DSS, INC. - Annual Report: 2019 (Form 10-K)

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

Form 10-K

[X] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE

SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019

or

[  ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE

SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from _________ to __________

Commission file number 001-32146

DOCUMENT SECURITY SYSTEMS, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

200 Canal View Boulevard

Suite 300

Rochester, New York 14623

(Address of principal executive offices)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. YES [  ] NO [X]

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Act. YES [  ] NO [X]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. YES [X] NO [  ]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). YES [X] NO [  ]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company or an emerging growth company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer”, “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. [  ]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined by Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes [  ] No [X]

The aggregate market value of the registrant’s common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant computed by reference to the price at which the common stock was last sold, as reported on the NYSE American LLC exchange on June 30, 2019 was $11,583,641.

The number of shares of the registrant’s common stock outstanding as of March 20, 2020, was 62,086,099.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

None.

DOCUMENT SECURITY SYSTEMS, INC. & SUBSIDIARIES

Table of Contents

PART I

ITEM 1 - BUSINESS

Overview

Document Security Systems, Inc. (together with its consolidated subsidiaries (unless the context otherwise requires), referred to herein as “Document Security Systems,” “DSS,” “we,” “us,” “our” or the “Company”) was formed in New York in 1984 and, in 2002, chose to strategically focus on becoming a developer and marketer of secure document and product technologies. We specialize in creating dynamic solutions that protect against fraud and ensure the well-being of consumers worldwide. Our mission is to make and deliver world-class authentication, counterfeit prevention and consumer engagement technology attainable and integrated into every product we offer. The Company holds numerous patents for optical deterrent and authentication technologies that provide protection of printed information from unauthorized alterations, scanning and copying. We operate two production facilities, consisting of a combined security printing and packaging facility and a plastic card facility, where we produce secure and non-secure products for our customers. We also license our anti-counterfeiting technologies to printers and brand-owners. In addition, through our digital division, we provide cloud computing services for our customers, including disaster recovery, back-up and data security services.

Prior to 2006, our primary revenue source in our document security division was derived from the licensing of our technology. In 2006, we began a series of acquisitions designed to expand our ability to produce products for end-user customers. In 2006, we acquired Plastic Printing Professionals, Inc., a privately held plastic cards manufacturer located in the San Francisco, California, area (referred to herein as the “DSS Plastics Group”). In 2008, we acquired DPI of Rochester, LLC, a privately held commercial printer located in Rochester, New York. In 2010, we acquired Premier Packaging Corporation, a privately held packaging company located in Victor, New York (referred to herein as the “DSS Packaging and Printing Group”). In May 2011, we acquired ExtraDev, Inc., a privately held information technology and cloud computing company located in Rochester, New York. In 2016, ExtraDev, Inc. changed its name to DSS Digital Inc. DSS Digital Inc. is also referred to herein as the “DSS Digital Group.”

In July 2013, the Company expanded its business focus by acquiring Lexington Technology Group, Inc. (“Lexington”), a private intellectual property monetization company. Lexington’s business was primarily to acquire intellectual property assets for the purpose or monetizing these assets through a variety of value-enhancing initiatives, including, but not limited to, investments in the development and commercialization of patented technologies, licensing, strategic partnerships and litigation. DSS Technology Management, Inc., which is also referred to herein as “DSS Technology Management,” was established as a DSS subsidiary to house, account for and further develop this line of business. While similar to Lexington’s business model, DSS Technology Management focuses on extracting the economic benefits of intellectual property assets through acquiring or internally developing patents or other intellectual property assets (or interests therein) and then monetizing such assets through a variety of value enhancing initiatives. However, the Company, as we elaborate below, has determined that it is in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders to wind down our intellectual property monetization business and refocus our efforts on our other existing businesses as well as explore potential new business lines

In January 2018, we commenced international operations for our DSS Digital Group with our wholly owned subsidiary, DSS Asia Limited, in our office in Hong Kong. In December 2018, this division acquired Guangzhou Hotapps Technology Ltd, a Chinese company with a valuable license enabling us to do business in China.

We do business in four operating segments as follows:

DSS Packaging and Printing Group -Operating under the name Premier Packaging Corporation (a New York corporation), the DSS Packaging and Printing Group produces custom packaging serving clients in the pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, beverage, specialty foods, photo packaging and direct marketing industries, among others. The group also provides active and intelligent packaging and document security printing services for end-user customers along with technical support for our technology licensees. The division produces a wide array of printed materials, such as folding cartons and paperboard packaging, security paper, vital records, prescription paper, birth certificates, receipts, identification materials, entertainment tickets, secure coupons and parts tracking forms. The division also provides resources and production equipment for our ongoing research and development of security printing and related technologies.

DSS Plastics Group - Manufactures laminated and surface printed cards, which can include magnetic stripes, bar codes, holograms, signature panels, invisible ink, micro fine printing, guilloche patterns, biometrics, radio frequency identification (RFID) and watermarks for printed plastic documents such as ID cards, event badges and driver’s licenses. DSS Plastics Group is headquartered in Brisbane, California and operates under the name of Plastic Printing Professionals, Inc., a New York corporation.

DSS Digital Group - This division researches, develops, markets and sells worldwide the Company’s digital products, including and primarily our AuthentiGuard® product, which is a brand authentication application that integrates the Company’s counterfeit deterrent technologies with proprietary digital data security-based solutions. The AuthentiGuard® product allows our customers to implement a security mark utilizing conventional printing methods that is copy- and counterfeit-resistant and that can be read and recorded utilizing smartphones and other digital image capture devices, which can be utilized by that customer’s suppliers, field personnel and customers throughout its global product supply and distribution chains.

DSS Technology Management - Since its acquisition in 2013, DSS Technology Management’s primary mission has been to monetize its various patent portfolios through commercial litigation and licensing. Except for investment in its social networking related patents, we have historically partnered with various third-party funding groups in connection with patent monetization programs. It is our intent to de-emphasize and ultimately wind down this business line. While Management will continue to assert and defend the existing patents and purse potential infringements as they are identified, we do not intend to seek out new patent portfolios.

Strategic Business Plan

In November 2019, we announced the Company’s new strategic business plan, which focuses on strengthening our organization, investing in our core lines of business, improving top line revenues and net margins, controlling costs and creating new long-term recurring revenue streams. This strategic business plan has the following core elements, which are discussed in further detail below:

Reviving the Company’s Core Businesses – We are upgrading equipment and products to enhance cross-selling opportunities with existing customers and intend to rejuvenate research and development on digital anti-counterfeit technology products.

Substantially Reducing Corporate Overhead and Cash Burn – Since the spring of 2019, we have reduced the Company’s monthly cash burn by more than $160,000, by eliminating non-essential layers of management and redundant operating expenses, as well as by renegotiating vendor contracts. We plan to continue to reduce overhead operating costs, redundancy and cash burn through a series of new management initiatives.

Exiting Unprofitable Business Lines – To preserve capital and stop further cash drain, we intend, as we have noted above, to de-emphasize and ultimately wind down our intellectual property monetization business line.

Since entering the intellectual property (“IP”) monetization business in July 2013, we have invested substantial capital and resources into purchasing, maintaining and enforcing our patents. We have also invested substantial resources in the research and development of internally generated IP for our own use and/or for potential profitable licensing opportunities.

However, the costs of funding a patent pool, including patent maintenance fees, litigation (costs for legal counsel, discovery, consultants, expert witnesses and travel), and overhead costs associated with the IP business line, has placed a significant financial strain upon the Company. In 2019, our corporate cash burn reached approximately $255,000 per month primarily related to recurring costs related to the IP monetization line of business, which reduced resources for our other lines of business, as well as our own patent research and development. Further, because the related IP legal costs are expensed in the year incurred with no corresponding revenue generation, the financial impact to the Company caused us to routinely report negative operating income year over year. Moreover, as a result of the IP monetization line’s high capital demand, the Company did not have the capital to initiate and sustain IP litigation against potential major infringers of DSS patents.

In addition, as a result of several court decisions and statutory changes, the patent laws in the United States have changed significantly since our entry into this business. Consequently, the enforcement of patents has become more costly and more difficult for DSS and other patent holders, and the likelihood of successful litigation has decreased. Further, depending upon the type of IP involved and the parties who are the alleged patent infringers, the legal enforcement and recovery process can take five or more years before the matter goes to trial. For instance, the Apple litigation, which we have previously disclosed and which is described in more detail herein, was initiated in September 2013 and was scheduled to go to trial in late February 2020; a period of approximately 6 ½ years.

As a result of the significant financial, working capital and resource allocation to the IP monetization program, we made a critical review of the program. We reviewed all elements and factors related to the operations of this business line, including what we hold in inventory of patents, the potential of that patent portfolio, the timetables involved to monetize those patents, the cost of capital to maintain the patents to monetization, and the probability of successful monetization. As a result of that extensive review, we determined that it was in the best interest of DSS and its stockholders to de-emphasize and ultimately exit the IP monetization line of business.

The process of exiting this line of business will not be immediate. DSS has outstanding contracts with third parties, including attorneys, lenders and former patent holders, which must be addressed. We have determined that the cost to stop all litigation and recovery actions at this time would be too high. As a result, we have elected to not immediately terminate and exit this line of business, but to wind it down in an organized fashion. We will honor our existing contracts and complete the existing IP monetization programs without adding any new costs. We do not intend to make any further investments in acquiring patents that do not directly support our existing and targeted product lines. We estimate that the timetable necessary to exit this business line will be approximately 18 to 24 months.

Implementing Business Diversification Initiatives – We plan to both internally develop and to acquire profitable new businesses, which will in some cases be complimentary to our core businesses and addressable markets. In other instances, we intend to explore opportunities for expansion into new business lines in which we believe we can successfully compete, which are scalable, and which generate sustainable reoccurring revenue. Management has already taken steps toward this diversification by performing initial research and cost analysis into specific new business lines, and in 2019 we formed the following four new subsidiaries, in an effort to grow and expand our technologies and market reach. These four potential new business lines are in various stages of development and have not yet generated any significant revenues.

Our Core Products:

Technology and Counterfeit Prevention and Brand Services

DSS Digital Group’s core business is counterfeit prevention, brand protection, consumer engagement and validation of authentic print media, including government-issued documents, packaging, ID cards and licenses. We believe we are a leader in the research and development of optical deterrent technologies and have commercialized these technologies with a suite of products that offer our customers an array of brand security solutions. In addition, we provide document security technology to security printers, corporations, consumer product companies and governments for protection of vital records, certifications, travel documents, consumer products, pharmaceutical packaging and school transcripts.

Optical deterrent features such as ours have traditionally been utilized mainly by large security printers for the protection of important printed documents, such as vital records and identification documents. Many of these competitive features were developed pre-1980 and were designed to be effective on the imaging devices of the day, which were mainly photography mechanisms. With the advent of modern-day scanners, digital copiers, digital cameras, smartphones and easy-to-use imaging software such as Adobe Photoshop, many of the pre-1980 optical deterrents such as micro-printing are much less effective in the prevention of counterfeiting.

Unlike some of our competitors, our technologies are built to defeat modern scanners and digital copiers, and we believe that our products are the most effective in doing so in the market today.

Our primary anti-counterfeiting products and technologies have evolved from a traditional analog product to a highly advanced digital system and are marketed under our AuthentiGuard® registered trademark. In October 2012, we introduced AuthentiGuard®, a smartphone application for authentication, targeted to major Fortune 500 companies worldwide. The application is a cloud-enabled solution that permits efficient and cost-effective counterfeit deterrence, authentication and consumer engagement. The solution embeds customizable, covert AuthentiGuard® Prism technology that resists counterfeiting or alteration on product packaging, labeling, documents and credentials. Product verification using the smartphone application creates real-time, accurate authentication results for brand owners, government officials and supply chain personnel that can be integrated into existing information systems.

Since 2012, the AuthentiGuard^® product has grown to annual sales of approximately $1.5 million, and we project that over the next three years annual sales of AuthentiGuard^® will increase by an annualized growth rate of approximately 17%. Today, our mission is to make world-class authentication, counterfeit prevention and consumer engagement technology that is assessable and scalable to an expanding customer base. We intend to bring our technology-laden plastic and packaging solutions to a broader range of clients including small businesses, develop long-term relationships with those who use them and grow our business organically.

Printing & Packaging Business

Premier Packaging Corporation provides custom packaging services and serves clients in the pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, beverage, specialty foods, photo packaging and direct marketing industries, among others. The group also provides active and intelligent packaging and document security printing services for end-user customers. In addition, the division produces a wide array of printed materials, such as folding cartons and paperboard packaging, security paper, vital records, prescription paper, birth certificates, receipts, identification materials, entertainment tickets, secure coupons and parts tracking forms. The division also provides resources and production equipment for our ongoing research and development of security printing and related technologies.

IP Patent Monetization Business

Since its acquisition in 2013, DSS Technology Management’s primary mission has been the attempted monetization of its various patent portfolios through commercial litigation.

Except for its investment in its social networking related patents, DSS Technology Management and the Company have partnered with various third-party funding groups in connection with patent monetization programs. In connection with this business line, the Company has purchased patents in a variety of fields, including social networking, mobile communications, semi-conductors, Bluetooth and LED, and has initiated patent infringement litigation against a wide range of domestic and global Companies. In connection with these litigation matters, the Company engages with legal firms that typically work under fee caps and contingency fee arrangements. To date, the Company has been or is currently in litigation with, among others, Apple, Samsung, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Intel, NEC, Lenovo, Seoul Semiconductor, Everlight Electronics, Cree, Nichia and Osram, GMBH. During the course of these litigation matters, the Company typically incurs a variety of legal challenges from defendants, including defendants seeking to have the patents in question adjudicated to be invalid by the United States Patent Office through the Inter Partes Review process (“IPR”). As a result of these various legal challenges issued by defendants, the Company has experienced varying levels of success in its efforts to monetize its patent investments. In addition, to date, most of settlements or payments received from defendants have been remitted to the Company’s third-party funders in accordance with the terms of those respective funding agreements.

The status of pending patent infringement lawsuits which have been filed by DSS Technology Management and the Company are more particularly described in Part 1, Item 3 of this Report.

Intellectual Property

Patents

Our ability to compete effectively depends largely upon our ability to maintain the proprietary nature of our technology, products and manufacturing processes. We principally rely upon patent, trademark, trade secrets and contract law to establish and protect our proprietary rights. During our development, we have expended significant resources on research and development in an effort to become a market leader with the ability to provide our customers effective solutions against an ever-changing array of counterfeit risks. Our position in the security print market is based on our technologies and products. We dedicate two staff members to research and development of print technologies, digital graphic files, and printing techniques to allow us to expand our ability to combat a wide variety of counterfeiting and brand protection issues. The Company recognized a credit in 2019 of approximately $12,000 primarily due to receipt of a refund on development costs for the development of proprietary blockchain solutions for the Company’s AuthentiGuard product line. In comparison, the Company spent approximately $146,000 on research and development during 2018, primarily toward the development of the Company’s AuthentiGuard product line.

We own patents covering semiconductor, light emitting diode, anti-counterfeiting and document authentication, and wireless peripheral technologies, respectively. We also have several patent applications in process, including provisional and Patent Cooperation Treaty (“PCT”) patent applications in various jurisdictions including the United States, Canada, and Europe. These applications cover our anti-counterfeiting technologies, including AuthentiGuard®, AuthentiGuard® Prism™, and AuthentiGuard® VeriGlow™, and several other anti-counterfeiting and authentication technologies in development. Our issued patents have remaining durations ranging from 1 to 16 years.

Trademarks

We have registered our “AuthentiGuard®” mark, as well as our “Survivor 21®” electronic check icon and “VeriGlow®” with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. A trademark application is pending in Canada for “AuthentiGuard.” AuthentiGuard® is registered in several European countries including the United Kingdom. We have also applied to register AuthentiSite TM, AuthentiShare TM, AuthentiSuiteTM, AuthentiBlockTM, and AuthentiChainTM in the U.S.

Websites

The primary website we maintain is www.dsssecure.com, which describes our Company, our history, our patented document security solutions, our major product offerings, and our targeted vertical markets. In addition to the active websites, the Company owns several other domain names reserved for future use or for strategic competitive reasons. Information on our websites or any other website does not constitute a part of this annual report.

Markets and Competition

The security print market is comprised of a few very large companies and an increasing number of small companies with specific technology niches. The expansion of this market is primarily due to the significant expansion of counterfeiting as advancing technologies in digital duplication and scanning combined with increasingly sophisticated design software has enabled easier reproduction of original documents, vital records and IDs, packaging, and labels. Our competitors include Standard Register Company, which specializes in printing security technologies for the check and forms and medical industries; and De La Rue Plc, that specializes in printing secure currency, tickets, labels, lottery tickets and vital records for governments and Fortune 500 companies. Large office equipment manufacturers, called OEMs, such as Sharp, Xerox Canon, Ricoh, Hewlett Packard and Eastman Kodak are developing “smart copier” technology that recognizes particular graphical images and produces warning words or distorted copies. Some of the OEMs are also developing user assigned and variable pantograph “hidden word” technologies in which users can assign a particular hidden word in copy, such as “void” that is displayed when a copy of such document is made. In addition, other competing hidden word technologies are being marketed by competitors such as NoCopi Technologies which sells and markets secure paper products, and Graphic Security Systems Corporation, which markets Scrambled Indicia.

Our packaging division competes with a significant number of national, regional and local companies, many of which are independent and privately-held. The largest competitors in this market are primarily focused on the long-run print order market. They include large integrated paper companies such as Rock-Tenn Company, Caraustar Industries, Inc., Graphic Packaging Holding Company and Mead Westvaco. Our printing division competes primarily with locally-based printing companies in the Rochester and Western New York markets. Most of our competitors in these markets are privately-held, single location operations.

Our plastics division competes with several companies including Bristol ID, AbNote (formerly Arthur Blanks), LaserCard Corporation and L-1 Identity Solutions. The plastics division primarily delivers its products through a dealer network, but also provides products to end-user customers. Competition in the plastic card industry is primarily based on production capabilities based on specialized equipment, geographic location, quality and service. In addition, competition is increasingly influenced by proprietary or niche offerings provided by competitors, such as RFID, biometric, read-write, and security features built-into the plastic card.

Our technology division also faces competition in the area of patent acquisitions and enforcement. Entities such as Acacia, RPX, AST, Intellectual Ventures, Wi-LAN, MOSAID, Round Rock Research LLC, IPvalue Management Inc., Vringo Inc. and Pendrell Corporation compete in acquiring rights to patents.

Customers

During 2019, two customers accounted for 45% of our consolidated revenue. As of December 31, 2019, these two customers accounted for 49% of our consolidated trade accounts receivable balance. As of December 31, 2018, these two customers accounted for 44% of our consolidated revenue and 38% of the Company’s consolidated trade accounts receivable balance.

Raw Materials

The primary raw materials the Company uses in its businesses are paper, corrugated paperboard, plastic sheets, and ink. The Company negotiates with leading suppliers to maximize its purchasing efficiencies and uses a wide variety of paper grades, formats, ink formulations and colors. Paper and paperboard prices continued to increase in 2019, and we believe increases in future years are expected. Except for certain packaging customers where the Company enters into annual contracts, for which changes in paperboard pricing is absorbed by the Company, the Company has historically passed substantially all increases and decreases to its customers, although there can be no assurances that the Company will continue to do so in the future.

Environmental Compliance

It is the Company’s policy to conduct its operations in accordance with all applicable laws, regulations and other requirements. While it is not possible to quantify with certainty the potential impact of actions regarding environmental matters, particularly remediation and other compliance efforts that the Company may undertake in the future, in the opinion of management, compliance with the present environmental protection laws, before taking into account estimated recoveries from third parties, will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated annual results of operations, financial position or cash flows.

Government Regulation

We play an active role with the Document Security Alliance group, as one of our research and development management members sits on various committees of that group and has been involved in design recommendations for important U.S. documents. This group of security industry specialists was formed by the U.S. Secret Service to evaluate and recommend security solutions to the federal government for the protection of credentials and vital records.

Our patent monetization business is also faced with potential government regulations. If new legislation, regulations or rules are implemented either by Congress, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (the “USPTO”), or the courts that impact the patent application process, the patent enforcement process or the rights of patent holders, these changes could negatively affect our patent monetization efforts and, in turn, our assets, expenses and revenue. United States patent laws have been amended by the Leahy-Smith America Invents Act. The America Invents Act includes several significant changes to U.S. patent law. In general, the legislation attempts to address issues surrounding the enforceability of patents and the increase in patent litigation by, among other things, establishing new procedures for patent litigation. For example, the America Invents Act changes the way that parties may be joined in patent infringement actions, increasing the likelihood that such actions will need to be brought against individual parties allegedly infringing by their respective individual actions or activities. In addition, the U.S. Department of Justice (“DOJ”) has conducted reviews of the patent system to evaluate the impact of patent assertion entities, such as our Company, on industries in which those patents relate. It is possible that the findings and recommendations of the DOJ could adversely impact our ability to effectively license and enforce standards-essential patents and could increase the uncertainties and costs surrounding the enforcement of any such patented technologies.

Moreover, new rules regarding the burden of proof in patent enforcement actions could significantly increase the cost of our enforcement actions, and new standards or limitations on liability for patent infringement could negatively impact our revenue derived from such enforcement actions.

Corporate History

The Company was incorporated in 1984 and changed its name to Document Security Systems, Inc. in 2002. Since then, the Company has acquired a plastics card manufacturer, a printing company, a packaging company, an IT services company, and an intellectual property monetization company. See, the “Overview” section above for further details about our acquisitions.

Employees

As of March 20, 2020, all of the Company’s 100 employees were full time. It is important that we continue to retain and attract qualified management and technical personnel. Our employees are not covered by any collective bargaining agreement, and we believe that our relations with our employees are generally good.

Available information

Our website address is www.dsssecure.com. Information on our website is not incorporated herein by reference. We make available free of charge through our website our press releases, Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and all amendments to those reports as soon as reasonably practicable after electronically filed with or furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission.

ITEM 1A – RISK FACTORS

The Company is a smaller reporting company, as such term is defined in Item 10(f)(1) of Regulation S-K, and is therefore not required to provide the information required under this item. 

ITEM 1B – UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

None.

ITEM 2 - PROPERTIES

Our corporate group and digital division together occupy approximately 5,700 square feet of commercial office space located at 200 Canal View Boulevard, Rochester, New York under a lease that expires in February 2021, at a rental rate of approximately $6,100 per month. Our Plastics division leases approximately 15,000 square feet under a lease that expires January 31, 2024 for approximately $19,422 per month. Our DSS Asia division leases commercial office space in Hong Kong under a lease that expires November 30, 2020 for approximately $3,382 per month. In addition, the Company owns a 40,000 square foot packaging and printing plant in Victor, New York, a suburb of Rochester, New York. We believe that our facilities are adequate for our current operations.

ITEM 3 - LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

On November 26, 2013, DSSTM filed suit against Apple, Inc. (“Apple”) in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas, for patent infringement (the “Apple Litigation”). The complaint alleges infringement by Apple of DSSTM’s patents that relate to systems and methods of using low power wireless peripheral devices. DSSTM is seeking a judgment for infringement, injunctive relief, and compensatory damages from Apple. On October 28, 2014, the case was stayed by the District Court pending a determination of Apple’s motion to transfer the case to the Northern District of California. On November 7, 2014, Apple’s motion to transfer the case to the Northern District of California was granted. On December 30, 2014, Apple filed two Inter Partes Review (“IPR”) petitions with the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (“PTAB”) for review of the patents at issue in the case. The PTAB instituted the IPRs on June 25, 2015. The California District Court then stayed the case pending the outcome of those IPR proceedings. Oral arguments of the IPRs took place on March 15, 2016, and on June 17, 2016, PTAB ruled in favor of Apple on both IPR petitions. DSSTM then filed an appeal with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit (the “Federal Circuit”) seeking reversal of the PTAB decisions. Oral arguments for the appeal were held on August 9, 2017. On March 23, 2018, the Federal Circuit reversed the PTAB, finding that the PTAB erred when it found the claims of U.S. Patent No. 6,128,290 to be unpatentable. The Federal Circuit affirmed its decision on July 12, 2018, when it denied Apple’s petition for panel rehearing of the Federal Circuit’s Opinion and Judgment issued on March 23, 2018. On July 27, 2018, the District Court judge lifted the Stay resuming the litigation, which had a trial date set for the week of February 24, 2020. On January 14, 2020, the Court in the case DSS Technology Management, Inc. v. Apple, Inc., 4:14-cv-05330-HSG pending in the Northern District of California issued an order that denied DSS’ motion to amend its infringement contentions. In the same Order, the Court granted Apple’s motion to strike DSS’ infringement expert report. DSS filed a motion for leave to file a motion for reconsideration of the Court’s order denying DSS the right to amend its infringement contentions and motion to strike DSS infringement expert report. On February 18, 2020, the Court denied DSS’s motion for leave to file a motion for reconsideration. On February 24, 2020, the Court signed a Final Judgment stipulating that Apple was “entitled to a judgment of non-infringement of U.S. Patent No. 6,128,290 as a matter of law.” DSS intends to appeal the ruling.

On February 16, 2015, DSSTM filed suit in the United States District Court, Eastern District of Texas, against defendants Intel Corporation, Dell, Inc., GameStop Corp., Conn’s Inc., Conn Appliances, Inc., NEC Corporation of America, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., Wal-Mart Stores Texas, LLC, and AT&T, Inc. The complaint alleged patent infringement and sought judgment for infringement of two of DSSTM’s patents, injunctive relief and money damages. On December 9, 2015, Intel filed IPR petitions with PTAB for review of the patents at issue in the case. Intel’s IPRs were instituted by PTAB on June 8, 2016. On June 1, 2017, the PTAB ruled in favor of Intel for all the challenged claims. On July 28, 2017, DSSTM filed a notice of appeal of the PTAB’s decision relating to U.S. Patent 6,784,552 with the Federal Circuit. On January 8, 2019, DSSTM entered into a confidential settlement agreement with Intel Corporation, Dell Inc., GameStop Corp, Conn’s Inc., Conn Appliances, Inc., Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., Wal-Mart Stores Texas, LLC and AT&T Mobility LLC (collectively, the “Defendants”). The Federal Circuit Appeal involving DSSTM and Intel was dismissed on January 16, 2019, and the District Court case against the Defendants was dismissed, as to all the Defendants, on February 5, 2019. On July 16, 2015, DSSTM filed three separate lawsuits in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas alleging infringement of certain of its semiconductor patents. The defendants were SK Hynix et al., Samsung Electronics et al., and Qualcomm Incorporated. Each respective complaint alleges patent infringement and seeks judgment for infringement, injunctive relief and money damages. On November 12, 2015, SK Hynix filed an IPR petition with PTAB for review of the patent at issue in their case. SK Hynix’s IPR was instituted by the PTAB on May 11, 2016. On August 16, 2016, DSSTM and SK Hynix entered into a confidential settlement agreement ending the litigation between them. The pending SK Hynix IPR was then terminated by mutual agreement of the parties on August 31, 2016. On March 18, 2016, Samsung also filed an IPR petition, which was instituted by the PTAB. On September 20, 2017, PTAB ruled in favor of Samsung for all the challenged claims relating to U.S. Patent 6,784,552. DSSTM then appealed this PTAB ruling to the Federal Circuit on November 17, 2017. The Federal Circuit joined this appeal with the Intel appeal effective on December 7, 2017. Qualcomm filed its IPR proceeding on July 1, 2016, which was then later joined with Intel’s IPRs in August 2016 by PTAB. On June 1, 2017, the PTAB ruled in favor of Intel/Qualcomm for all the challenged claims. On July 28, 2017, DSSTM filed a notice of appeal of the PTAB’s decision relating to U.S. Patent 6,784,552 with the Federal Circuit. A confidential patent license agreement was executed by DSSTM on November 14, 2018, covering Samsung and Qualcomm. On December 12, 2018, DSSTM and Samsung entered into a confidential release. On December 27, 2018, DSSTM and Qualcomm entered into a confidential settlement agreement. The DSSTM - Samsung District Court case was dismissed on December 17, 2018. The DSSTM - Samsung Federal Circuit Appeal was dismissed on January 2, 2019. The Federal Circuit Appeal involving DSSTM and Qualcomm was dismissed on January 16, 2019. The DSSTM - Qualcomm District Court case was dismissed on January 16, 2019. As a result, all of DSSTM’s litigation matters originally filed in the District Court for the Eastern District of Texas have been resolved and are now dismissed.

On April 13, 2017, the Company filed a patent infringement lawsuit against Seoul Semiconductor Co., Ltd. and Seoul Semiconductor, Inc. (collectively, “Seoul Semiconductor”) in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas, alleging infringement of certain of the Company’s Light-Emitting Diode (“LED”) patents. The Company is seeking a judgment for infringement of the patents along with other relief including, but not limited to, money damages, costs and disbursements. On June 7, 2017, the Company refiled its patent infringement complaint against Seoul Semiconductor in the United States District Court for the Central District of California, Southern Division. On December 3, 2017, Seoul Semiconductor filed an IPR challenging the validity of certain claims of U.S. Patent No. 6,949,771. This IPR was instituted by the PTAB on June 7, 2018. On April 18, 2019, the PTAB issued a written decision determining claims 1-9 of the ‘771 patent unpatentable. The Company did not appeal that determination. On December 21, 2017, Seoul Semiconductor filed an IPR challenging the validity of certain claims of U.S. Patent No. 7,256,486. This IPR was instituted by the PTAB on June 21, 2018. On June 10, 2019, the PTAB issued a written decision determining claims 1-3 of the ‘486 patent unpatentable. On August 12, 2019, the Company filed a Notice of Appeal with the Federal Circuit Court of Appeals challenging the PTAB’s decisions. The Company subsequently filed a motion to vacate and remand the PTAB’s decision in light of intervening precedent under the Appointments Clause. That motion was granted on January 23, 2020. On January 25, 2018, Seoul Semiconductor filed an IPR challenging the validity of certain claims of U.S. Patent No. 7,524,087. This IPR was instituted by the PTAB on July 27, 2018. On July 22, 2019, the PTAB issued a written decision determining claims 1, 6-8, 15, and 17 of the ‘087 patent unpatentable. On September 23, 2019, the Company filed a Notice of Appeal with the Federal Circuit Court of Appeals challenging the PTAB’s decisions. The Company subsequently filed a motion to vacate and remand the PTAB’s decision in light of intervening precedent under the Appointments Clause. That motion was granted on February 3, 2020. These challenged patents are the patents that are the subject matter of the infringement lawsuit, which is pending but stayed pending the outcome of the IPR proceedings.

On April 13, 2017, the Company filed a patent infringement lawsuit against Everlight Electronics Co., Ltd. and Everlight Americas, Inc. (collectively, “Everlight”) in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas, alleging infringement of certain of the Company’s LED patents. The Company is seeking a judgment for infringement of the patents along with other relief including, but not limited to, money damages, costs and disbursements. On June 8, 2017, the Company refiled its patent infringement complaint against Everlight in the United States District Court for the Central District of California. On June 8, 2018, Everlight filed IPR petitions challenging the validity of claims under U.S. Patent Nos. 7,256,486 and 7,524,087. On June 12, 2018, Everlight filed an IPR petition challenging the validity of claims under U.S. Patent No. 6,949,771, and on June 15, 2018, filed an IPR petition challenging the validity of claims under U.S. Patent No 7,919,787. These challenged patents are the patents that are the subject matter of the infringement lawsuit. On January 18, 2019, the Company and Everlight entered into a confidential settlement agreement resolving the litigation.

On April 13, 2017, the Company filed a patent infringement lawsuit against Cree, Inc. (“Cree”) in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas, alleging infringement of certain of the Company’s LED patents. The Company is seeking a judgment for infringement of the patents along with other relief including, but not limited to, money damages, costs and disbursements. On June 8, 2017, the Company refiled its patent infringement complaint against Cree in the United States District Court for the Central District of California, and thereafter filed a first amended complaint for patent infringement against Cree in that same court on July 14, 2017. The case is currently pending as of the date of this Report. On June 6, 2018, Cree filed an IPR petition challenging the validity of claims under U.S. Patent No. 7,256,486. This IPR was instituted and joined with the Seoul Semiconductor IPR. On June 7, 2018, Cree filed IPR petitions challenging the validity of certain claims U.S. Patent Nos. 7,524,087 and 6,949,771. Both IPRs were denied by the PTAB on November 14, 2018 as time-barred. The challenged patent is the patent that is the subject matter of the infringement lawsuit, which is pending but stayed pending the outcome of the IPR.

On August 15, 2017, the Company filed a patent infringement lawsuit against Lite-On, Inc., and Lite-On Technology Corporation (collectively, “Lite-On”) in the United States District Court for the Central District of California, alleging infringement of certain of the Company’s LED patents. The Company is seeking a judgment for infringement of the patents along with other relief including, but not limited to, money damages, costs and disbursements. The case is currently pending but is stayed pending the outcome of IPR proceedings filed by other parties.

On December 7, 2017, DSS filed a patent infringement lawsuit against Nichia Corporation and Nichia America Corporation in the United States District Court for the Central District of California, alleging infringement of certain of DSS’s LED patents. The Company is seeking a judgment for infringement of the patents along with other relief including, but not limited to, money damages, costs and disbursements. The case is currently pending as of the date of this Report. On May 10, 2018, Nichia filed an IPR petition challenging the validity of claims under U.S. Patent No. 7,919,787. On May 11, 2018, Nichia filed an IPR petition challenging the validity of claims under U.S. Patent No. 7,652,297. On May 25, 2018, Nichia filed an IPR petition challenging the validity of claims under U.S. Patent No. 7,524,087. On May 29, 2018, Nichia filed an IPR petition challenging the validity of claims under U.S. Patent No. 6,949,771. On May 30, 2018, Nichia filed an IPR petition challenging the validity of claims under U.S. Patent No. 7,256,486. The 6,949,771 IPR was denied institution, but the remaining IPRs were instituted by the PTAB. On December 10, 2018, Nichia refiled IPRs relating to 6,949,771, which was denied by the PTAB on April 15, 2019. These challenged patents are the patents that are the subject matter of the infringement lawsuit, which is pending but stayed pending the outcome of the IPR proceedings. On September 17, 2019, the PTAB issued a written decision determining claims 1-14 of the ‘787 patent unpatentable. The Company did not appeal that determination. On October 30, 2019, the PTAB issued a written decision determining claims 1-17 of the ‘297 patent unpatentable. The Company did not appeal that determination. On November 19, 2019, the PTAB issued a written decision determining claims 1-5 of the ‘486 patent unpatentable. The Company has appealed that determination to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.

On September 18, 2019, DSS filed a patent infringement lawsuit against Seoul Semiconductor Co., Ltd. and Seoul Semiconductor Inc. in the United States District Court for the Central District of California alleging infringement of U.S. Patent No. 7,315,119. The Company is seeking a judgment for infringement of the patents along with other relief including, but not limited to, money damages, costs and disbursements. The Court has conducted an initial scheduling conference and has set a procedural schedule for the case.

On September 19, 2019, DSS filed a patent infringement lawsuit against Cree, Inc. in the United States District Court for the Central District of California alleging infringement of U.S. Patent No. 6,784,460. The Company is seeking a judgment for infringement of the patents along with other relief including, but not limited to, money damages, costs and disbursements. On February 11, 2020, Cree filed an IPR petition challenging the validity of the patent claims. The Court has conducted an initial scheduling conference and has set a procedural schedule for the case.

On September 20, 2019, DSS filed a patent infringement lawsuit against Nichia Corp. and Nichia America Corp. in the United States District Court for the Central District of California alleging infringement of U.S. Patent No. 6,879,040. The Company is seeking a judgment for infringement of the patents along with other relief including, but not limited to, money damages, costs and disbursements. The Court has conducted an initial scheduling conference and has set a procedural schedule for the case.

In April 2019, DSS commenced an action in New York State Supreme Court, Monroe County against Jeffrey Ronaldi, our former Chief Executive Officer. This New York action seeks a declaratory judgment that, contrary to informal claims made by him, Mr. Ronaldi’s employment agreement with us expired by its terms and that he is not entitled to any cash bonuses or other unpaid amounts. The lawsuit also seeks an injunction against Mr. Ronaldi from interfering with any of DSS’ IP litigation. The defendant has been granted an extension to respond pending settlement negotiations. Mr. Ronaldi subsequently commenced an action against us in the Superior Court of California, County of San Diego, in November 2019, in which he alleges that we terminated his employment in April 2019 in order to avoid paying him certain employment-related amounts. Mr. Ronaldi contends that he is owed a $100,000 performance bonus for 2017 under this employment agreement with us as well as $91,000 in documented and unreimbursed expenses, and that DSS purported to terminate him for cause under the terms of his employment agreement in order to avoid paying such amounts. Mr. Ronaldi also contends that he is entitled to receive additional amounts, either under the terms of the employment agreement, or under theories of implied-in-fact contract or promissory estoppel, including, but not limited to, (i) additional performance bonuses of up to 15% of net litigation proceeds received by us from pending patent infringement litigations, of net licensing proceeds received by us other than from our internally developed IP, or of the net sales proceeds received by us in connection with the sale of any of our patent assets, (ii) earned but unpaid base salary, (iii) an equity grant of shares of our common stock, and (iv) payments for unused personal time and sick days. He seeks actual, compensatory, restitutionary and/or incidental damages in an amount to be determined at trial; prejudgment interest in an amount to be determined at trial; attorneys’ fees and costs; other costs of the suit; and such other and further relief as the court deems proper. We have made a motion to have the case dismissed and consolidated with the Monroe Co., New York, litigation. A hearing has been set for April 24, 2020, for the court to consider that request. Additionally, on March 2, 2020, DSS and DSSTM filed a second litigation action against Jeffrey Ronaldi in the State of New York, Supreme Court, County of Monroe alleging acts of self-dealing and conflicts of interest while he served as CEO of both DSS and DSS TM. That litigation is in the process of being served upon the defendant.

On November 20, 2019, DSS Technology Management was sued in the United States District Court, Northern District of California, by Intel Corporation (“Intel”) and Apple Inc. (“Apple”). The other defendants in the litigation are Fortress Investment Group LLC, Fortress Credit Co. LLC, Uniloc 2017 LLC, Uniloc USA, INC., Uniloc Luxembourg S.A.R.L., VLSI Technology LLC, INVT SPE LLC, Inventergy Global, INC., IXI IP, LLC, and Seven Networks, LLC. The complaint includes allegations regarding a February 13, 2014 Investment Agreement between DSS Technology Management and Fortress Credit Co. LLC as well as two subsequent agreements. The complaint also contains allegations regarding DSS Technology Management’s lawsuit against Intel that was filed in February 2015 in the United States District Court, Eastern District of Texas (referred to below). In the complaint, Intel and Apple allege violations of Section 1 of the Sherman Act and unfair competition under Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code § 17200 against DSS Technology Management. Additional claims are alleged against other defendants. Intel and Apple seek relief from the court including that defendants’ conduct be declared a violation of Section 1 of the Sherman Act, Section 7 of the Clayton Act, and Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code § 17200, et seq.; that Intel and Apple recover damages against defendants in an amount to be determined and multiplied to the extent provided by law, including under Section 4 of the Clayton Act; that all contracts or agreements defendants entered into in violation of the Sherman Act, Clayton Act, or Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code § 17200, et seq. be declared void and the patents covered by those transfer agreements be transferred back to the transferors; that all patents transferred to defendants in violation of the Sherman Act, Clayton Act, or Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code § 17200, et seq. be declared unenforceable; and that Intel and Apple recover their costs and expenses associated with this case, together with interest. On December 13, 2019, the court granted the parties’ stipulation to extend the deadline for DSS Technology Management and other defendants to respond to the complaint to February 4, 2020. A hearing on any motions filed in response to the complaint is set for April 23, 2020.

In addition to the foregoing, we may become subject to other legal proceedings that arise in the ordinary course of business and have not been finally adjudicated. Adverse decisions in any of the foregoing may have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, cash flows or our financial condition. The Company accrues for potential litigation losses when a loss is probable and estimable.

ITEM 4 - MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not applicable.

Part II

ITEM 5 - MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

Market Information

Our common stock is listed on the NYSE American LLC Exchange, where it trades under the symbol “DSS”

Holders of Record

As of March 20, 2020, we had 242 record holders of our common stock. This number does not include the number of persons whose shares are in nominee or in “street name” accounts through brokers.

Dividends

We did not pay dividends during 2019 or 2018. We anticipate that we will retain any earnings and other cash resources for investment in our business. The payment of dividends on our common stock is subject to the discretion of our board of directors and will depend on our operations, financial position, financial requirements, general business conditions, restrictions imposed by financing arrangements, if any, legal restrictions on the payment of dividends and other factors that our board of directors deems relevant.

Securities authorized for issuance under equity compensation plans

As of December 31, 2019, securities issued and securities available for future issuance under both our 2013 and 2020 Employee, Director and Consultant Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plans”) is as follows:

The warrants listed in the table above were issued to third party service providers in partial or full payment for services rendered and in conjunction with third party funding agreements.

Recent Issuances of Unregistered Securities

Information regarding any equity securities we have sold during the period covered by this Report that were not registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and was not included in a quarterly report on Form 10-Q or in a current report on Form 8-K, is set forth below. Each such transaction was exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act by virtue of Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act or Rule 506 of Regulation D promulgated by the SEC, unless otherwise noted. Unless stated otherwise: (i) the securities were offered and sold only to accredited investors; (ii) there was no general solicitation or general advertising related to the offerings; (iii) each of the persons who received these unregistered securities had knowledge and experience in financial and business matters which allowed them to evaluate the merits and risk of the receipt of these securities, and that they were knowledgeable about our operations and financial condition; (iv) no underwriter participated in, nor did we pay any commissions or fees to any underwriter in connection with the transactions; and, (v) each certificate issued for these unregistered securities contained a legend stating that the securities have not been registered under the Securities Act and setting forth the restrictions on the transferability and the sale of the securities.

On December 17, 2018, the Company sold 612,245 shares of its common stock to an accredited investor, at a price of $0.98 per share.

On October 29, 2019 and subsequently October 30, 2019, the Audit Committee and the Board approved the issuance of common stock, not to exceed 6,000,000 shares, via private placement with a related party. Pursuant to a Subscription Agreement, the Company issued 6,000,000 shares of Common Stock to LiquidValue Development Pte LTD, a company owned and controlled by Mr. Heng Fai Ambrose Chan, Chairman of the Board of Directors for DSS, for an above market purchase price equal to $0.30 per share for gross proceeds to the Company of $1,822,200 (before deductions for placement agent fees and other expenses). This transaction was executed on November 1, 2019.

Shares Repurchased by the Registrant

We did not purchase or repurchase any of our securities in the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, including the fourth quarter.

ITEM 6 - SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

Not applicable.

ITEM 7 - MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

The SEC encourages companies to disclose forward-looking information so that investors can better understand a company’s future prospects and make informed investment decisions.

Forward-looking statements that may appear in this Annual Report, including without limitation, statements related to the Company’s plans, strategies, objectives, expectations, intentions and adequacy of resources, are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act and contain the words “believes,” “anticipates,” “expects,” “plans,” “intends” and similar words and phrases. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results projected in any forward-looking statement. The forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this Annual Report, and we assume no obligation to update the forward-looking statements, or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Investors should consult all of the information set forth in this Annual Report and the other information set forth from time to time in our reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, including our reports on Forms 10-Q and 8-K.

The following discussion and analysis provides information that our management believes is relevant to an assessment and understanding of our results of operations and financial condition. The discussion should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and footnotes included in Item 8 of this Annual Report.

Overview

Document Security Systems, Inc. (together with its consolidated subsidiaries (unless the context otherwise requires), referred to herein as “Document Security Systems,” “DSS,” “we,” “us,” “our” or the “Company”) was formed in New York in 1984 and, in 2002, chose to strategically focus on becoming a developer and marketer of secure document and product technologies. We specialize in creating dynamic solutions that protect against fraud and ensure the well-being of consumers worldwide. Our mission is to make and deliver world-class authentication, counterfeit prevention and consumer engagement technology attainable and integrated into every product we offer. The Company holds numerous patents for optical deterrent and authentication technologies that provide protection of printed information from unauthorized alterations, scanning and copying. We operate two production facilities, consisting of a combined security printing and packaging facility and a plastic card facility, where we produce secure and non-secure products for our customers. We also license our anti-counterfeiting technologies to printers and brand-owners. In addition, through our digital division, we provide cloud computing services for our customers, including disaster recovery, back-up and data security services.

Prior to 2006, our primary revenue source in our document security division was derived from the licensing of our technology. In 2006, we began a series of acquisitions designed to expand our ability to produce products for end-user customers. In 2006, we acquired Plastic Printing Professionals, Inc., a privately held plastic cards manufacturer located in the San Francisco, California, area (referred to herein as the “DSS Plastics Group”). In 2008, we acquired DPI of Rochester, LLC, a privately held commercial printer located in Rochester, New York. In 2010, we acquired Premier Packaging Corporation, a privately held packaging company located in Victor, New York (referred to herein as the “DSS Packaging and Printing Group”). In May 2011, we acquired ExtraDev, Inc., a privately held information technology and cloud computing company located in Rochester, New York. In 2016, ExtraDev, Inc. changed its name to DSS Digital Inc. DSS Digital Inc. is also referred to herein as the “DSS Digital Group.”

In July 2013, the Company expanded its business focus by acquiring Lexington Technology Group, Inc. (“Lexington”), a private intellectual property monetization company. Lexington’s business was primarily to acquire intellectual property assets for the purpose or monetizing these assets through a variety of value-enhancing initiatives, including, but not limited to, investments in the development and commercialization of patented technologies, licensing, strategic partnerships and litigation. DSS Technology Management, Inc., which is also referred to herein as “DSS Technology Management,” was established as a DSS subsidiary to house, account for and further develop this line of business. While similar to Lexington’s business model, DSS Technology Management focuses on extracting the economic benefits of intellectual property assets through acquiring or internally developing patents or other intellectual property assets (or interests therein) and then monetizing such assets through a variety of value enhancing initiatives. However, the Company, as we elaborate below, has determined that it is in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders to wind down our intellectual property monetization business and refocus our efforts on our other existing businesses as well as explore potential new business lines

In January 2018, we commenced international operations for our DSS Digital Group with our wholly owned subsidiary, DSS Asia Limited, in our office in Hong Kong. In December 2018, this division acquired Guangzhou Hotapps Technology Ltd, a Chinese company with a valuable license enabling us to do business in China

We do business in four operating segments: packaging and printing; plastics; digital; and technology management, which includes our IP monetization business. 

 Impact of COVID-19 Outbreak

On January 30, 2020, the World Health Organization declared the coronavirus outbreak a “Public Health Emergency of International Concern” and on March 10, 2020, declared it to be a pandemic. Actions taken around the world to help mitigate the spread of the coronavirus include restrictions on travel, and quarantines in certain areas, and forced closures for certain types of public places and businesses. The coronavirus and actions taken to mitigate it have had and are expected to continue to have an adverse impact on the economies and financial markets of many countries, including the geographical area in which the Company operates. While the closures and limitations on movement, domestically and internationally, are expected to be temporary, if the outbreak continues on its current trajectory the duration of the supply chain disruption could reduce the availability, or result in delays, of materials or supplies to and from the Company, which in turn could materially interrupt the Company’s business operations. Given the speed and frequency of the continuously evolving developments with respect to this pandemic, the Company cannot reasonably estimate the magnitude of the impact to its consolidated results of operations. The Company’s manufacturing facilities in both California and New York support business have been deemed essential by their respective state governments and remain operational. We have taken every precaution possible to ensure the safety of our employees.

Additionally, it is reasonably possible that estimates made in the financial statements have been, or will be, materially and adversely impacted in the near term as a result of these conditions, including losses on inventory; impairment losses related to goodwill and other long-lived assets and current obligations.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS FOR THE FISCAL YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019 AND 2018

Revenue

Revenue - For the year ended December 31, 2019, revenue increased 5% to approximately $19.4 million as compared to revenues of $18.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2018. Printed products sales, which include sales of packaging, printing and plastic products, increased 1% in 2019 as compared to 2019, driven by an increase in the sales of printing and packaging products of 4% offset by a decrease in sales of plastic card products of 8% . The Company’s technology sales, services and licensing revenues increased 36% in 2019, as compared to 2018, due primarily to increases in sales of our AuthentiGuard product, which increased approximately $642,000 year-over-year.

Costs and Expenses

Costs of revenue sold, exclusive of depreciation and amortization includes all direct cost of the Company’s printed products, including its packaging, printing and plastic ID card sales, materials, direct labor, transportation and manufacturing facility costs. In addition, this category includes all direct costs associated with the Company’s technology sales, services and licensing including hardware and software that are resold, third-party fees, and fees paid to inventors or others as a result of technology licenses or settlements, if any. Costs of revenue increased 6% in 2019 as compared to 2018, primarily due to an increase in paperboard costs and outside service costs at our packaging division.

Sales, general and administrative compensation costs, decreased 3% in 2019 as compared to 2018, primarily due to the impact cost control activities taken during the year within the Digital and Corporate segments. The cost controlling resulting in a decrease $1.1 million in annualized payroll and payroll related costs. These measures were offset with additions of key personnel to support the Company’s strategic plan.

Depreciation and amortization include the depreciation of machinery and equipment used for production, depreciation of office equipment and building and leasehold improvements, amortization of software, and amortization of acquired intangible assets such as customer lists, trademarks, non-competition agreements and patents, and internally developed patent assets. Depreciation and amortization expense increased by 10% during 2019, as compared to 2018, primarily due to twelve months of expense associated with the non-compete agreement with a former executive, as well as capital additions throughout 2019.

Professional fees increased 85% in 2019 as compared to 2018, primarily due to an increase in legal fees associated with the Company’s intellectual property litigation matters , outsourcing corporate legal matters, as well as cost of approximately $0.5 million associated with the diversification of the Company’s revenue portfolio.

Stock based compensation includes expense charges for all stock-based awards to employees, directors and consultants. Such awards include option grants, warrant grants, and restricted stock awards. Stock-based compensation costs increased 220% in 2019 as compared to 2018 due to a stock based compensation totaling approximately $114,500 accrued for the CEO of a subsidiary of the Company. Also, in July 2019, by unanimous written consent, the Board of Directors authorized the Company to issue individual stock grants of the Company’s common stock, pursuant to the Company’s 2013 Employee, Director and Consultant Equity Incentive Plan, to certain officers and directors in the amount of 458,719 shares, at $0.42 per share which were immediately vested and issued on September 6, 2019.

Sales and marketing costs, which includes internet and trade publication advertising, travel and entertainment costs, sales-broker commissions, and trade show participation expenses, increased 10% during 2019 as compared to 2018, primarily due to increase in travel due to on boarding new customers associated with our AuthentiGuard product.

Rent and utilities increased 30% during 2019 as compared to 2018 due to increases in rental costs for warehousing space at the Company’s packaging division as well as cost at the Company’s plastic division.

Other operating expenses consist primarily of equipment maintenance and repairs, office supplies, IT support, bad debt expense, insurance costs , and corporate travel. Other operating expenses increased 48% in 2019 compared to 2018 which primarily reflected increases in office, equipment rental and maintenance , as well as travel associated with corporate activities costs in 2019.

Research and development costs consist primarily of third-party research costs and consulting costs. During the year ended December 31, 2019, Research and development costs decreased 108% as compared to the same period in 2018 primarily due to development costs related to the development of proprietary blockchain solutions for the Company’s AuthentiGuard product line recognized in 2018, as well as receipt of an anticipated $33,000 refund on development costs for the development of proprietary block chain solutions for DSS International.

Other Income and Expense

Interest income increased 178%, during the year ended December 31, 2019, as compared to the same period in 2018, due revenue recognized on the Company’s money market account and notes receivable.

Interest expense increased 8%, during the year ended December 31, 2019, as compared to the same period in 2018, due to the interest expense incurred with the settlement of the swap agreement associated with the consolidation of the two Promissory Notes.

Amortized debt discount decreased 96% during the year ended December 31, 2019, as compared to the same period in 2018, due to a decrease in the total debt carried by the Company in 2019 as compared to 2018.

Impairment of investment During the 4^th quarter of 2018, the Company determined that its investment in Singapore eDevelopment (“SED”) was impaired due to the decline in the share price of SED, especially since November of 2018, which the Company believes was influenced by a general decline in equity markets in Asia caused by the tariff dispute between the United States and China. The Company has carried its investment in SED at costs in accordance with ASU No. 2016-01, “Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities” as the Company determined that these trading value of the SED share did not represent a readily determinable fair value due to a potential lack of liquidity of the SED shares due to a low average trading volume of the SED shares and the effect of the time restriction on the ability of the Company to sell the shares until September 17, 2019. As such, in response to the decline in the trading value of the SED shares in the fourth quarter of 2018, the Company performed an impairment test and determined an impairment of approximately $160,000 was warranted.

Gain on extinguishment of liabilities, net On June 26, 2018, the Company reached an agreement with one of its third-party IP monetization co-investors that, among other things, discharged the amounts recorded as liabilities by the Company under an agreement executed in 2014. As a result this agreement, the Company recorded a gain of extinguishment of liabilities of $3,714,129 to reflect the discharge of the notes, a write down of other current labilities of $114,000 to reflect the elimination of the contingent equity interests of $459,000 offset by the repayment of the $345,000 restricted cash, and the Company wrote-off the value of the underlying patents which had a net book value of $295,470, all of which resulted in the a net gain on the extinguishment of liabilities of $3,532,659 recorded in the period ended June 30, 2018.

Net Income (Loss) Per Share

During 2019, the Company had net loss of $2.9 million as compared to a net income of $1.5 million in 2018, representing a 468% decrease. This achievement of net income in 2018 is primarily due to the impact of a one time net gain from extinguishment of liabilities of approximately $3.5 million which occurred during the second quarter of 2018, offset by the operating loss incurred during 2018.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

The Company has historically met its liquidity and capital requirements primarily through the sale of its equity securities and debt financings. As of December 31, 2019, the Company had cash of approximately $1.1 million. As of December 31, 2019, the Company believes that it has sufficient cash to meet its cash requirements for at least the next 12 months from the filing date of this Annual Report. In addition, the Company believes that it will have access to sources of capital from the sale of its equity securities and debt financings.

Operating Cash Flow - During 2019, the Company expended approximately $5.3 million for operations, which generally reflected by decreases in accrued expenses and other liabilities, and an increase in accounts receivable, offset by a decrease in inventory and an increase in accounts payable balances, respectively.

Investing Cash Flow - During 2019, the Company expended approximately $989,000 on equipment for its packaging and plastic card operations for various machinery, equipment, and software including a folder-gluer machine for packaging and laminating plates for plastic card operations. In addition, the Company expended approximately $370,000 on intangible assets, and $1.8 million on the purchase of investments

Financing Cash Flows - During 2019, the Company made aggregate principal payments on long-term debt of approximately $274,000 million. In addition, the Company also received proceeds of approximately $1.1 million in borrowings from the lines of credit for its printing divisions, and approximately $6.7 million from the sale of the Company’s common stock.

Continuing Operations and Going Concern – The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming that we will continue as a going concern. This basis of accounting contemplates the recovery of our assets and the satisfaction of liabilities in the normal course of business. These consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments to the specific amounts and classifications of assets and liabilities, which might be necessary should we be unable to continue as a going concern. While the Company has approximately $1.1 million in cash, and a positive working capital position of approximately $3.2 million as of December 31, 2019, the Company has incurred negative cash flows from operating and investing activities over the past two years and has incurred negative cash flows from operations in 2019. To continue as a going concern, on June 5, 2019, the Company entered into an underwriting agreement with Aegis Capital Corp., acting as representative of the several underwriters, which provided for the issuance and sale by the Company in an underwritten public offering (the “Offering”) of 11,200,000 shares of the Company’s common stock. The Company also granted the Underwriters a 45-day option to purchase up to 1,680,000 additional shares of the Company’s common stock on the same terms and conditions for the purpose of covering any over-allotments in connection with the Offering (519,186 shares were exercised on July 18, 2019.) The net offering proceeds to the Company was approximately $5.0 million, inclusive of the July 18, 2019 transaction and after deducting underwriting discounts, commissions and other offering expenses. On February 25, 2020, the Company entered into another underwriting agreement with Aegis Capital Corp., acting as representative of the several underwriters, which provided for the issuance and sale by the Company in an underwritten public offering (the “Offering”) of 25,555,556 shares (inclusive of 3,333,333 over-allotment that was exercised immediately) of the Company’s common stock. The net offering proceeds to the Company approximated $4.0 million.

The expected use of cash for operations in 2020 will be primarily for funding operating losses, working capital, legal expenses associated with its intellectual property related litigation, and the costs associated with the global roll-out of the Company’s AuthentiGuard product line. The Company will also use these funds to make capital improvements at its two manufacturing facilities to increase production capacity and create efficiencies, as well as to diversify its revenue streams and take advantage of profit opportunities.

The Company’s management intends to take actions necessary to continue as a going concern. Management’s plans concerning these matters includes, among other things, continued growth among our operating segments including international expansion of our AuthentiGuard product, and tightly controlling operating costs and reducing spending growth rates wherever possible to return to profitability.

We believe that our $1.1 million in aggregate cash and equivalents as of December 31, 2019, as well as the $4.0 million raised on February 25, 2020 will allow us to fund our four operating segments and planned operations through March 2021. Based on this, as well as the additional funding raised in February 2020, we have concluded that substantial doubt of our ability to continue as a going concern has been alleviated.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements that have, or are reasonably likely to have, an effect on our financial condition, financial statements, revenues or expenses.

Inflation

Although our operations are influenced by general economic conditions, we do not believe that inflation had a material effect on our results of operations during 2019 or 2018 as we are generally able to pass the increase in our material and labor costs to our customers or absorb them as we improve the efficiency of our operations.

Critical Accounting Policies

The preparation of financial statements and related disclosures in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the U.S. (“U.S. GAAP”) requires management to make judgments, assumptions and estimates that affect the amounts reported in our consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. The Company’s consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 describe the significant accounting policies and methods used in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements.

Use of Estimates - The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires the Company to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported and disclosed in the financial statements and the accompanying notes. Actual results could differ materially from these estimates. On an ongoing basis, the Company evaluates its estimates, including those related to the accounts receivable, fair values of intangible assets and goodwill, useful lives of intangible assets and property and equipment, fair values of options and warrants to purchase the Company’s common stock, deferred revenue and income taxes, among others. The Company bases its estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities.

Investment - In accordance with ASC 325-20, the Company records its investment in common stock of Singapore eDevelopment Limited at cost, less impairment as the fair market value of the investment is not readily determinable. The Company evaluates investment for indications of impairment at least annually.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The Fair Value Measurement Topic of the FASB ASC establishes a three-tier fair value hierarchy which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurements). These tiers include:

The carrying amounts reported in the balance sheet of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, prepaids, accounts payable and accrued expenses approximate fair value because of the immediate or short-term maturity of these financial instruments. The fair value of notes receivable approximates their carrying value as the stated or discounted rates of the notes do not reflect recent market conditions. The fair value of revolving credit lines notes payable and long-term debt approximates their carrying value as the stated or discounted rates of the debt reflect recent market conditions. Derivative instruments, as discussed below, are recorded as assets and liabilities at estimated fair value based on available market information. The fair value of investments carried at cost less impairment; however, the fair value is not considered readily determinable based on the lack of liquidity for the shares owned. Impairment of Long-Lived Assets - The Company monitors the carrying value of long-lived assets for potential impairment and tests the recoverability of such assets whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts may not be recoverable. If a change in circumstance occurs, the Company performs a test of recoverability by comparing the carrying value of the asset or asset group to its undiscounted expected future cash flows. If cash flows cannot be separately and independently identified for a single asset, the Company will determine whether impairment has occurred for the group of assets for which the Company can identify the projected cash flows. If the carrying values are in excess of undiscounted expected future cash flows, the Company measures any impairment by comparing the fair value of the asset or asset group to its carrying value.

Revenue Recognition - The Company sells printed products including packaging printing and fabrication, commercial and security printing and plastic cards and badges, including cards and badges integrated with technology such as RFID and smart chips. The Company also provides information technology services and digital authentication products and services to its customers. The Company recognizes its products and services revenue based on when the title passes to the customer or when the service is completed and accepted by the customer. Revenue is measured as the amount of consideration the Company expects to receive in exchange for shipped product or service provided. Sales and other taxes billed and collected from customers are excluded from revenue. Customers, including distributors, do not have a general right of return. The Company also derives revenue from royalties from third parties which are typically based on licensees’ net sales of products that utilize the Company’s technology, or on a per item usage of the technology on the customers’ printed products. The Company recognizes license revenue at the time it is reported by the licensee. From time to time, the Company generates license revenues through litigation settlements. For these, the Company recognizes revenue upon the execution of the agreement, when collectability is reasonably assured, or upon receipt of the minimum upfront fee for term agreement renewals, and when all other revenue recognition criteria have been met.

As of December 31, 2019, the Company had no unsatisfied performance obligations for contracts with an original expected duration of greater than one year. Pursuant to Topic 606, the Company has applied the practical expedient with respect to disclosure of the deferral and future expected timing of revenue recognition for transaction price allocated to remaining performance obligations.

Goodwill - Goodwill is the excess of cost of an acquired entity over the fair value of amounts assigned to assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination. Goodwill is subject to impairment testing at least annually and will be tested for impairment between annual tests if an event occurs or circumstances change that would indicate the carrying amount may be impaired. FASB ASC Topic 350 provides an entity with the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances leads to a determination that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If, after assessing the totality of events or circumstances, an entity determines it is not more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, then performing the two-step impairment test is unnecessary. If the two-step impairment test is necessary, a fair-value-based test is applied at the reporting unit level, which is generally one level below the operating segment level. The test compares the fair value of an entity’s reporting units to the carrying value of those reporting units. This test requires various judgments and estimates. The Company estimates the fair value of the reporting unit using a market approach in combination with a discounted operating cash flow approach. Impairment of goodwill is measured as the excess of the carrying amount of goodwill over the fair values of recognized and unrecognized assets and liabilities of the reporting unit. An adjustment to goodwill will be recorded for any goodwill that is determined to be impaired. The Company tests goodwill for impairment at least annually in conjunction with preparation of its annual business plan, or more frequently if events or circumstances indicate it might be impaired.  

Other Intangible Assets and Patent Application Costs - Other intangible assets consists of costs associated with the application for patents, acquisition of patents and contractual rights to patents and trade secrets associated with the Company’s technologies. The Company’s patents and trade secrets are generally for document anti-counterfeiting and anti-scanning technologies and processes that form the basis of the Company’s document security business. Patent application costs are capitalized and amortized over the estimated useful life of the patent, which generally approximates its legal life. In addition, intangible assets include customer lists and non-compete agreements obtained as a result of acquisitions. Intangible asset amortization expense is classified as an operating expense. The Company believes that the decision to incur patent costs is discretionary as the associated products or services can be sold prior to or during the application process. The Company accounts for other intangible amortization as an operating expense, unless the underlying asset is directly associated with the production or delivery of a product. Subsequent to acquisition of patents and trade secrets, legal and associated costs incurred in prosecuting alleged infringements of the patents will be recognized as expense when incurred. Costs incurred to renew or extend the term of recognized intangible assets, including patent annuities and fees, and patent defense costs are expensed as incurred. To date, the amount of related amortization expense for other intangible assets directly attributable to revenue recognized is not material.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets - The Company monitors the carrying value of long-lived assets for potential impairment and tests the recoverability of such assets whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts may not be recoverable. If a change in circumstance occurs, the Company performs a test of recoverability by comparing the carrying value of the asset or asset group to its undiscounted expected future cash flows. If cash flows cannot be separately and independently identified for a single asset, the Company will determine whether impairment has occurred for the group of assets for which the Company can identify the projected cash flows. If the carrying values are in excess of undiscounted expected future cash flows, the Company measures any impairment by comparing the fair value of the asset or asset group to its carrying value.

Contingent Legal Expenses - Contingent legal fees are expensed in the consolidated statements of operations in the period that the related revenues are recognized. In instances where there are no recoveries from potential infringers, no contingent legal fees are paid; however, the Company may be liable for certain out of pocket legal costs incurred pursuant to the underlying legal services agreement that will be paid out from the proceeds from settlements or licenses that arise pursuant to an enforcement action, which will be expensed as legal fees in the period in which the payment of such fees is probable. Any unamortized patent acquisition costs will be expensed in the period in which a conclusion is reached in an enforcement action that does not yield future royalties potential.

Segment Reporting – In accordance with ASC 280, the Company has identified its reportable segments and, for each period for which an income statement is presented, disclose certain information, separately by reportable segment, relative to the segment products or services, revenue, some items of expense and cash flow, profit or loss, and assets.

Continuing Operations and Going Concern – The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming that we will continue as a going concern. This basis of accounting contemplates the recovery of our assets and the satisfaction of liabilities in the normal course of business. These consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments to the specific amounts and classifications of assets and liabilities, which might be necessary should we be unable to continue as a going concern.

Share-Based Payments - We measure compensation cost for stock awards at fair value and recognize compensation expense over the service period for which awards are expected to vest. The Company uses the Black-Scholes-Merton option pricing model for determining the estimated fair value for stock-based awards. The Black-Scholes-Merton model requires the use of subjective assumptions which determine the fair value of stock-based awards, including the option’s expected term and the price volatility of the underlying stock. For equity instruments issued to consultants and vendors in exchange for goods and services, the Company determines the measurement date for the fair value of the equity instruments issued at the earlier of (i) the date at which a commitment for performance by the consultant or vendor is reached or (ii) the date at which the consultant or vendor’s performance is complete. In the case of equity instruments issued to consultants, the fair value of the equity instrument is recognized over the term of the consulting agreement.

Income Taxes - The Company recognizes estimated income taxes payable or refundable on income tax returns for the current year and for the estimated future tax effect attributable to temporary differences and carry-forwards. Measurement of deferred income items is based on enacted tax laws including tax rates, with the measurement of deferred income tax assets being reduced by available tax benefits not expected to be realized. We recognize penalties and accrued interest related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense.

Leases - The Company adopted ASU No. 2016-02 and its related amendments which introduced Leases (Topic 842, or “ASC 842”), as required, effective January 1, 2019 and elected the optional transition method that allows for a cumulative-effect adjustment in the period of adoption, without a restatement of prior periods. The new accounting standard requires lessees to recognize right-of-use (“ROU”) assets and corresponding lease liabilities for all leases with lease terms of greater than 12 months. Further, the Company elected a short-term lease exception policy, permitting the Company to not apply the recognition requirements of this standard to short-term leases (i.e. leases with terms of 12 months or less). As a result of the adoption, the Company adjusted its balance sheet by recording an ROU asset and lease liability. The adoption impacted the accompanying consolidated balance sheet, but did not have an impact on the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss). The Company uses a discount rate to determine the present value based on the rate implicit in the lease, if readily determinable, or its incremental borrowing rate.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements –See Note 2 “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” in the notes to our consolidated financial statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for information regarding recent accounting pronouncements.

ITEM 7A - QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Not applicable.

ITEM 8 - FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

Financial Statements

DOCUMENT SECURITY SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

TABLE OF CONTENTS

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders

Document Security Systems, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Opinion on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Document Security Systems, Inc. and Subsidiaries (the Company) as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, the related consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss), changes in stockholders’ equity and cash flows for the years then ended, and the related notes to the consolidated financial statement (collectively, the financial statements). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the years then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Basis for Opinion

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

Emphasis of a Matter

As discussed in Note 2 to the financial statements, the Company has changed its method of accounting for leases in 2019 due to the adoption of ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), and the related amendments. Our opinion is not modified with respect to this matter.

/s/ Freed Maxick CPAs, P.C.

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2004.

Rochester, New York

March 30, 2020

DOCUMENT SECURITY SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Balance Sheets

As of December 31,

See accompanying notes.

DOCUMENT SECURITY SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss)

For the Years Ended December 31,

See accompanying notes.

DOCUMENT SECURITY SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

For the Years Ended December 31,

See accompanying notes.

DOCUMENT SECURITY SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity

For the Years Ended December 31, 2019 and 2018

See accompanying notes.

DOCUMENT SECURITY SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 1 - DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS

Document Security Systems, Inc. (the “Company”), through two of its subsidiaries, Premier Packaging Corporation, which operates under the assumed name of DSS Packaging Group, and Plastic Printing Professionals, Inc., which operates under the name of DSS Plastics Group, operates in the security and commercial printing, packaging and plastic ID markets. The Company develops, markets, manufactures and sells paper and plastic products designed to protect valuable information from unauthorized scanning, copying, and digital imaging. The Company’s subsidiary, DSS Digital Inc., which also operates under the name of DSS Digital Group, researches, develops, markets and sells worldwide the Company’s digital products, including and primarily our AuthentiGuard® product, which is a brand authentication application that integrates the Company’s counterfeit deterrent technologies with proprietary digital data security-based solutions. The Company’s subsidiary, DSS Technology Management (“DSSTM”), Inc., manages, licenses and acquires intellectual property (“IP”) assets for the purpose of monetizing these assets through a variety of value-enhancing initiatives, including, but not limited to, investments in the development and commercialization of patented technologies, licensing, strategic partnerships and commercial litigation. In 2018, the Company commenced operations in the Asia Pacific market through its subsidiary DSS Asia Limited, which was formed in 2017.

In 2019, DSS created four new, wholly owned subsidiaries all of which currently have no employees and are in the exploratory stage and looking for opportunities. DSS Blockchain Security, Inc., that intends to specialize in the development of blockchain security technologies for tracking and tracing solutions for supply chain logistics and cyber securities across global markets. Decentralize Sharing Systems, Inc., that amongst other things, intends to provide services to assist companies utilizing blockchain technologies for sharing system solutions in the new economics of the peer-to-peer decentralized sharing marketplaces. DSS Securities, Inc., anticipates establishing or acquiring two parallel streams of digital asset exchanges in multiple jurisdictions: (i) securitized token exchanges, focusing on digitized assets from different vertical industries and (ii) utilities token exchanges, focusing on “blue-chip” utility tokens from solid businesses. DSS BioHealth Security, Inc., to invest in companies that include, but not limited to, holding bio-medical intellectual property and/or which have, or are securing, strategic alliances, partnerships and distributing rights for biomedical and security products, technologies or enterprises. This new division will focus on open-air defense initiatives, which curb transmission of air-borne infectious diseases such as tuberculosis, influenza, among others, in open areas. 

NOTE 2 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Principles of Consolidation - The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Document Security System and its subsidiaries. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Use of Estimates - The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires the Company to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported and disclosed in the financial statements and the accompanying notes. Actual results could differ materially from these estimates. On an ongoing basis, the Company evaluates its estimates, including those related to the accounts and notes receivable, inventory, fair values of investments , recoverability of long-lived assets and goodwill, useful lives of intangible assets and property and equipment, contingencies fair values of options and warrants to purchase the Company’s common stock, deferred revenue and income taxes , substantial doubt about ability to continue as a going concern among others. The Company bases its estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities.

Reclassifications - Certain amounts on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets for the year ended December 31, 2018 have been reclassified to conform to current year presentation.

Cash Equivalents - All highly liquid investments with maturities of three months or less at the date of purchase are classified as cash equivalents. Amounts included in cash equivalents in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets are money market funds whose adjusted costs approximate fair value.

Accounts Receivable - The Company extends credit to its customers in the normal course of business. The Company performs ongoing credit evaluations and generally do not require collateral. Payment terms are generally 30 days but up to net 105 for certain customers. The Company carries its trade accounts receivable at invoice amount less an allowance for doubtful accounts. On a periodic basis, the Company evaluates its accounts receivable and establishes an allowance for doubtful accounts based upon management’s estimates that include a review of the history of past write-offs and collections and an analysis of current credit conditions. At December 31, 2019, the Company established a reserve for doubtful accounts of approximately $41,000 ($50,000 – 2018). The Company does not accrue interest on past due accounts receivable.

Inventory - Inventories consist primarily of paper, plastic materials and cards, pre-printed security paper, paperboard and fully prepared packaging which and are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value on the first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) method. Packaging work-in-process and finished goods included the cost of materials, direct labor and overhead. At the closing of each reporting period, the Company evaluates its inventory in order to adjust the inventory balance for obsolete and slow moving items. No reserve was recorded at December 31, 2019 or 2018. Write-downs and write-offs are charged to cost of goods sold.

Property, Plant and Equipment - Property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives or lease period of the assets whichever is shorter. Expenditures for renewals and betterments are capitalized. Expenditures for minor items, repairs and maintenance are charged to operations as incurred. Any gain or loss upon sale or retirement due to obsolescence is reflected in the operating results in the period the event takes place. Depreciation expense in 2019 was approximately $943,000 ($795,000 - 2018).

Investment - – In accordance with ASC 325-20, the Company records its investment in common stock of Singapore eDevelopment Limited at cost, less impairment as the fair market value of the investment is not readily determinable. The Company evaluates investment for indications of impairment at least annually.

Goodwill - Goodwill is the excess of cost of an acquired entity over the fair value of amounts assigned to assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination. Goodwill is subject to impairment testing at least annually and will be tested for impairment between annual tests if an event occurs or circumstances change that would indicate the carrying amount may be impaired. Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 350 provides an entity with the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances leads to a determination that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If, after assessing the totality of events or circumstances, an entity determines it is not more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, then performing the two-step impairment test is unnecessary. If the two-step impairment test is necessary, a fair-value-based test is applied at the reporting unit level, which is generally one level below the operating segment level. The test compares the fair value of an entity’s reporting units to the carrying value of those reporting units. This test requires various judgments and estimates. The Company estimates the fair value of the reporting unit using a market approach in combination with a discounted operating cash flow approach. Impairment of goodwill is measured as the excess of the carrying amount of goodwill over the fair values of recognized and unrecognized assets and liabilities of the reporting unit. The Company performed its annual goodwill impairment test as of December 31, 2019, and no impairment was deemed necessary. At December 31, 2019 and 2018 the Company’s goodwill consisted of approximately $685,000 and $1,768,600 for Plastic Printing Professionals, and Premier Packaging Corp., respectively.

Other Intangible Assets and Patent Application Costs - Other intangible assets consist of costs associated with the application for patents, acquisition of patents and contractual rights to patents and trade secrets associated with the Company’s technologies. The Company’s patents and trade secrets are generally for document anti-counterfeiting and anti-scanning technologies and processes that form the basis of the Company’s document security business. Patent application costs are capitalized and amortized over the estimated useful life of the patent, which generally approximates its legal life. In addition, intangible assets include customer lists and non-compete agreements obtained because of acquisitions. Intangible asset amortization expense is classified as an operating expense. The Company believes that the decision to incur patent costs is discretionary as the associated products or services can be sold prior to or during the application process. The Company accounts for other intangible amortization as an operating expense, unless the underlying asset is directly associated with the production or delivery of a product. Subsequent to acquisition of patents and trade secrets, legal and associated costs incurred in prosecuting alleged infringements of the patents will be recognized as expense when incurred. Costs incurred to renew or extend the term of recognized intangible assets, including patent annuities and fees, and patent defense costs are expensed as incurred. To date, the amount of related amortization expense for other intangible assets directly attributable to revenue recognized is not material.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets - The Company monitors the carrying value of long-lived assets for potential impairment and tests the recoverability of such assets whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts may not be recoverable. If a change in circumstance occurs, the Company performs a test of recoverability by comparing the carrying value of the asset or asset group to its undiscounted expected future cash flows. If cash flows cannot be separately and independently identified for a single asset, the Company will determine whether impairment has occurred for the group of assets for which the Company can identify the projected cash flows. If the carrying values are in excess of undiscounted expected future cash flows, the Company measures any impairment by comparing the fair value of the asset or asset group to its carrying value.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The Fair Value Measurement Topic of the FASB ASC establishes a three-tier fair value hierarchy which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurements). These tiers include:

The carrying amounts reported in the balance sheet of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, prepaids, accounts payable and accrued expenses approximate fair value because of the immediate or short-term maturity of these financial instruments. The fair value of notes receivable approximates their carrying value as the stated or discounted rates of the notes do not reflect recent market conditions. The fair value of revolving credit lines notes payable and long-term debt approximates their carrying value as the stated or discounted rates of the debt reflect recent market conditions. Derivative instruments, as discussed below, are recorded as assets and liabilities at estimated fair value based on available market information. The fair value of investments carried at cost less impairment; however, the fair value is not considered readily determinable based on the lack of liquidity for the shares owned.

Derivative Instruments - The Company maintains an overall interest rate risk management strategy that may incorporate the use of interest rate swap contracts to minimize significant fluctuations in earnings that are caused by interest rate volatility. The Company had an interest rate swap that changes variable rates into fixed rates on one Citizens Bank term loan relating to the Company’s subsidiary, Premier Packaging. This swap qualified as a Level 2 fair value financial instrument. This swap agreement was not held for trading purposes and the Company did not intend to sell this derivative swap financial instrument. The Company recorded the interest swap agreement on the balance sheet at fair value because the agreement qualifies as a cash flow hedge under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Gains and losses on these instruments are recorded in other comprehensive loss until the underlying transaction is recorded in earnings. When the hedged item was realized, gains or losses are reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss (“AOCI”) to the consolidated statement of operations. The valuations of the interest rate swap has been derived from proprietary models of Citizens Bank, N.A (Citizens), based upon recognized financial principles and reasonable estimates about relevant future market conditions and may reflect certain other financial factors such as anticipated profit or hedging, transactional, and other costs. The notional amounts of the swap decreased over the life of the agreements. The Company would be exposed to a credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the counter parties to the interest rate swap agreements. The Company did not anticipate non-performance by the counter parties. The swap was settled in September 2019 with the effect of the settlement of an approximate loss of $22,000 recorded in other comprehensive income in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss).

Share-Based Payments - Compensation cost for stock awards are measured at fair value and the Company recognizes compensation expense over the service period for which awards are expected to vest. The Company uses the Black-Scholes-Merton option pricing model for determining the estimated fair value for stock-based awards. The Black-Scholes-Merton model requires the use of subjective assumptions which determine the fair value of stock-based awards, including the option’s expected term and the price volatility of the underlying stock. For equity instruments issued to consultants and vendors in exchange for goods and services the Company determines the measurement date for the fair value of the equity instruments issued at the earlier of (i) the date at which a commitment for performance by the consultant or vendor is reached or (ii) the date at which the consultant or vendor’s performance is complete. In the case of equity instruments issued to consultants, the fair value of the equity instrument is recognized over the term of the consulting agreement.

Revenue Recognition - Effective January 1, 2018, the Company adopted Topic 606 using the modified retrospective approach and applied the guidance to those contracts which were not completed as of January 1, 2018. Adoption of Topic 606 did not impact the timing of revenue recognition in the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements for the current or prior interim or annual periods.

The Company sells printed products including packaging printing and fabrication, commercial and security printing and plastic cards and badges, including cards and badges integrated with technology such as RFID and smart chips. The Company also provides information technology services and digital authentication products and services to its customers. The Company recognizes its products and services revenue based on when the title passes to the customer or when the service is completed and accepted by the customer. Revenue is measured as the amount of consideration the Company expects to receive in exchange for shipped product or service provided. Sales and other taxes billed and collected from customers are excluded from revenue. Customers, including distributors, do not have a general right of return. The Company also derives revenue from royalties from third parties which are typically based on licensees’ net sales of products that utilize the Company’s technology, or on a per item usage of the technology on the customers’ printed products. The Company recognizes license revenue at the time it is reported by the licensee. From time to time, the Company generates license revenues through litigation settlements. For these, the Company recognizes revenue upon the execution of the agreement, when collectability is reasonably assured, or upon receipt of the minimum upfront fee for term agreement renewals, and when all other revenue recognition criteria have been met.

As of December 31, 2019, the Company had no unsatisfied performance obligations for contracts with an original expected duration of greater than one year. Pursuant to Topic 606, the Company has applied the practical expedient with respect to disclosure of the deferral and future expected timing of revenue recognition for transaction price allocated to remaining performance obligations. The Company elected the practical expedient allowing it to not recognize as a contract asset the commission paid to its salesforce on the sale of its products as an incremental cost of obtaining a contract with a customer but rather recognize such commission as expense when incurred as the amortization period of the asset that the Company would have otherwise recognized is one year or less.

Sales Commissions

Sales commissions are expensed as incurred for contracts with an expected duration of one year or less. There were no sales commissions capitalized as of December 31, 2019.

Shipping and Handling Costs

Costs incurred by the Company related to shipping and handling are included in cost of products sold. Amounts charged to customers pertaining to these costs are reflected as revenue.

Costs of revenue - Costs of revenue includes all direct cost of the Company’s packaging, commercial and security printing and plastic ID card sales, primarily, paper, plastic, inks, dies, and other consumables, and direct labor, transportation and manufacturing facility costs. In addition, this category includes all direct costs associated with the Company’s technology sales, services and licensing including hardware and software that is resold, third-party fees, and fees paid to inventors or others as a result of technology licenses or settlements, if any. Costs of revenue recorded in the DSS Technology Management group include contingent legal fees, inventor royalties, legal, consulting and other professional fees directly related to the Company’s patent monetization, litigation and licensing activities. Amortization of patent costs and acquired technology are included in depreciation and amortization on the consolidated statement of operations. Costs of revenue do not include expenses related to product development, integration, and support. These costs are included in research and development, which is a component of selling, general and administrative expenses on the consolidated statement of operations. Legal costs are included in selling, general and administrative.

Contingent Legal Expenses - Contingent legal fees are expensed in the consolidated statements of operations in the period that the related revenues are recognized. In instances where there are no recoveries from potential infringers, no contingent legal fees are paid; however, the Company may be liable for certain out of pocket legal costs incurred pursuant to the underlying legal services agreement that will be paid out from the proceeds from settlements or licenses that arise pursuant to an enforcement action, which will be expensed as legal fees in the period in which the payment of such fees is probable. Any unamortized patent acquisition costs will be expensed in the period a conclusion is reached in an enforcement action that does not yield future royalties potential.

Advertising Costs – Generally consist of online, keyword advertising with Google with additional amounts spent on certain print media in targeted industry publications. Advertising costs were approximately $81,000 in 2018 ($67,000 – 2018).

Research and Development - Research and development costs are expensed as incurred. Research and development costs consist primarily of third-party research costs and consulting costs. The Company recognized a credit in 2019 of approximately $12,000 primarily due to receipt of the anticipated $33,000 refund on development costs for the development of proprietary blockchain solutions for the Company’s AuthentiGuard product line. In comparison, the Company spent approximately $146,000 and on research and development during 2018 primarily toward the development of the Company’s AuthentiGuard product line.

Income Taxes - The Company recognizes estimated income taxes payable or refundable on income tax returns for the current year and for the estimated future tax effect attributable to temporary differences and carry-forwards. Measurement of deferred income items is based on enacted tax laws including tax rates, with the measurement of deferred income tax assets being reduced by available tax benefits not expected to be realized. We recognize penalties and accrued interest related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense.

Earnings Per Common Share - The Company presents basic and diluted earnings per share. Basic earnings per share reflect the actual weighted average of shares issued and outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share are computed including the number of additional shares that would have been outstanding if dilutive potential shares had been issued and is calculated utilizing the treasury stock method. In a loss period, the calculation for basic and diluted earnings per share is the same, as the impact of potential common shares is anti-dilutive.

As of December 31, 2019, and 2018, there were 1,798,221 and 2,212,773, respectively, of common stock share equivalents potentially issuable under options, warrants, and restricted stock agreements that could potentially dilute basic earnings per share in the future. For the twelve-months ended December 31, 2019, equivalents were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share since their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive. For the twelve-months ended December 31, 2018, based on the average market price of the Company’s common stock during that period of $1.27, 206,429 common stock equivalents were added to the basic shares outstanding to calculate dilutive earnings per share.

Comprehensive Income (Loss) - Comprehensive income (loss) is defined as the change in equity of the Company during a period from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources. It consists of net income (loss) and other income and losses affecting stockholders’ equity that, under U.S. GAAP, are excluded from net income (loss). The change in fair value of interest rate swaps was the only item impacting accumulated other comprehensive loss for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018.

Concentration of Credit Risk - The Company maintains its cash in bank deposit accounts, which at times may exceed federally insured limits. The Company believes it is not exposed to any significant credit risk as a result of any non-performance by the financial institutions.

During 2019, two customers accounted for 45% of our consolidated revenue. As of December 31, 2019, these two customers accounted for 49% of our consolidated trade accounts receivable balance. As of December 31, 2018, these two customers accounted for 44% of our consolidated revenue and 38% of our consolidated trade accounts receivable balance.

Continuing Operations and Going Concern – The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming that we will continue as a going concern. This basis of accounting contemplates the recovery of our assets and the satisfaction of liabilities in the normal course of business. These consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments to the specific amounts and classifications of assets and liabilities, which might be necessary should we be unable to continue as a going concern. While the Company has approximately $1.1 million in cash and cash equivalents, and a positive working capital position of approximately $3.2 million as of December 31, 2019, the Company has incurred negative cash flows from operating and investing activities over the past two years. To continue as a going concern, on June 5, 2019, the Company entered into an underwriting agreement with Aegis Capital Corp., acting as representative of the several underwriters, which provided for the issuance and sale by the Company in an underwritten public offering (the “Offering”) of 11,200,000 shares of the Company’s common stock. The Company also granted the Underwriters a 45-day option to purchase up to 1,680,000 additional shares of the Company’s common stock on the same terms and conditions for the purpose of covering any over-allotments in connection with the Offering (519,186 shares were exercised on July 18, 2019.) The net offering proceeds to the Company was approximately $5.0 million, inclusive of the July 18, 2019 transaction and after deducting underwriting discounts, commissions and other offering expenses. Also, on February 25, 2020, Company entered into an underwriting agreement with Aegis Capital Corp., acting as representative of the several underwriters, which provided for the issuance and sale by the Company in an underwritten public offering (the “Offering”) of 25,555,556 shares (inclusive of 3,333,333 over-allotment that was exercised immediately) of the Company’s common stock. The net offering proceeds (inclusive of the over-allotment exercise) to the Company approximated $4.0 million.

The expected use of cash for operations in 2020 will be primarily for funding operating losses, working capital, legal expenses associated with intellectual property related litigation, and the costs associated with the global roll-out of the Company’s AuthentiGuard product line. The Company will also use these funds to make capital improvements at its two manufacturing facilities to increase production capacity and create efficiencies, as well as to diversify its revenue streams and take advantage of profit opportunities.

The Company’s management intends to take actions necessary to continue as a going concern. Management’s plans concerning these matters includes, among other things, continued growth among our operating segments including international expansion of our AuthentiGuard product, and tightly controlling operating costs and reducing spending growth rates wherever possible to return to profitability.

We believe that our $1.1 million in aggregate cash and equivalents as of December 31, 2019 as well as the $4.0 million raised on February 25, 2020 will allow us to fund our four operating segments current and planned operations through March 2021. Based on this, we have concluded that substantial doubt of our ability to continue as a going concern has been alleviated.

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements –

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02 and its related amendments which introduced Leases (Topic 842, or “ASC 842”), a new comprehensive lease accounting model that supersedes the current lease guidance under Leases (Topic 840). The new accounting standard requires lessees to recognize right-of-use (“ROU”) assets and corresponding lease liabilities for all leases with lease terms of greater than 12 months. It also changes the definition of a lease and expands the disclosure requirements of lease arrangements. In July 2018, the FASB added a transition option for implementation that allows companies to continue to use the legacy guidance in ASC 840, Leases, including its disclosure requirements, in the comparative periods presented in the year of adoption. The Company adopted the guidance effective January 1, 2019. The Company elected the transition package of three practical expedients permitted under the transition guidance and elected the optional transition method that allows for a cumulative-effect adjustment in the period of adoption, without a restatement of prior periods. Further, the Company elected a short-term lease exception policy, permitting the Company to not apply the recognition requirements of this standard to short-term leases (i.e. leases with terms of 12 months or less). As a result of the adoption, the Company adjusted its beginning balance as of January 1, 2019 by recording operating lease ROU asset and liabilities through a cumulative-effect adjustment. The adoption impacted the accompanying consolidated balance sheet, but did not have an impact on the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss).

At the inception of a contractual arrangement, the Company determines whether the contract contains a lease by assessing whether there is an identified asset and whether the contract conveys the right to control the use of the identified asset in exchange for consideration over a period of time. If both criteria are met, the Company calculates the associated lease liability and corresponding ROU assets upon lease commencement using a discount rate based on a credit adjusted secured borrowing rate commensurate with the term of the lease. The Company records lease liabilities within current or noncurrent liabilities based upon the length of time associated with the lease payments. The operating lease ROU assets includes any lease payments made and excludes lease incentives and initial direct costs incurred, if any, and are recorded as noncurrent assets. Lease terms may include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that the Company will exercise that option. Leases with an initial term of 12 months or less are not recorded on the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. Lease expense for minimum lease payments is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. The impact of the adoption of ASC 842 on the accompanying consolidated balance sheet as of January 1, 2019 was a right-of-use asset and a lease liability of approximately $1,443,800.  

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In June 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-13, “Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326)”, which requires entities to measure all expected credit losses for financial assets held at the reporting date based on historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. This replaces the existing incurred loss model and is applicable to the measurement of credit losses on financial assets measured at amortized cost. This guidance is effective for the Company for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2022. The Company is currently assessing the impact that adopting this new accounting standard will have on our consolidated financial statements.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, “Intangibles – Goodwill and Other (Topic 350) – Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment”, which eliminates the two-step process that required identification of potential impairment and a separate measure of the actual impairment. The annual assessment of goodwill impairment will be determined by using the difference between the carrying amount and the fair value of the reporting unit. The standards update is effective for goodwill impairment tests in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. The Company is currently assessing the impact that adopting this new accounting standard will have on its Consolidated Financial Statements and plans to adopt ASU 2017-04 in the first quarter of 2020.

NOTE 3 – INVENTORY

Inventory consisted of the following at December 31:

NOTE 4 – NOTES RECEIVABLE

On October 10, 2019, the Company entered into a convertible promissory note (“Note”) with Century TBD Holdings, LLC (“TBD”), a Florida limited liability company. The Company loaned the principal sum of $500,000, of which up to $500,000 and all accrued interest can be paid by an “Optional Conversion” of such amount up to 19.8% (non-dilutable) of all outstanding membership interest in TBD. This Note accrues interest at 6% and matures on October 9, 2021. As of December 31, 2019, this Note had outstanding principle and interest of $506,756.

On October 9, 2019 and November 11, 2019 the Company entered into two, separate on demand, convertible notes (“Note” or “Notes”) with RBC Life Sciences, Inc. (RBC), a Nevada corporation. The first Note, dated October 9^th, lent the principal sum of $200,000 and accrues interest at 6% with a maturity date of November 11, 2019. This Note also contains an “Optional Conversion” clause that allows the Company at any time, before or after the occurrence of an Event of Default, at its option, to convert the outstanding principal amount, plus accrued interest into a number of newly issued shares of its common stock equal to 75% of the total shares common stock that will be outstanding upon such conversion at a fully-diluted basis. At December 31, 2019, this Noted had outstanding principle and interest of $203,988. The second Note, dated November 11^th, allowed for the borrow by RBC up to an aggregate principal sum of $800,000 and accrues interest at 10% with a maturity date of November 11, 2024. Interest on any outstanding principal is payable monthly commencing on December 25, 2019. Any amount of principal repaid during this time is allowed to be re-borrowed at any time prior to the earlier of the termination of this Note or the maturity date. This Note also contains an “Optional Conversion” clause that allows the Company at any time, before or after the occurrence of an Event of Default, at its option, to convert the outstanding principal amount, plus accrued interest into a number of newly issued shares of its common stock equal to 100% of the outstanding shares of common stock of RBC direct and indirect subsidiaries. The outstanding principle and interest at December 31, 2019 was $82,451. See Note 16 for information regarding foreclosure on these Notes subsequent to December 31, 2019.

NOTE 5 - INVESTMENT

As of December 31, 2018, the Company owned 21,196,552 ordinary shares and an existing three-year warrant to purchase up to 105,982,759 ordinary shares at an exercise price of SGD$0.040 (US$0.0298) per share of Singapore eDevelopment Limited (“SED”), a company incorporated in Singapore and publicly listed on the Singapore Exchange Limited. The restriction on the sale of shares, and execution of the warrants expired on September 17, 2019. At the time of the investment, the cost of the investment was determined to be the fair value of the Company’s common stock issued in the transaction, which was determined to have the most readily determinable fair value. In 2018, the Company adopted ASU No. 2016-01, “Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities.” has and carries its investment in SED at costs. During the 4th quarter of 2018, the Company determined that its investment in Singapore eDevelopment (“SED”) was impaired due to the decline in the share price of SED, especially since November of 2018, which the Company believes was influenced by a general decline in equity markets in Asia caused by the tariff dispute between the United States and China. As such, in response to the decline in the trading value of the SED shares in the fourth quarter of 2018, the Company performed an impairment test and determined an impairment of approximately $160,000 was warranted. Similar analysis was performed at December 31, 2019 and no further impairment is deemed necessary as the stock price has rebounded in excess of 15%. The carrying value of the initial 21,196,552 ordinary shares investment as of December 31, 2019 was $324,930.

On December 19, 2019, the Company exercised the warrant, in part, pursuant to which the Company acquired 61,977,577 ordinary shares of SED. The total consideration paid by the Company for these ordinary shares was SGD$2,479,103.08, or approximately $1,833,000 USD, the investment value at December 31, 2019. After giving effect to the warrant exercise, the Company now owns 83,174,129 ordinary shares of SED, representing approximately 7.1% of the outstanding shares of SED, and the remaining warrant to purchase 44,005,182 ordinary shares of SED. The Chairman of the Company, Mr. Heng Fai Ambrose Chan, is the Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of SED.

NOTE 6 - PROPERTY PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

Property, plant and equipment consisted of the following at December 31:

NOTE 7 - INTANGIBLE ASSETS

During 2019 and 2018, the Company spent approximately $10,000 and $20,000, respectively, on capitalized patent application costs.  

On June 26, 2018, the Company entered into an agreement with Fortress Credit Co LLC (“Fortress”), which among other things transferred to Fortress all of the remaining economic rights to certain of the Company’s semi-conductor related patents (See Note 8) . As a result, the Company wrote-off these patents which had an aggregated gross cost of $2,655,000 and a net unamortized carrying amount of $295,470 on the agreement date.

On July 31, 2018, the Company entered into a Non-Compete Letter Agreement (the “Agreement”) with its former President and Chief Executive Officer of its wholly owned subsidiary, Premier Packaging Corporation. The Agreement called for payments of $16,000 per month, for a period of 19 months, as consideration for the two-year non-competition and non-solicitation restrictive covenants. The Company recorded the aggregate cost of the Agreement of $304,000 as an intangible asset to be amortized over the 24-month period commencing August 1, 2018.

On October 24, 2018, the Company’s subsidiary, DSS Asia Limited acquired Guangzhou Hotapps Technology Ltd., (“Guangzhou Hotapps”) a Chinese company, in exchange for a 2-year, $100,000 unsecured promissory note. In connection with this acquisition, the Company acquired the license to do business in China to which the Company allocated a value of $85,734 as well as a related deferred tax liability of $33,333 due to outside basis differences and recorded as an intangible asset that it will amortize over a five-year period.

On March 5, 2019, the Company paid $350,000 and issued 130,435 shares of the Company’s common stock valued at $144,783 in conjunction with the signing of a Master Distributor Agreement with Advanced Cyber Security Corp. (“ACS”) for the Company to distribute ACS’s EndpointLockV™ cyber security software exclusively in thirteen countries in Asia and Australia, and non-exclusively, in the U.S. and Middle East. The aggregate cost of $494,783 of the agreement was recorded as an intangible asset to be amortized over the expected useful life of 36 months. 

Intangible assets are comprised of the following: