rights, so long as we comply with the statutory requirements of this act. The Children’s Online Protection Act and the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act restrict the distribution of materials considered harmful to children and impose additional restrictions on the ability of online services to collect information from minors. In addition, the Protection of Children from Sexual Predators Act of 1998 requires online service providers to report evidence of violations of federal child pornography laws under certain circumstances. Any failure on our part to comply with these regulations may subject us to additional liabilities.

If the technology that we currently use to target the delivery of online advertisements and to prevent fraud on our networks is restricted or becomes subject to regulation, our expenses could increase and we could lose customers or advertising inventory.

Web sites typically place small files of non-personalized (or “anonymous”) information, commonly known as cookies, on an Internet user’s hard drive, generally without the user’s knowledge or consent. Cookies generally collect information about users on a non-personalized basis to enable Web sites to provide users with a more customized experience. Cookie information is passed to the Web site through an Internet user’s browser software. We currently use cookies to track an Internet user’s movement through the advertiser’s Web site and to monitor and prevent potentially fraudulent activity on our network. Most currently available Internet browsers allow Internet users to modify their browser settings to prevent cookies from being stored on their hard drive, and some users currently do so. Internet users can also delete cookies from their hard drives at any time. Some Internet commentators and privacy advocates have suggested limiting or eliminating the use of cookies, and legislation (including, but not limited to, Spyware legislation such as U.S. House of Representatives Bill HR 29 the “Spy Act”) has been introduced in some jurisdictions to regulate the use of cookie technology. The effectiveness of our technology could be limited by any reduction or limitation in the use of cookies. If the use or effectiveness of cookies were limited, we would have to switch to other technologies to gather demographic and behavioural information. While such technologies currently exist, they are substantially less effective than cookies. We would also have to develop or acquire other technology to prevent fraud. Replacement of cookies could require significant reengineering time and resources, might not be completed in time to avoid losing customers or advertising inventory, and might not be commercially feasible. Our use of cookie technology or any other technologies

 
45

 

designed to collect Internet usage information may subject us to litigation or investigations in the future. Any litigation or government action against us could be costly and time-consuming, could require us to change our business practices and could divert management’s attention.

Increased regulation of the Internet may adversely affect our business.

If the Internet becomes more strongly regulated, a significant portion of our operating business may be adversely affected. For example, there is increased pressure to adopt and where adopted, strengthen laws and regulations relating to Internet unsolicited advertisements, privacy, pricing, taxation and content. The enactment of any additional laws or regulations in Canada, Europe, Asia or the United States, or any state or province of the United States or Canada may impede the growth of the Internet and our Internet-related business, and could place additional financial burdens on us and our Internet-related business.

Changes in key personnel, labour availability and employee relations could disrupt our business.

Our success is dependent upon the experience and abilities of our senior management and our ability to attract, train, retain and motivate other high-quality personnel, in particular for our technical and sales teams. There is significant competition in our industries for qualified personnel. Labour market conditions generally and additional companies entering industries which require similar labour pools could significantly affect the availability and cost of qualified personnel required to meet our business objectives and plans. There can be no assurance that we will be able to retain our existing personnel or that we will be able to recruit new personnel to support our business objectives and plans. Currently, none of our employees are unionized. There can be no assurance, however, that a collective bargaining unit will not be organized and certified in the future. If certified in the future, a work stoppage by a collective bargaining unit could be disruptive and have a material adverse effect on us until normal operations resume.

Possible future exercise of warrants and options could dilute existing and future shareholders.

As at March 25, 2009, we had 646,392 warrants at a weighted average exercise price of $15.60 expiring from April to July 2009 and 693,993 stock options at a weighted average exercise price of $1.54 outstanding. As at March 25, 2009, the exercise prices of all outstanding warrants and options, were higher than the market price of our Common Shares. When the market value of the Common Shares is above the respective exercise prices of all options and warrants, their exercise could result in the issuance of up to an additional 1,320,385 Common Shares. To the extent such shares are issued, the percentage of our Common Shares held by our existing stockholders will be reduced. Under certain circumstances the conversion or exercise of any or all of the warrants or stock options might result in dilution of the net tangible book value of the shares held by existing Company stockholders. For the life of the warrants and stock options, the holders are given, at prices that may be less than fair market value, the opportunity to profit from a rise in the market price of the shares of Common Shares, if any. The holders of the warrants and stock options may be expected to exercise them at a time when the Company may be able to obtain needed capital on more favourable terms. In addition, we reserve the right to issue additional shares of Common Shares or securities convertible into or exercisable for shares of Common Shares, at prices, or subject to conversion and exercise terms, resulting in reduction of the percentage of outstanding Common Shares held by existing stockholders and, under certain circumstances, a reduction in the net tangible book value of existing stockholders’ Common Shares.

Strategic acquisitions and market expansion present special risks.

A future decision to expand our business through acquisitions of other businesses and technologies presents special risks. Acquisitions entail a number of particular problems, including (i) difficulty integrating acquired technologies, operations, and personnel with the existing businesses, (ii) diversion of management’s attention in connection with both negotiating the acquisitions and integrating the assets as well as the strain on managerial and operational resources as management tries to oversee larger operations, (iii) exposure to unforeseen liabilities relating to acquired assets, and (iv) potential issuance of debt instruments or securities in connection with an acquisition possessing rights that are superior to the rights of holders of our currently outstanding securities, any one of which would reduce the benefits expected from such acquisition and/or might negatively affect our results of operations. We may not be able to successfully address these problems.  We also face competition from other acquirers, which may prevent us from realizing certain desirable strategic opportunities.

We do not plan to pay dividends on the Common Shares.

The Company has never declared or paid dividends on its shares of Common Shares. The Company currently intends to retain any earnings to support its working capital requirements and growth strategy and does not anticipate paying dividends in the foreseeable future. Payment of future dividends, if any, will be at the discretion of the Company’s Board of Directors after taking into account various factors, including the Company’s financial condition, operating results, current and anticipated cash needs and plans for expansion.

Rapidly evolving marketplace and competition may adversely impact our business.

The markets for our products and services are characterized by (i) rapidly changing technology, (ii) evolving industry standards, (iii) frequent new product and service introductions, (iv) shifting distribution channels, and (v) changing customer demands. The success of the

 
46

 

Company will depend on its ability to adapt to its rapidly evolving marketplaces. There can be no assurance that the introduction of new products and services by others will not render our products and services less competitive or obsolete. We expect to continue spending funds in an effort to enhance already technologically complex products and services and develop or acquire new products and services. Failure to develop and introduce new or enhanced products and services on a timely basis might have an adverse impact on our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. Unexpected costs and delays are often associated with the process of designing, developing and marketing enhanced versions of existing products and services and new products and services. The market for our products and services is highly competitive, particularly the market for Internet products and services which lacks significant barriers to entry, enabling new businesses to enter this market relatively easily. Competition in our markets may intensify in the future. Numerous well-established companies and smaller entrepreneurial companies are focusing significant resources on developing and marketing products and services that will compete with the Company’s products and services. Many of our current and potential competitors have greater financial, technical, operational and marketing resources. We may not be able to compete successfully against these competitors. Competitive pressures may also force prices for products and services down and such price reductions may reduce our revenues.

 To the extent that some of our revenues and expenses are paid in foreign currencies, and currency exchange rates become unfavourable, we may lose some of the economic value in U.S. dollar terms.

Although we currently transact a majority of our business in U.S. dollars, as we expand our operations, more of our customers may pay us in foreign currencies. Conducting business in currencies other than U.S. dollars subjects us to fluctuations in currency exchange rates. This could have a negative impact on our reported operating results. We do not currently engage in hedging strategies, such as forward contracts, options and foreign exchange swaps related to transaction exposures to mitigate this risk. If we determine to initiate such hedging activities in the future, there is no assurance these activities will effectively mitigate or eliminate our exposure to foreign exchange fluctuations. Additionally, such hedging programs would expose us to risks that could adversely affect our operating results, because we have limited experience in implementing or operating hedging programs. Hedging programs are inherently risky and we could lose money as a result of poor trades.  In 2008, revenues were decreased by approximately $101,000 and total expenses were increased by $50,000 resulting in a net loss $151,000 due to the fluctuation of foreign currencies.

Higher inflation could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.

We do not believe that the relatively moderate rates of inflation experienced in the United States and Canada in recent years have had a significant effect on our revenues or profitability. Although higher rates of inflation have been experienced in a number of foreign countries in which we might transact business, we do not believe that such rates have had a material effect on our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. Nevertheless, in the future, high inflation could have a material, adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.

Our future growth significantly depends to a high degree on our ability to successfully commercialize the Copernic Desktop Search® product, and any failure or delays in that commercialization would adversely affect our business and results of operations.

On December 22, 2005, we completed our acquisition of Copernic, which we believe positioned the Company as a leader in search technologies and applications and as a multi-channel online marketing services provider.  Although we have high expectations for the Copernic Desktop Search® (CDS) award-winning product, to date our program to commercialize that product through licensing to large ISP’s and Internet Portals has not generated significant revenue and we cannot guarantee we will obtain such significant licensing revenue in the future. However in 2008, we have generated subscription sales of $636,893 through new products and sales channel expansion which appears to have reversed the previous trend.

Controls and Procedures

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

We are responsible for establishing and maintaining a system of disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rule 13a-15 (e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, (the “Exchange Act”) designed to ensure that information we are required to disclose in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by an issuer in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the issuer’s management, including its principal executive officer or officers and principal financial officer or officers, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

We carried out an evaluation, under the supervision of and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Vice President Finance, as to the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of December 31, 2008. 

Based upon that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Vice President Finance concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of December 31, 2008. 

 
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Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. Internal control over financial reporting is defined in Rule 13a-15(f) of the Exchange Act as 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 and 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 all misstatements. Projections of any assessment of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risks that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.  Our management evaluated the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2008. In making this evaluation, management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in “Internal Control — Integrated Framework.”

Based on our evaluation under the framework in Internal Control-Integrated Framework, management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2008.

It should be noted that while management believes that current disclosure and internal controls and procedures provide a reasonable level of assurance, it cannot be expected that existing disclosure controls and procedures or internal financial controls will prevent all human error and circumvention or overriding of the controls and procedures.  A control system, no matter how well conceived or operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met.

Capital Stock Information

The following table discloses the Company’s outstanding share data:

 
Number of issued and
outstanding common
shares as at March 25,
2009
Book value as at
December 31, 2008
under Canadian
GAAP
Book value as at
December 31, 2008
under US GAAP
 
14,637,531
$96,556,485
$113,326,055
 
As at March 25, 2009, the Company also had 646,392 warrants and 693,993 stock options outstanding.
 
 
 
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Forward-Looking Statements
 
 Information contained in this Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations includes forward-looking statements, which can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “believes,” “expects,” “may,” “desires,” “will,” “should,” “projects,” “estimates,” “contemplates,” “anticipates,” “intends,” or any negative such as “does not believe” or other variations thereof or comparable terminology.  No assurance can be given that potential future results or circumstances described in the forward-looking statements will be achieved or occur.  Such information may also include cautionary statements identifying important factors with respect to such forward-looking statements, including certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to vary materially from the projections and other expectations described in such forward-looking statements.  Prospective investors, customers, vendors and all other persons are cautioned that forward-looking statements are not assurances, forecasts or guarantees of future performance due to related risks and uncertainties, and that actual results may differ materially from those projected. Factors which could cause results or events to differ from current expectations include, among other things:  the severity and duration of the adjustments in our business segments; the effectiveness of our restructuring activities, including the validity of the assumptions underlying our restructuring efforts; fluctuations in operating results; the impact of general economic, industry and market conditions; the ability to recruit and retain qualified employees; fluctuations in cash flow; increased levels of outstanding debt; expectations regarding market demand for particular products and services and the dependence on new product/service development; the ability to make acquisitions and/or integrate the operations and technologies of acquired businesses in an effective manner; the impact of rapid technological and market change; the impact of price and product competition; the uncertainties in the market for Internet-based products and services; stock market volatility; the trading volume of our stock; the possibility of delisting our stock since the Company may not satisfy the requirements for continued listing on the NASDAQ Capital Market including whether the minimum bid price for the stock falls below $1; and the adverse resolution of litigation.  For additional information with respect to these and certain other factors that may affect actual results, see the reports and other information filed or furnished by the Company with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and/or the Ontario Securities Commission (“OSC”) respectively accessible on the Internet at www.sec.gov and www.sedar.com, or the Company’s Web site at www.copernic-inc.com.  All information contained in these audited financial statements and Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations is qualified in its entirety by the foregoing and reference to the other information the Company files with the OSC and SEC. Unless otherwise required by applicable securities laws, the Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Period-to-Period Comparisons

 A variety of factors may cause period-to-period fluctuations in the Company’s operating results, including business acquisitions, revenues and expenses related to the introduction of new products and services or new versions of existing products, new or stronger competitors in the marketplace as well as currency fluctuations. Historical operating results are not indicative of future results and performance.

 
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Selected Annual Information

(In thousand of US dollars, except per share data and in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in Canada)


For the years ended December 31,
 
   
2008
$
     
2007
$
     
2006
$
     
2005
$
     
2004
$
 
                                         
Revenues
    7,012       8,116       9,596       9,444       14,636  
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations
    (6,491 )     (14,431 )     (4,358 )     (3,343 )     371  
Results of discontinued operations, net of income taxes
    -       -       89       (2,315 )     734  
Earnings (loss) for the year
    (6,491 )     (14,431 )     (4,269 )     (5,658 )     1,104  
                                         
Earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations
                                       
Basic and diluted
    (0.44 )     (0.99 )     (0.31 )     (0.27 )     0.03  
Net earnings (loss) per share
                                       
Basic and diluted
    (0.44 )     (0.99 )     (0.30 )     (0.46 )     0.10  
                                         
Total assets
    10,782       18,358       33,339       38,327       35,166  


Quarterly Financial Highlights

(in thousand of US dollars, except per share data and in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in Canada)
(unaudited)
 
 
 
2008
   
2007
 
 
   
Q4
$
     
Q3
$
     
Q2
$
     
Q1
$
     
Q4
$
     
Q3
$
     
Q2
$
     
Q1
$
 
 
                                                               
Revenues
    1,910       1,672       1,721       1,709       1,654       1,867       1,953       2,642  
                                                                 
Loss for the period
    (4,261 )     (622 )     (522 )     (1,086 )     (10,990 )     (975 )     (1,085 )     (1,381 )
                                                                 
Loss per share basic and diluted
    (0.29 )     (0.04 )     (0.04 )     (0.07 )     (0.75 )     (0.07 )     (0.07 )     (0.10 )
 
 
50

 

ITEM 6.   DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES

DIRECTORS AND SENIOR MANAGEMENT
 
Following is a table, which discloses the names, functions, areas of expertise within the Company and present principal occupation(s) of the Company’s directors and senior management.

Name
 
Functions and areas
of experience within
the Company
 
Present Principal Occupation(s)
 
Date first elected
Director or
appointed Senior
Officer of the
Company
             
Marc Ferland1
 
Director and Officer
 
President, and Chief Executive Officer and acting CFO
Copernic Inc.
 
September 21, 2007
             
Éric Bouchard2
 
Officer
 
Vice President - Products
Copernic Inc.
 
December 22, 2005
             
David Goldman
 
 
Director
 
 
Chairman,
Copernic Inc.
Director, SNC-Lavalin Group Inc. (an engineering and construction company listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange)
 
May 24, 2001
 
             
Claude E. Forget
 
Director
 
Consultant
 
October 11, 1999
             
Irwin Kramer
 
Director
 
President, iCongo, Inc.
(an e-commerce and service company)
 
May 24, 2001
             
Dr. David Schwartz
 
Director
 
 
 
Associate Professor, Bar Ilan
University
School of Business Administration
 
May 23, 2002
 
             
Lawrence Yelin
 
Director
 
Attorney,  Lawrence Yelin, Attorney
 
September 21, 2007
             
Claire Castonguay
 
Officer
 
Vice President -  Finance and Controller
Copernic Inc.
 
September 8, 2008
             
Dennis Dion
 
Officer
 
Vice President - Sales
Copernic Inc.
 
November 11, 2008
             
Benoit Godbout
 
Officer
 
Vice President - Chief Technology Officer
Copernic Inc.
 
June 17, 2008

Each Director’s term of office expires at the earliest of the next annual meeting of shareholders or his resignation as Director.

To the knowledge of the Company, there is no family relationship among any of the persons named in this Item 6, nor were any such persons selected as directors or members of senior management pursuant to any arrangement or understanding with major shareholders, customers, suppliers or others.

STATEMENT OF CORPORATE GOVERNANCE PRACTICES

The directors of the Company strongly believe that sound corporate governance is essential to produce maximum value to shareholders. The following is a summary of the governance practices of the Company.

The Board of Directors has approved and adopted a document entitled “Responsibilities of the Board of Directors and its three


 
1 Marc Ferland is acting CFO until March 31, 2009. 
2 Eric Bouchard did not renew his employment contract which expired on December 31, 2008.

 
51

 

Committees” which sets forth the responsibilities for the Board and these three committees. That document is available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. That document includes the Board’s mandate, the Charters of the Board’s three committees and the Company’s insider trading policy and code of ethics.  The Company’s code of ethics is available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.  In accordance with the policies and guidelines outlined in that document, the Board of Directors constantly strives to promote a culture of ethical conduct in an effort to meet the highest industry standards.  All decisions are carefully considered from this point of view and the Board of Directors does not act until all factors have been adequately considered.  This approach is expected of management and, to a relevant degree, all employees of the Company.

1.
Composition of the Board of Directors

More than fifty percent of the directors of the Company are “independent” directors. An independent director is independent of management and free of any business or other relationship which could, or could reasonably be perceived to, materially interfere with the director’s ability to act in the best interest of the Company, as required by the standards of the NASDAQ Stock Exchange® and the Ontario Securities Commission.

The Chair of the Board of Directors is David Goldman, who is not an independent director. Mr. Goldman also sits on the board of directors of SNC-Lavalin Group Inc. The Board feels strongly that Mr. Goldman’s abilities, extensive experience as a director of listed companies and role in the Company make him best suited for this position.  The Board will continue to consider whether or not the position of Chairman should be occupied by an independent director and, if circumstances change, will take action to adjust the composition of the Board accordingly or appoint a lead director who is independent.  Independent directors meet, when they deem it advisable, through in camera sessions conducted after or during each meeting of the Board. The independent directors, when they deem it advisable, make recommendations to the Board on various matters. The Board will continue to encourage regular meetings of the independent directors through in camera sessions as it feels that it is a good way to facilitate Board operations independently of management and to maintain and improve the quality of governance.

The directors consider the following nominees to be independent to the Company: Claude E. Forget, Irwin Kramer, Dr. David Schwartz, and Lawrence Yelin.  Through October 2, 2001, Claude E. Forget was Chief Executive Officer of Intasys Billing Technologies, a subsidiary of the Company, whose business was subsequently sold.  The Board of Directors has determined that Marc Ferland and David Goldman are not independent because they are officers of the Company.  Martin Bouchard is not independent because he was President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company until March 3, 2008.

In June 2008, David Goldman resigned as an officer of the Company.

During the 2008 fiscal year, the Board of Directors met 10 times and all of the Directors attended all of the meetings.  Martin Bouchard attended 6 of the meetings since he resigned on June 17, 2008.  During the 2008 fiscal year, there were no meetings of the independent directors.

The Board of Directors’ mandate is set forth in the document entitled “Responsibilities of the Board of Directors and its Three Committees,” which provides in pertinent part:

It is the explicit responsibility of the Board of Directors to assume the global stewardship of the Company and to ensure itself of the pertinence and efficiency of the key functions and of the following matters:

 
·
Strategic planning.
 
·
Financial management.
 
·
Identification of the principal risks associated with the activities of the Company and the establishment of an appropriate system to manage these risks.
 
·
Succession planning, including appointing, training and monitoring officers.
 
·
The communications policy of the Company with its shareholders.
 
·
The integrity of the Company’s internal control and management information systems.

The Board has drawn up a written position description for the Chairman of the Board and CEO.  The Chairman of a Board committee is mainly responsible for overseeing how the committee is managed and that it effectively performs its duties and to guide the committee in the performance of its charter mandate and any other matter which the Board delegates to the committee.

The Board ensures that each new director has the necessary abilities, expertise, availability and knowledge to properly perform his duties and provides him with the corporate information and documentation required to do so.  Additional education of directors and information about our activities is available upon request.

 
52

 

All directors, officers and employees who have information giving them reasonable grounds to believe that certain accounting practices or the auditing of the Company are illegal or irregular, or that other violations of our Code of Ethics have or are occurring, can and are encouraged to utilize the Company’s Whistleblower Policy.

No material change report that pertains to any conduct of a director or officer that constitutes a departure from the Code of Ethics was filed during financial year 2008.

Our Code of Ethics clearly states that the directors and executive officers must avoid any transaction or event which could give rise to a conflict of interest.  If an event or transaction occurs in which a director has a material interest, he must disclose his interest to the Board and refrain from voting with respect to any matter related thereto.

The role of the Nominating and Governance Committee is, among other things, to assess the effectiveness of the Board, its committees and its directors.

2.
Committees of the Board of Directors

The Company maintains three standing committees: the Audit and Finance Committee, the Nominating and Governance Committee and the Compensation Committee.

As part of its ongoing review of corporate governance matters, on March 29, 2006 the Company’s Board of Directors approved Charters constituting a Compensation Committee and a Nominating and Governance Committee to segregate the nominating and executive compensation functions into separate Charters as required by the standards of the NASDAQ Stock Exchange®.

Composition of the Audit and Finance Committee

The current members of the Audit and Finance Committee are Irwin Kramer, Dr. David Schwartz, Claude E. Forget and Lawrence Yelin all of whom are independent. On March 29, 2006, the Board approved a new Charter of the Audit and Finance Committee of the Company. The Charter provides that the Audit and Finance Committee shall assist the Board in fulfilling its responsibilities relating to corporate accounting and reporting practices of the Company and in the quality and integrity of financial reports of the Company. The Audit and Finance Committee meets with the financial officers of the Company, including the Chief Financial Officer, and the independent auditors to review financial reporting matters, the system of internal accounting controls and the overall audit plan and examines the quarterly and year-end financial statements before their presentation to the Board. In addition, the Audit Committee fixes the compensation and other terms of engagement of the Company’s independent auditors. In 2008, the Audit and Finance Committee met 7 times and the Company’s independent auditors were present at 6 of these meetings.

Composition of the Nominating and Governance Committee

The current members of the Nominating and Governance Committee are Irwin Kramer, Dr. David Schwartz, Claude E. Forget and Lawrence Yelin.

The Nominating and Governance Committee is responsible for, among other things, overseeing and making recommendations to the Board on the following matters:

 
(i)
the search for and compensation of all senior executives and management of the Company and its subsidiaries, including periodic review of same;
 
(ii)
the Company’s management structure and succession plans;
 
(iii)
the recommendation of new candidates as potential directors of the Company and the assessment of the performance of current directors and committees; and
 
(iv)
the review and recommendation of procedures to be followed with respect to corporate governance guidelines.

Composition of the Compensation Committee

The current members of the Compensation Committee are Irwin Kramer, Dr. David Schwartz, Claude E. Forget and Lawrence Yelin.

The Compensation Committee is responsible for, among other things, overseeing and making recommendations to the Board on the following matters:

 
(i)
the compensation of all senior executives and management of the Company and its subsidiaries, including periodic review of same;
 
(ii)
the incentive plans for employees of the Company and its subsidiaries; and
 
(iii)
the Company’s Stock Option Plan and the granting of stock options thereunder.

 
53

 

 
Report on Executive Compensation
 

As part of its ongoing dedication to creating shareholder value and promoting corporate success, the Compensation Committee establishes executive compensation in order to attract, retain and motivate key executives in the increasing competitive Internet and information technology sectors and to reward significant performance achievements.

Consistent with the Company’s objectives, and in order to further align shareholder and executive interests, the Compensation Committee places emphasis on base salary, incentive compensation, discretionary bonus and long-term incentive compensation by granting of stock options in establishing executive compensation. Consequently, the standard executive compensation package of the Company is composed of four major components: (i) base salary and benefits, (ii) short-term incentive and (iii) long-term incentive compensation.

In making compensation decisions with respect to each of these components, the Compensation Committee considers external market data for executives. Towers Perrin was retained by the Chair of the Compensation Committee in 2007, 2006 and 2005 to assist with preparing information and providing advice on officer and Board of Director compensation arrangements. Materials prepared by Towers Perrin have been presented by the Chair to the Compensation Committee for review and decisions. Towers Perrin’s scope of services in the most recent fiscal year included providing advice and market data related to Board of Director and officer compensation arrangements, assisting with the design of special compensation programs, and other general executive compensation assistance. Towers Perrin does not provide any other services to the Company. The Compensation Committee uses the compensation data from Towers Perrin as one of several factors in determining the appropriate levels of base salary, short-term and long-term incentives that fairly compensate the Company’s executive officers.

In setting the compensation package for executives, the Compensation Committee balances consideration of base salary with short-term incentive compensation so that a significant proportion of executive officers’ compensation is linked to objectives aligned with the interests of the Company’s shareholders. The compensation packages include:

i)           Salary and Benefits

Salary and benefits policies of the Company are determined by bench marking similar businesses in the Internet sector and are targeted at the mid range in the sectors, taking into account the economic trends, the Company’s competitive position and performance and extraordinary contributions to the Company.

ii)           Short-Term Incentive Compensation

The Company provides short-term cash incentive compensation to employees and officers whose responsibilities and attainment of personal and Company objectives exceed established expectations, based on individual contributions, operating results, and financial performance. The amount of these payments is approved by the Compensation Committee and is based on specific goals in these areas. Incentive compensation targets for each individual are set during the first quarter of each year.

In the case of Named Executive Officers, as defined hereinafter under the heading “Statement of Executive Compensation”, targeted incentive compensation varies in proportion to base salary, depending primarily on the level of responsibility of the individual. Generally,  bonuses are higher when operating results and financial performance objectives are exceeded and when the objectives are not met, the incentive bonuses are lower or nil depending on the circumstances and the individual’s contribution to the Company.

The Board of Directors, upon recommendation of the Compensation Committee, also may award bonuses as deemed necessary to compensate management for circumstances where warranted to reward extraordinary contributions to the Company not reflected in our results of operations if and when deemed in the Company’s best interest.

For the year ended December 31, 2008, for all employees, no incentive compensation was earned related to Company objectives as minimal financial targets were not realized; however, some officers were paid bonuses based upon achieving Q2 and Q4 2008 financial targets.

iii)           Long-Term Incentive Compensation

The long-term incentive component of the Company’s compensation program consists of the stock option plan of the Company which provides for the issuance of options to executive officers and other employees, directors or consultants to purchase common shares of the Company. The stock option plan of the Company is described below under the heading “Stock Option Plan”.

The Compensation Committee determines the executives, employees and directors eligible for the granting of options pursuant to the stock option plan. It also determines the size of each grant and the date on which each grant is to become effective. The exercise price of options granted may not be less than the market price of the Company’s common shares as traded on the NASDAQ Stock Exchange® in

 
54

 

U.S. dollars determined as of the date the options are granted. The number of options granted annually to recipients is determined by the Compensation Committee on a discretionary basis.

The Compensation Committee may, in its discretion, determine when the options granted under the stock option plan may be exercised or vested, provided that the term of such options can not exceed ten (10) years.

Unless otherwise stipulated by the terms of a stock option grant, which terms are approved by the Compensation Committee, options granted pursuant to the stock option plan will lapse thirty (30) days after the holder ceases to be employed by the Company. In the event of death, any vested option of a holder lapses three (3) months after his or her death. In the event that the holder’s employment terminates due to disability, the holder may exercise the vested options for one (1) year after the date of termination of employment. If the holder is terminated for cause, vested options terminate immediately.

In July 2007, the Company reviewed its stock option plan to assess its retention potential for key employees. The review was initiated following the resignation of a number of key employees due to a competitive labor market in the high tech industry in the Quebec City region. PCI Perrault Consulting Inc. was retained by the Chair of the Compensation Committee to assist with preparing information and providing advice.

In light of the above and consistent with the Company’s objectives to retain key employees, the Board of Directors has, on September 18, 2007, reviewed and accepted stock option grants to key employees that would vest on equal increments over a three-year period.

At the time that the Stock Option Plan was reviewed in July 2007, 1,400,000 Common Shares were reserved for issuance under this plan. Taking into account options that have been cancelled of forfeited, options to acquire a net total of 652,000 Common Shares have been granted on September 18, 2007 under the Stock Option Plan. As of January 1, 2009, 622,384 Common Shares remain available for future grants.

Conclusion

The Company’s executive compensation policy links executive compensation to corporate results and individual contribution, as well as stock performance and long-term results. The Compensation Committee regularly reviews the various executive compensation components to ensure that they maintain their competitiveness in the industry and continue to focus on the Company’s objectives, values and business strategies.

Depending on specific circumstances, the Compensation Committee may also recommend employment terms and conditions that deviate from the above described policies.

Statement of Executive and Board Compensation

In the first half of 2008, the Directors received US $6,250 per quarter and US $1,000 per meeting in person and US $500 by phone. Per quarter, the Chairman of the Board also received US $3,125, the Audit Committee Chairman received US $2,500 and of the other two Board Committees received US $1,250 each.  On June 17th, 2008, the Board reduced its compensation by US $1,250 per quarter in favour of the grant of 19,000 stock options for each member and 24,000 for the Chairman all at an exercise price of US $0.62 per share.

The following summary table, presented in accordance with applicable securities legislation, sets forth all compensation provided by the Company and its affiliates for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2006, 2007 and 2008 to:

(i)
the Chief Executive Officer;
(ii)
the Chief Financial Officer;
(iii)
each of the Company’s three most highly compensated executive officers, other than the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, who were serving as executive officers at the end of December 31, 2008 and whose total salary and bonus exceeded CDN $150,000, and
(iv)
such other individuals for whom the foregoing disclosure would have been made but for the fact that such individual was not an officer of the Company at the end of December 31, 2008 (collectively, the “Named Executive Officers”).


 
55

 

Summary Compensation Table

Compensation is payable in Canadian dollars and converted by using the yearly average U.S. exchange rate.  Exchange rate conversions were 0.8821 in 2006, 0.9352 in 2007 and 0.9443 in 2008.

   
Annual Compensation
Name and Principal Occupation
Year
Salary
U.S. $
Bonus
U.S. $
Other Annual Compensation
U.S. $
(Taxable Benefits Related to
Exercised Options and Other)
Marc Ferland
President and Chief Executive Officer and Acting CFO
2008
2007
2006
190,636
N/A
N/A
Nil
N/A
N/A
7,077
N/A
N/A
Éric Bouchard1
Vice President - Products
2008
2007
2006
177,560
169,155
149,798
18,882
10,161
23,992
3,813
3,813
2,372
Daniel Bertrand2
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
2008
2007
2006
136,310
172,897
153,326
9,441
12,982
116,6443
3,387
117,534
3,722
Martin Bouchard4
President and Chief Executive Officer
2008
2007
2006
60,999
220,526
176,158
Nil
22,456
13,231
 
750
3,813
2,382
Guy Fauré5
President and Chief Executive Officer
2008
2007
2006
N/A
46,403
224,705
N/A
Nil
179,9406
 
N/A
502,977
3,718
Patrick Hopf7
Vice President - Business Development
2008
2007
2006
21,569
154,145
125,816
 
Nil
Nil
88,4888
750
47,817
2,869


1 Eric Bouchard did not renew his employment contract which expired on December 31, 2008.
2 Daniel Bertrand resigned from his position as Executive Vice President and Chief financial Officer on September 8, 2008. In connection with his resignation, the Company paid Mr. Bertrand termination compensation and recorded termination costs of CDN$159,100 in Q3
2008.
3 Performance bonus of $9,209 and retention bonus of $107,435.
4 Martin Bouchard resigned from his position as the President and Chief Executive Officer effective as of March 3, 2008 for personal reasons. He was replaced by Marc Ferland.
5 Guy Fauré resigned from his positions as the President, Chief Executive Officer and a member of the Board of Directors of the Company effective as of January 31, 2007. In connection with his resignation, the Company paid Mr. Fauré termination compensation and recorded termination costs of CDN$510,000 in Q1 2007, changed the duration of option agreements and allowed accelerated vesting of options. These changes represented an additional non-cash item expense of approximately US $267,000 which was recorded in Q1 2007.
6 Performance bonus of $22,492 and retention compensation of $157,448.
7 On February 11, 2008, the Company announced the departure of Patrick Hopf, effective February 11, 2008.
8 Performance bonus of $6,986 and retention bonus of $81,502.
 
 
56

 

 
Option Grants During the Most Recently Completed Financial Year
 

   
Long Term Compensation
All Other Compensation
Name and Principal Occupation
Year
Awards
Payouts
U.S. $
   
Securities
Under Options
#
Shares or Units Subject to
Resale Restrictions
($)
LTIP Payouts
$
 
Marc Ferland
President and Chief Executive Officer and Acting CFO
2008
2007
2006
100,000
25,000
N/A
Nil
Nil
N/A
Nil
Nil
N/A
16,245
15,455
N/A
Éric Bouchard1
Vice President – Products
2008
2007
2006
Nil
78,000
Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil
Daniel Bertrand2
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
2008
2007
2006
Nil
98,000
Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil
149,420
 Nil
Nil
Martin Bouchard3
President and Chief Executive Officer
2008
2007
2006
Nil
155,000
Nil
Nil
 Nil
Nil
Nil
 Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil
David Goldman4
Chairman
2008
2007
2006
24,000
20,000
Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil
41,455
108,291
125,0043
Claire Castonguay
Vice President, Finance and Controller
2008
2007
2006
Nil
22,000
Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil
Dennis Dion
Vice President, Sales
2008
2007
2006
25,000
N/A
N/A
Nil
N/A
N/A
Nil
N/A
N/A
Nil
N/A
N/A
Benoit Godbout
Vice President, Chief Technology Officer
2008
2007
2006
30,000
N/A
N/A
Nil
N/A
N/A
Nil
N/A
N/A
Nil
N/A
N/A
Guy Fauré5
President and Chief Executive Officer
2008
2007
2006
Nil
 Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil
477,182
Nil
Patrick Hopf6
Vice President –Business Development
2008
2007
2006
Nil
73,000
Nil
Nil
 Nil
Nil
Nil
 Nil
Nil
Nil
 Nil
Nil



 
1 Eric Bouchard did not renew his employment contract which expired on December 31, 2008.
2 Daniel Bertrand resigned from his position as Executive Vice President and Chief financial Officer on September 8, 2008. In connection with his resignation, the Company paid Mr. Bertrand termination compensation and recorded terminiation costs of CDN $159,100 in Q3 2008.
3 Martin Bouchard resigned from his position as the President and Chief Executive Officer effective as of March 3, 2008 for personal reasons. He was replaced by Marc Ferland.
4 The Company and Dave Goldman Advisors Ltd., a company controlled by Mr. Goldman, entered into a consulting agreement pursuant to which David Goldman provides his services to the Company. In addition, as part of the compensation paid to David Goldman, the Company agreed to grant him options under the Company’s stock option plan.
5 Mr. Fauré resigned from his positions as the President, Chief Executive Officer and a member of the Board of Directors of the Company effective as of January 31, 2007. In connection with his resignation, the Company paid Mr. Fauré termination compensation and recorded termination costs of CDN $510,000 in Q1 2007, changed the duration of option agreements and allowed accelerated vesting of options. These changes represented an additional non-cash item expense of approximately US $267,000 which was recorded in Q1 2007.
6 On February 11, 2008, the Company announced the departure of Patrick Hopf, effective February 11, 2008.

 
57

 
Employment Agreements and Change of Control Provisions

During 2008, the Company had employment arrangements and agreements with the following Named Executive Officers. All sums mentioned herein are in Canadian Dollars.

David Goldman was Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Company until January 12, 2004 when he became the Executive Chairman of the Company. In June 2008, David Goldman resigned as an officer and became Chairman of the Company. During the year ended 2003, Mr. Goldman was not paid any salary or benefits by the Company but rather was rewarded solely through the granting of stock options which are awarded at the discretion of the Nominating, Human Resource and Governance Committee. This position was not considered as a full time position and therefore the level of this award was based solely on the overall achievements and performance of the Company.

On May 1, 2002, the Company entered into a consulting agreement with David Goldman through Dave Goldman Advisors Ltd. These consulting arrangements may be terminated on sixty (60) days’ notice by either party.  On August 12, 2004, the Company amended the consulting agreement with Dave Goldman Advisors Ltd. As a result, if there is change of control of the Company, Dave Goldman Advisors Ltd. will receive a lump sum payment equal to the greater of the past 24 months consulting payments or CDN $300,000 if:

(i)
the consultant agreement is terminated;

(ii)
Mr. Goldman does not accept a relocation or to perform a substantial part of his services outside of the greater Montreal area;

(iii)
Mr. Goldman’s responsibilities are greatly reduced for which reason he terminates the agreement; or

(iv)
the total compensation offered to the consultant is reduced.

On May 23, 2005, the consulting agreement was further amended to increase the hourly rate of Dave Goldman Advisors Ltd. for services rendered from CDN $200 to CDN $250. In June 2008, as Mr. Goldman resigned as an officer and became Chairman of the Company, the consulting agreement was amended to fixed fees of CDN $7,500 per quarter. Total fees for 2008 were $41,455 (2007: $108,291; 2006: $141,971). The transactions are in the normal course of operations and are measured at the exchange amount which is the amount of the consideration established and agreed to by the related parties.

On January 28, 2009, the Board of Director’s unanimously approved an adjustment to Mr. David Goldman’s consultancy agreement, to which David Goldman concurred, that the change of control clause is amended to an entitlement to the lesser of $300,000 or 3% of the transaction triggering a change of control. The Board further specified that the resulting payment would be made in the same currency as the transaction itself. The previous agreement stipulated that in the case of change of control, David Goldman was entitled to receive a lump sum payment equal to the greater of the past 24 months consulting payments or CDN $300,000.

On March 3, 2008, the Company entered into a consulting agreement with Martin Bouchard through 4332903 Canada Inc. This company is remunerated for services rendered on an hourly rate of CDN $250. These consulting arrangements may be terminated on sixty (60) days’ notice by either party. There were no fees for 2008.

Éric Bouchard has been Vice President - Products since the acquisition of Copernic Technologies Inc. by the Company.  Éric Bouchard signed an employment agreement with the Company on December 22, 2005.  Éric Bouchard’s annual salary is CDN $188,200 with an entitlement to short term annual incentive compensation for meeting targeted financial performance, to a maximum of 60% of his base salary for far exceeding targeted performance levels. This compensation package was contractually negotiated at the time of the acquisition of Copernic Technologies Inc. and was approved by the Compensation Committee as it was consistent with the compensation and bonus arrangements with other officers.

Éric Bouchard’s employment agreement provides that in the event of a change of control or sale of the Company, Éric Bouchard may terminate his employment agreement and will be entitled to one year’s base salary. The employment agreement also provides that the Company may at any time with or without cause terminate the agreement.  In such event, the Company must pay Éric Bouchard the lesser of (i) the base salary of Éric Bouchard from the date of termination until December 31, 2008, and (ii) one year’s base salary.  Eric Bouchard’s employment contract expired on December 31, 2008.

On October 11, 2007, the Company entered into a consulting agreement with Marc Ferland through Gen24 Marketing, a division of 6556027 Canada Inc. The agreement provided for a US $5,000 per month retainer and 5% commissions on recognized revenue of customers and investment proceeds for a 3-year period received from certain specified customers brought in by Gen24 Marketing to the Company. The consulting agreement is cancellable on thirty (30) days’ notice by either party.  Total fees for 2008 were $16,245 (2007: $15,454).

 
58

 

The monthly retainer of Gen24 Marketing was increased to $10,000 for the month of February, 2008 and the consulting agreement was terminated as of February 29, 2008.

On March 3, 2008, Marc Ferland entered into an employment agreement with the Company regarding his appointment as President and Chief Executive Officer for a period ending on April 20, 2010. Pursuant to the terms and conditions of his employment agreement, Mr. Ferland is paid an annual salary of CDN $250,000 for a period ending on April 20, 2010. Mr. Ferland is also entitled to a bonus for meeting certain financial performance levels, to a maximum of 50% of his base salary. Under his employment agreement, Mr. Ferland received 100,000 stock options under the Company’s stock option plan.

Mr. Ferland’s agreement was amended on September 30, 2008 by adding a retention incentive bonus equal to one and one-half times his annual salary. The bonus is earned on a monthly basis at the rate of 1/25th per each month (commencing as of March 3, 2008). In addition, Mr. Ferland is also entitled to a bonus of $125,000 in the event of either a transactional event occurring or the meeting of certain financial performance levels, whichever occurs first. In addition, Mr. Ferland shall be entitled to a $10,000 bonus for each quarter that certain other financial performance levels are met.

If there is a change in control of the Company, Mr. Ferland will receive a lump sum payment equal to one and a half times his annual base salary if the following occurs within one (1) year of such change in control:

(i)
Mr. Ferland is terminated; or

(ii)
If he does not accept a relocation outside of the Province of Quebec; or

(iii)
If he does not accept an offer of employment at reduced levels of responsibility; or

(iv)
If he does not accept an offer of compensation (including performance/incentive plan targets and long-term compensations) which is less than his current level.

Stock Option Plan

In 1999, the Company adopted a new stock option plan (the “Plan”), replacing all previous stock option plans of the Company, to provide eligible officers, directors, employees and consultants of the Company and its subsidiaries compensation opportunities that will encourage share ownership and enhance the Company’s ability to attract, retain and motivate such persons and reward significant performance achievements. Options under the Plan may not be granted with a term exceeding ten years. The exercise price of the options may not be less than the market price of the Company’s common shares determined as of the date the options were granted. Unless the Board determines otherwise, options granted under the Plan are exercisable within 30 days after an optionee ceases to be employed or retained by the Company (other than for reason of cause in which event they terminate immediately, death in which event they are exercisable within three months and disability in which event they are exercisable within one year). The Plan, which was approved by shareholders on June 30, 1999, and subsequently amended as approved by shareholders on June 20, 2000, May 23, 2002 and June 7, 2006 provides that the aggregate number of common shares reserved for issuance under the Plan shall not exceed 1,400,000 common shares. The granting of options is subject to the further conditions that: (i) the number of outstanding common shares of the Company reserved for options to optionees or issued to optionees within any one year period shall not exceed fifteen percent (15%) of the outstanding common shares of the Company, and (ii) at no time may any optionee hold more than five percent (5%) of the outstanding common shares of the Company under option.

The following table discloses individual grants of options to the Named Executive Officers to purchase or acquire common shares of the Company pursuant to the Plan for the financial year ended December 31, 2008.

 
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Aggregate Options Exercised During the Most Recently Completed Financial Year and Financial Year-end Option Values

Name
Securities
Acquired on Exercise
(#)
Aggregate Value
Realized
(U.S. $)
Unexercised
Options at FY-End (#)
Exercisable/
Unexercisable
Value of Unexercised
in-the-Money Options at FY-End (U.S. $)
Exercisable/
Unexercisable
David Goldman
Nil
Nil
85,667 / 37,333
 Nil / Nil
Daniel Bertrand
Nil
Nil
Nil / Nil
 Nil / Nil
Patrick Hopf
Nil
Nil
 Nil / Nil
 Nil / Nil
Martin Bouchard
Nil
Nil
Nil / Nil
Nil / Nil
Éric Bouchard
Nil
Nil
26,001 / Nil
Nil / Nil
Claude E. Forget
Nil
Nil
28,334 / 25,666
 Nil / Nil
Dr. David Schwartz
Nil
Nil
20,001 / 25,666
 Nil / Nil
Irwin Kramer
Nil
Nil
28,334 / 25,666
 Nil / Nil
W. Brian Edwards
Nil
Nil
Nil / Nil
Nil / Nil
Marc Ferland
Nil
Nil
8,334 / 116,666
Nil / Nil
Lawrence Yelin
Nil
Nil
8,334 / 35,666
Nil / Nil
Guy Fauré
Nil
Nil
60,500 / Nil
Nil / Nil
Claire Castonguay
Nil
Nil
7,334 / 14,666
Nil / Nil
Dennis Dion
Nil
Nil
Nil / 25,000
Nil / Nil
Benoit Godbout
Nil
Nil