Quarterly Report (10-q)

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-Q

 

(Mark One)

x QUARTERLY REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the quarterly period ended: September 30, 2017

 

o TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the transition period from:

 

Commission file number  000-55097

 

RIGHTSCORP, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Nevada		33-1219445
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)		(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
3100 Donald Douglas Loop North Santa Monica, CA		90405
(Address of principal executive offices)		(Zip Code)

 

Issuer’s telephone number:  [phone]

 

 

(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

 

Indicate by checkmark whether the registrant has (1) 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 and posted on its corporate Website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§229.405 of this chapter) during the proceeding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes x    No ¨

 

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

 

Large accelerated filer	¨		Accelerated filer	¨
Non-accelerated filer (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)	¨		Smaller reporting company	x
Emerging growth company	¨

 

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 in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes ¨    No x

 

As of November 14, 2017, the issuer had 147,403,398 shares of its common stock, $0.001 par value per share, outstanding.

 

 

 

   

TABLE OF CONTENTS

		Page
	PART I - Financial Information
Item 1	Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements	3
	Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets – As of September 30, 2017 (Unaudited) and December 31, 2016	3
	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) - Three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016	4
	Condensed Consolidated Statement of Stockholders’ Deficit (Unaudited) - Nine months ended September 30, 2017	5
	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) - Nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016	6
	Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements – Three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016	7
Item 2	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	14
Item 3	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	18
Item 4	Controls and Procedures	18
	Part II - Other Information
Item 1	Legal Proceedings	1 9
Item 1A	Risk Factors	19
Item 2	Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds	19
Item 3	Defaults Upon Senior Securities	19
Item 4	Mine Safety Disclosures	19
Item 5	Other Information	19
Item 6	Exhibits	19
	Signatures	20

 

 

 

2

 

 

PART I: FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Rightscorp, Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

 

		September 30,				December 31,
		2017				2016
		(Unaudited)
Assets
Assets
Cash		$	3,147			$	5,047
Accounts receivable			222				–
Prepaid expenses			19,867				65,073
Total Current Assets			23,236				70,120
Other Assets
Fixed assets, net			3,003				54,113
Total Assets		$	26,239			$	124,233
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Deficit
Current Liabilities
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities		$	2,188,439			$	1,885,977
Notes payable			50,000				50,000
Derivative liabilities			187,502				280,316
Total Current Liabilities			2,425,941				2,216,293
Stockholders’ Deficit
Preferred stock, $.001 par value; 10,000,000 shares authorized; null shares issued and outstanding			–				–
Common stock, $.001 par value; 250,000,000 shares authorized; 160,920,065 and 127,463,171 shares issued and outstanding, respectively			160,920				127,463
Additional paid in capital			10,771,968				9,664,168
Accumulated deficit			(13,332,590	)			(11,883,691	)
Total stockholders’ deficit			(2,399,702	)			(2,092,060	)
Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Deficit		$	26,239			$	124,233

 

  

 

See accompanying notes

   

3

 

 

Rightscorp, Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations

(Unaudited)

 

 

		Three Months  Ended				Three Months  Ended				Nine months  Ended				Nine months  Ended
		September 30, 2017				September 30, 2016				September 30, 2017				September 30, 2016
Revenue
Copyright settlement revenue		$	45,848			$	139,834			$	184,362			$	354,160
Consulting revenue			76,666				–				224,998				–
Total revenue			122,514				139,834				409,360				354,160
Operating expenses:
Copyright holder fees			22,924				69,143				92,181				174,878
Sales and marketing			1,357				337				2,704				2,371
General and administrative			561,028				386,865				1,751,724				1,939,982
Depreciation and amortization			16,284				22,337				51,111				67,643
Total operating expenses			601,593				478,682				1,897,720				2,184,874
Loss from operations			(479,079	)			(338,848	)			(1,488,360	)			(1,830,714	)
Other expenses:
Interest expense			(779	)			(17,789	)			(1,863	)			(17,789	)
Change in fair value of derivative liabilities			99,381				(28,796	)			41,324				467,805
Total other income (expenses)			98,602				(46,585	)			39,461				450,016
Net loss		$	(380,477	)		$	(385,433	)		$	(1,448,899	)		$	(1,380,698	)
Net loss per share – basic and diluted		$	(0.00	)		$	(0.00	)		$	(0.01	)		$	(0.01	)
Weighted average common shares – basic			157,978,036				123,034,444				140,521,602				118,761,080

 

 

See accompanying notes

 

 

4

 

 

Rightscorp, Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Stockholders’ Deficit

For the nine months ended September 30, 2017

(Unaudited)

 

 

		Common stock								Additional Paid in				Accumulated				Total Stockholders'
		Stock				Amount				Capital				Deficit				Deficit
Balance at December 31, 2016			127,463,171			$	127,463			$	9,664,168			$	(11,883,691	)		$	(2,092,060	)
Fair value of shares issued for services			15,940,227				15,940				426,745				–				442,685
Fair value of stock-based compensation			–				–				213,582				–				213,582
Shares issued for cash			15,666,667				15,667				399,333				–				415,000
Shares issued upon exercise of warrants			1,850,000				1,850				16,650				–				18,500
Extinguishment of derivative liability			–				–				51,490				–				51,490
Net loss			–				–				–				(1,448,899	)			(1,448,899	)
Balance at September 30, 2017			160,920,065			$	160,920			$	10,771,968			$	(13,332,590	)		$	(2,399,702	)

 

 

 

See accompanying notes

 

5

 

 

Rightscorp, Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(Unaudited)

 

		Nine months Ended September 30, 2017				Nine months Ended September 30, 2016
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
Net loss		$	(1,448,899	)		$	(1,380,698	)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization			51,111				67,643
Fair value of shares issued for services			442,685				429,255
Fair value of stock-based compensation			213,582				–
Fair value of warrants issued with note payable			–				16,691
Change in fair value of derivative liabilities			(41,324	)			(467,805	)
Prepaid expense			45,206				64,165
Accounts receivable			(222	)			–
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities			302,462				468,589
Net cash used in operating activities			(435,400	)			(802,161	)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
Proceeds from the issuance of common stock			415,000				500,000
Proceeds from issuance of notes payable			–				50,000
Proceeds from the exercise of warrants			18,500				65,800
Net cash provided by financing activities			433,500				615,800
Net decrease in cash			(1,900	)			(186,361	)
Cash, beginning of period			5,047				193,014
Cash, end of period		$	3,147			$	6,653
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information:
Extinguishment of derivative liability recorded as capital contribution		$	51,940			$	–
Advances applied to accrued settlement		$	200,000			$	–

 

 

 

See accompanying notes

 

6

 

 

Rightscorp, Inc.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

Three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 

(Unaudited)

 

Note 1 – Nature of the Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

 

Rightscorp, Inc., a Nevada corporation (the “Company”) was organized under the laws of the State of Nevada on April 9, 2010, and its fiscal year end is December 31. The Company is the parent company of Rightscorp, Inc., a Delaware corporation formed on January 20, 2011 (“Rightscorp Delaware”).

 

The Company has developed products and intellectual property relating to providing data and analytics regarding copyright infringement via the Internet. The Company provides services and data to help protect the rights of holders of copyrighted digital creative works. The Company has a patent-pending, proprietary method for gathering and analyzing infringement data and for reducing copyright infringement and collecting damages from infringers by notifying illegal downloaders via notifications sent to their Internet Service Providers.

 

Going Concern

 

The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming the Company will continue as a going concern, which contemplates the realization of assets and the settlement of liabilities and commitments in the normal course of business. As reflected in the accompanying consolidated financial statements, during the nine months ended September 30, 2017, the Company incurred a net loss of $1,448,899, used cash in operating activities of $435,400, and at September 30, 2017, the Company had a stockholders’ deficit of $2,399,702. These factors raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern within one year after the date that the financial statements are issued. In addition, the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm, in its report on the Company’s December 31, 2016 financial statements, has raised substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. The Company’s financial statements do not include any adjustments that might be necessary should the Company be unable to continue as a going concern.

 

At September 30, 2017, the Company had cash of $3,147. On October 10, 2017, the Company issued an aggregate of 2,500,000 shares of common stock to an investor for a purchase price of $50,000. Management believes that the Company will need an additional $250,000 to $500,000 in 2017 to fund operations based on our current operating plans. Management’s plans to continue as a going concern include raising additional capital through borrowings and/or the sale of common stock. No assurance can be given that any future financing will be available or, if available, that they will be on terms that are satisfactory to the Company. Even if the Company is able to obtain additional financing, it may contain undue restrictions on our operations, in the case of debt financing, or cause substantial dilution for our stock holders, in case of an equity financing.

 

Basis of Presentation

 

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). Accordingly, certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles have been omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Operating results for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ended December 31, 2017. The condensed consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2016, has been derived from the audited consolidated financial statements at such date. For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and footnotes thereto included in Rightscorp, Inc.’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016, as filed with the SEC on April 14, 2017.

 

 

7

 

 

Principles of Consolidation

 

The financial statements include the accounts of Rightscorp Inc., and its wholly-owned subsidiary Rightscorp Delaware. Intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

 

Use of Estimates

 

The preparation of the financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, and disclosure of contingent liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of expenses during the reporting period. Significant estimates include accounting for potential liabilities, and the assumptions made in valuing share-based instruments issued for services, derivative liabilities, and the valuation allowance for deferred income taxes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

Concentrations

 

For the nine months ended September 30, 2017, two customers accounted for approximately 56% of our revenue. No other customers accounted for 10% or more of our revenue during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 or 2016.

 

Stock-Based Compensation

 

The Company periodically grants stock options and warrants to employees and non-employees in non-capital raising transactions as compensation for services rendered. The Company accounts for stock option and stock warrant grants to employees based on the authoritative guidance provided by the Financial Accounting Standards Board where the value of the award is measured on the date of grant and recognized over the vesting period. The Company accounts for stock option and stock warrant grants to non-employees in accordance with the authoritative guidance of the Financial Accounting Standards Board where the value of the stock compensation is determined based upon the measurement date at either a) the date at which a performance commitment is reached, or b) at the date at which the necessary performance to earn the equity instruments is complete. Non-employee stock-based compensation charges generally are amortized over the vesting period on a straight-line basis. In certain circumstances where there are no future performance requirements by the non-employee, option or warrant grants are immediately vested and the total stock-based compensation charge is recorded in the period of the measurement date.

 

The fair value of the Company’s common stock option and warrant grants is estimated using a Black-Scholes-Merton option pricing model, which uses certain assumptions related to risk-free interest rates, expected volatility, expected life of the common stock options, and future dividends. Compensation expense is recorded based upon the value derived from the Black-Scholes-Merton option pricing model, and based on actual experience. The assumptions used in the Black-Scholes-Merton option pricing model could materially affect compensation expense recorded in future periods.

 

Derivative Financial Instruments

 

The Company evaluates its financial instruments to determine if such instruments are derivatives or contain features that qualify as embedded derivatives. For derivative financial instruments that are accounted for as liabilities, the derivative instrument is initially recorded at its fair value and is then re-valued at each reporting date, with changes in the fair value reported in the statements of operations. The Company uses a probability weighted average Black-Scholes-Merton model to value the derivative instruments. The classification of derivative instruments, including whether such instruments should be recorded as liabilities or as equity, is evaluated at the end of each reporting period. Derivative instrument liabilities are classified in the balance sheet as current or non-current based on whether or not net-cash settlement of the derivative instrument could be required within 12 months of the balance sheet date.

 

 

 

 

8

 

 

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

 

Under current accounting guidance, fair value is defined as the price at which an asset could be exchanged or a liability transferred in a transaction between knowledgeable, willing parties in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability. Where available, fair value is based on observable market prices or parameters or derived from such prices or parameters. Where observable prices or parameters are not available, valuation models are applied. A fair value hierarchy prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value into three broad levels as follows:

 

Level 1 – Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

 

Level 2 – Inputs, other than the quoted prices in active markets, are observable either directly or indirectly.

 

Level 3 – Unobservable inputs based on the Company’s assumptions.

 

The Company is required to use observable market data if such data is available without undue cost and effort. As of September 30, 2017, the amounts reported for cash, accrued liabilities and accrued interest approximated fair value because of their short-term maturities.

 

At September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, derivative liabilities of $187,502 and $280,316, respectively, were valued using Level 2 inputs.

 

Basic and diluted loss per share

 

Basic loss per share is computed by dividing net loss applicable to common stockholders by the weighted average number of outstanding common shares during the period. Diluted loss per share is computed by dividing the net loss applicable to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding plus the number of additional common shares that would have been outstanding if all dilutive potential common shares had been issued. Potential common shares are excluded from the computation when their effect is anti-dilutive.

 

At September 30, 2017 and September 30, 2016, the dilutive impact of outstanding stock options for 10,600,000 and 906,666 shares, respectively, and outstanding warrants for 44,069,821 and 47,048,890 shares, respectively, have been excluded because their impact on the loss per share is anti-dilutive.

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. ASU 2014-09 is a comprehensive revenue recognition standard that will supersede nearly all existing revenue recognition guidance under current U.S. GAAP and replace it with a principle based approach for determining revenue recognition. Under ASU 2014-09, revenue is recognized when a customer obtains control of promised goods or services and is recognized in an amount that reflects the consideration which the entity expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services. In addition, the standard requires disclosure of the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. The FASB has recently issued ASU 2016-08, ASU 2016-10, ASU 2016-11, ASU 2016-12, ASU 2016-20, and ASU 2017-05, all of which clarify certain implementation guidance within ASU 2014-09. ASU 2014-09 is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is permitted only in annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods therein. The standard can be adopted either retrospectively to each prior reporting period presented (full retrospective method), or retrospectively with the cumulative effect of initially applying the guidance recognized at the date of initial application (the cumulative catch-up transition method). The Company is currently in the process of analyzing the information necessary to determine the impact of adopting this new guidance on its financial position, results of operations, and cash flows. The Company will adopt the provisions of this statement in the first quarter of fiscal 2018.

 

 

 

9

 

 

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases. This update will require the recognition of a right-of-use asset and a corresponding lease liability, initially measured at the present value of the lease payments, for all leases with terms longer than 12 months. For operating leases, the asset and liability will be expensed over the lease term on a straight-line basis, with all cash flows included in the operating section of the statement of cash flows. For finance leases, interest on the lease liability will be recognized separately from the amortization of the right-of-use asset in the statement of comprehensive income and the repayment of the principal portion of the lease liability will be classified as a financing activity while the interest component will be included in the operating section of the statement of cash flows. ASU 2016-02 is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018. Early adoption is permitted. Upon adoption, leases will be recognized and measured at the beginning of the earliest period presented using a modified retrospective approach. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of ASU 2016-02 on its financial statements and related disclosures.

 

In July 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-11,  Earnings Per Share (Topic 260); Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity (Topic 480); Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): (Part I) Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Down Round Features, (Part II) Replacement of the Indefinite Deferral for Mandatorily Redeemable Financial Instruments of Certain Nonpublic Entities and Certain Mandatorily Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests with a Scope Exception.  ASU 2017-11 allows companies to exclude a down round feature when determining whether a financial instrument (or embedded conversion feature) is considered indexed to the entity’s own stock. As a result, financial instruments (or embedded conversion features) with down round features may no longer be required to be accounted for as derivative liabilities. A company will recognize the value of a down round feature only when it is triggered and the strike price has been adjusted downward. For equity-classified freestanding financial instruments, an entity will treat the value of the effect of the down round as a dividend and a reduction of income available to common shareholders in computing basic earnings per share. For convertible instruments with embedded conversion features containing down round provisions, entities will recognize the value of the down round as a beneficial conversion discount to be amortized to earnings. The guidance in ASU 2017-11 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted, and the guidance is to be applied using a full or modified retrospective approach. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of ASU 2017-11 on its financial statements and related disclosures.

 

Other recent accounting pronouncements issued by the FASB, including its Emerging Issues Task Force, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, and the Securities and Exchange Commission did not or are not believed by management to have a material impact on the Company’s present or future consolidated financial statements.

 

Note 2 – Fixed Assets

 

As of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, fixed assets consisted of the following:

 

		September 30, 2017				December 31, 2016
		(Unaudited)
Computer equipment and fixtures		$	312,756			$	312,756
Accumulated depreciation			(309,753	)			(258,643	)
Fixed assets, net		$	3,003			$	54,113

 

Depreciation and amortization expense for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and September 30, 2016 was $16,284 and $22,337, respectively.

 

Depreciation and amortization expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and September 30, 2016 was $51,110 and $67,643, respectively.

 

 

10

 

 

Note 3 – Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities

 

As of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, accounts payable and accrued liabilities consisted of the following:

 

		September 30, 2017				December 31, 2016
		(Unaudited)
Accounts payable		$	1,058,406			$	862,860
Due to copyright holders			686,867				601,421
Accrued payroll			243,166				180,894
Insurance premium financing payable			–				40,802
Advance from BMG Rights Management			200,000				–
Accrued settlement			–				200,000
Total		$	2,188,439			$	1,885,977

 

At December 31, 2016, the Company had accrued $200,000 related to the settlement of class action complaint. On January 7, 2017, BMG Rights Management (US) LLC (“BMG”) advanced the Company $200,000, which was used to pay off the settlement. The advance from BMG is to be applied to future billings from the Company to BMG for consulting services.

  

Note 4 – Derivative Liabilities

 

In September 2014, the Company issued certain warrants which included an anti-dilution provision that allows for the exercise price of the warrants to be adjusted if the Company issues securities at a price lower than the current exercise price of these warrants.

 

Pursuant to current FASB authoritative guidance on determining whether an instrument (or embedded feature) is indexed to an entity’s own stock, instruments, which do not have fixed settlement provisions, are deemed to be derivative instruments. The exercise price of the warrants did not have fixed settlement provisions because their exercise prices could be lowered if the Company issues securities at lower prices in the future. In accordance with the FASB authoritative guidance, the Company determined that the exercise feature of the warrants was not considered to be indexed to the Company’s own stock, and bifurcated the exercise feature of the warrants and recorded a derivative liability. The derivative liability is re-measured at the end of every reporting period with the change in fair value reported in the statement of operations.

 

At December 31, 2016, the fair value of the derivative liabilities was $280,316. During the nine months ended September 30, 2017, the fair value of the derivative liabilities decreased by $41,324. At September 30, 2017, the fair value of the derivative liabilities was $187,502.

 

At September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the fair value of the derivative liabilities was determined through use of a probability-weighted Black-Scholes-Merton valuation model based on the following assumptions:

 

		September 30, 2017				December 31, 2016
Expected volatility			181%				172%
Expected life			1.98 years				2.7 years
Risk-free interest rate			1.47%				1.5%
Expected dividend yield			0%				0%

 

The expected volatilities are based on historical volatility of the Company’s stock. The expected life of the warrants was based on the remaining term of the warrants. The risk-free interest rates were based on rates established by the Federal Reserve Bank. The expected dividend yield was based on the fact that the Company has not customarily paid dividends in the past and does not expect to pay dividends in the future.

 

Note 5 – Common stock

  

During the nine months ended September 30, 2017, the Company issued an aggregate of 15,666,667 shares of common stock to investors for a purchase price of $415,000.

 

During the nine months ended September 30, 2017, the Company issued 1,850,000 shares of its common stock upon exercise of warrants at an exercise price of $0.01 per share for total proceeds of $18,500.

 

 

11

 

 

Note 6 – Stock Compensation

 

Common stock issued for services

 

During the nine months ended September 30, 2017, the Company issued a total of 15,940,227 shares of common stock for services valued at $442,865, including 5,000,000 shares of common stock issued to the Company’s CEO as part of an employment agreement, 3,000,000 shares of common stock issued to a consultant, and 7,940,227 shares of common stock issued to employees. The fair value of the shares was based on the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the date the shares were granted, which ranged from $0.022 per share to $0.0355 per share. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, total fair value of shares granted of $0 and $442,685, respectively, is included in general and administrative expense. During the nine months ended September 30, 2016, the Company did not issue any shares of common stock for services.

 

Options

 

On February 14, 2017, the Company granted options to purchase 5,000,000 shares of common stock with an exercise price of $0.05 to the Company’s CEO as part of an employment agreement. Options exercisable into 1,000,000 shares of common stock vested immediately and the options exercisable into 4,000,000 shares of common stock will vest monthly over 48 months beginning on February 14, 2018. The fair value of these options was determined to be $160,416.

 

On May 8, 2017, the Company granted options to purchase 450,000 shares of common stock with an exercise price of $0.05 to the Company’s employees. The options vested immediately. The fair value of these options was determined to be $18,861.

 

On August 8, 2017, the Company granted options to purchase 5,000,000 shares of common stock with an exercise price of $0.05 to the Company’s President as part of an employment agreement. Options exercisable into 1,500,000 shares of common stock vested immediately and the options exercisable into 3,500,000 shares of common stock will vest in 48 equal monthly installments thereafter.

 

The Company used the Black-Scholes-Merton option-pricing models with the following assumptions to calculate fair value :

 

		February 14, 2017				May 8, 2017				August 8, 2017
Expected volatility			173%				194%				180%
Risk-free interest rate			2.47%				2.39%				2.29%
Expected dividend yield			0%				0%				0%
Expected life			10 years				10 years				10 years

 

The expected volatility is based on historical volatility of the Company’s stock. The expected life of the options was based on the term of the options. The risk-free interest rate was based on rates established by the Federal Reserve Bank. The expected dividend yield was based on the fact that the Company has not customarily paid dividends in the past and does not expect to pay dividends in the future. For the nine months ending September 30, 2016, the Company had no stock options requiring an assessment of value.

 

During the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, the Company recorded compensation costs of $88,166 and $11,894, respectively, relating to the vesting of stock options. During the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, the Company recorded compensation costs of $154,360 and $35,777, respectively, relating to the vesting of stock options. As of September 30, 2017, the aggregate value of unvested options was $252,276, which will continue to be amortized as compensation cost as the options vest over terms ranging from one to four years, as applicable.

 

The stock option activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 is as follows:

 

		Number of  Options				Weighted  Average  Exercise Price				Weighted  Average  Remaining  Contractual  Term
Balance outstanding, December 31, 2016			900,000			$	0.17				4.67
Granted			10,450,000				0.05				9.62
Exercised			–				–				–
Forfeited/expired			(750,000	)			0.15				–
Balance outstanding, September 30, 2017			10,600,000			$	0.05				9.60
Exercisable, September 30, 2017			3,756,248			$	0.06				9.53

 

At September 30, 2017, the Company’s outstanding and exercisable options had no intrinsic value.

 

 

 

12

 

 

Warrants

 

On February 14, 2017, pursuant to the employment agreement with the Company CEO, warrants exercisable into 3,000,000 shares of common stock issued to the Company’s CEO in 2015 were deemed fully vested and the exercise price of the warrants was reduced from $0.25 per share to $0.05 per share. The Company determined the expense related to this modification was $13,023 and is included in general and administrative expense.

 

On January 20, 2017, the Company issued warrants exercisable into 350,000 shares of common stock for services. The fair value of warrants issued for services was determined to be $9,378. The Company recorded the full $9,378 in general and administrative expense since it determined that the award is a certainty and the service performance and its future benefit are not assured in this arrangement.

 

For the nine months ending September 30, 2017 and 2016, the fair value of warrant awards was estimated using the Black-Scholes-Merton option-pricing model with the following assumptions:

 

		September 30, 2017				September 30, 2016
Expected volatility			171%				121%
Risk-free interest rate			1.5%				1.08%
Expected dividend yield			0%				0%
Expected life			2.5 years				3 years

 

The risk-free interest rate was based on rates established by the Federal Reserve Bank. The expected life of the exercise feature of the warrants was based on the remaining term of the warrants. The expected dividend yield was based on the fact that the Company has not customarily paid dividends in the past and does not expect to pay dividends in the future.

 

During the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, the Company recorded compensation costs of $0 and $14,381, respectively, relating to the vesting of stock warrants. During the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, the Company recorded compensation costs of $19,569 and $90,769, respectively, relating to the vesting of stock warrants. As of September 30, 2017, the aggregate value of unvested warrants was $0.

 

A summary of the Company’s warrant activity during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 is presented below:

 

		Number of  Warrants				Weighted  Average  Exercise Price				Weighted  Average  Remaining  Contractual  Term
Balance outstanding, December 31, 2016			46,958,072			$	0.11				2.13
Granted			350,000				0.01				2.31
Exercised			(1,850,000	)			0.01				2.04
Forfeited/expired			(1,388,251	)			0.09				–
Balance outstanding, September 30, 2017			44,069,821				0.10				1.43
Exercisable, September 30, 2017			44,069,821			$	0.10				1.43

 

At September 30, 2017, the Company’s outstanding warrants had an intrinsic value of $348,480.

 

 

 

 

 

13

 

 

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATION

 

The following discussion and analysis of the results of operations and financial condition of Rightscorp, Inc. (the “Company”, “we”, “us” or “our”) should be read in conjunction with the financial statements of Rightscorp, Inc., and the notes to those financial statements that are included elsewhere in this Form 10-Q. This discussion includes forward-looking statements based upon current expectations that involve risks and uncertainties, such as our plans, objectives, expectations and intentions. Actual results and the timing of events could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of a number of factors, including those set forth under the Risk Factors and Business sections in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 14, 2017. Words such as “anticipate,” “estimate,” “plan,” “project,” “continuing,” “ongoing,” “expect,” “believe,” “intend,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “could,” and similar expressions are used to identify forward-looking statements.

 

Overview

 

Our company was organized under the laws of the State of Nevada on April 9, 2010, and our fiscal year end is December 31. Our company is the parent company of Rightscorp, Inc. a Delaware corporation formed on January 20, 2011 (“Rightscorp Delaware”). The acquisition of Rightscorp Delaware was treated as a reverse acquisition, and the business of Rightscorp Delaware became the business of our company.

 

We have developed products and intellectual property relating to providing data and analytics regarding copyright infringement via the Internet. We provide services and data to help protect the rights of holders of copyrighted digital creative works. The Company has a patent-pending, proprietary method for gathering and analyzing infringement data and for reducing copyright infringement and collecting damages from infringers by notifying illegal downloaders via notifications sent to their Internet Service Providers. The Company has closed more than 230,000 cases of copyright infringement to date.

 

Recent Developments

 

None.

 

Three months ended September 30, 2017 compared to three months ended September 30, 2016

 

Revenue

 

We generated copyright settlement revenues of $45,848 during the three months ended September 30, 2017, a decrease of $93,986 or 67% as compared to $139,834 for the three months ended September 30, 2016.

 

During the three months ended September 30, 2017, we generated revenues of $76,666 from consulting services rendered under service arrangements with prominent trade organizations. Under the agreements, the Company is providing certain data and consultation regarding copyright infringements on such organizations’ respective properties. During the three months ended September 30, 2016, we had no consulting services revenue.

 

 

 

14

 

 

Operating Expenses

 

Copyright Holder Fees

 

In return for the right to pursue copyright infringers, we pay the copyright holders a percentage of the revenue we collect, in accordance with our representation agreements with our clients entered into prior to our notices being sent to infringers. For the three months ended September 30, 2017 we accrued $22,924 due to copyright holders. For the three months ended September 30, 2016 we accrued $69,143 to copyright holders.

 

Sales and Marketing

 

Sales and marketing expenses consist primarily of advertising and marketing and consulting expenses. Sales and marketing costs were $1,357 for the three months ended September 30, 2017 compared to $337 for the three months ended September 30, 2016, an increase of $1,020.

 

General and administrative

 

General and administrative expenses consist primarily of salaries and related expenses for our management and personnel, and professional fees, such as accounting, consulting and legal. Total wage and related expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2017 were $337,355, of which $114,797 were non-cash charges related to the issuance and vesting of common stock, options and warrants issued for services. Total increase in general and administrative expenses was $174,163 over the three months ended September 30, 2016. Our total general and administrative expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2017 were $561,028.

 

Depreciation and Amortization

 

Depreciation and amortization expenses were $16,284 during the three months ended September 30, 2017, a decrease of $6,053, as compared to $22,337 for the three months ended September 30, 2016.

 

Interest

 

Interest expense totaled $779 during the three months ended September 30, 2017, compared to $17,789 in the three months ended September 30, 2016.

 

Change in fair value of Derivative

 

We had a change in the fair value of derivative liabilities income of $99,381 during the three months ended September 30, 2017, compared to $(28,796) for the three months ended September 30, 2016.

 

 

 

15

 

 

Net loss

 

As a result of the foregoing, during the three months ended September 30, 2017, we recorded a net loss of $380,477 compared to net loss of $385,433 for the three months ended September 30, 2016.

 

Nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared to nine months ended September 30, 2016

 

Revenue

 

We generated copyright settlement revenues of $184,362 during the nine months ended September 30, 2017, a decrease of $169,798 or 48% as compared to $354,160 for the nine months ended September 30, 2016.

 

During the nine months ended September 30, 2017, we generated revenues of $224,998 from consulting services rendered under service arrangements with prominent trade organizations. Under the agreements, the Company is providing certain data and consultation regarding copyright infringements on such organizations’ respective properties. During the nine months ended September 30, 2016, we had no consulting services revenue.

 

Operating Expenses

 

Copyright Holder Fees

 

In return for the right to pursue copyright infringers, we pay the copyright holders a percentage of the revenue we collect, in accordance with our representation agreements with our clients entered into prior to our notices being sent to infringers. For the nine months ended September 30, 2017 we accrued $92,181 due to copyright holders. For the nine months ended September 30, 2016 we accrued $174,878 to copyright holders.

 

Sales and Marketing

 

Sales and marketing expenses consist primarily of advertising and marketing and consulting expenses. Sales and marketing costs were $2,704 for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared to $2,371 for the nine months ended September 30, 2016, an increase of $333.

 

General and administrative

 

General and administrative expenses consist primarily of salaries and related expenses for our management and personnel, and professional fees, such as accounting, consulting and legal. Total wage and related expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 were $1,136,462, of which $549,767 were non-cash charges related to the issuance and vesting of common stock, options and warrants issued for services. Total decrease in general and administrative expenses was $188,258 over the nine months ended September 30, 2016. Our total general and administrative expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 were $1,751,724.

 

Depreciation and Amortization

 

Depreciation and amortization expenses were $51,111 during the nine months ended September 30, 2017, a decrease of $16,532, as compared to $67,643 for the nine months ended September 30, 2016.

 

Interest

 

Interest expense totaled $1,863 during the nine months ended September 30, 2017, compared to $17,789 in the nine months ended September 30, 2016.

 

Change in fair value of Derivative

 

We had a change in the fair value of derivative liabilities expense of $41,324 during the nine months ended September 30, 2017, compared to income of $467,805 for the nine months ended September 30, 2016.

 

Net loss

 

As a result of the foregoing, during the nine months ended September 30, 2017, we recorded a net loss of $1,448,899 compared to net loss of $1,380,698 for the nine months ended September 30, 2016.

 

 

 

 

16

 

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

During the nine months ended September 30, 2017, the Company incurred a net loss of $1,448,899, used cash in operating activities of $435,400, and at September 30, 2017, the Company had a stockholders’ deficit of $2,399,702. These factors raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern within one year after the date that the financial statements are issued. In addition, the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm, in its report on the Company’s December 31, 2016 financial statements, has raised substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern.

 

At September 30, 2017, the Company had cash of $3,147. On October 10, 2017, the Company issued an aggregate of 2,500,000 shares of common stock to an investor for a purchase price of $50,000. Management believes that the Company will need an additional $250,000 to $500,000 in 2017 to fund operations based on our current operating plans. Management’s plans to continue as a going concern include raising additional capital through borrowings and/or the sale of common stock. No assurance can be given that any future financing will be available or, if available, that it will be on terms that are satisfactory to the Company. Even if the Company is able to obtain additional financing, it may contain undue restrictions on our operations, in the case of debt financing, or cause substantial dilution for our stock holders, in case of an equity financing.

 

Operating Activities

 

During the nine months ended September 30, 2017, we used $435,400 of cash in operating activities. Non-cash adjustments included $51,111 related to depreciation and amortization, $442,685 related to shares issued for services, $213,582 for stock compensation expense, $41,324 related change in fair value of derivative liabilities, and net changes in operating assets and liabilities of $307,446.

 

During the nine months ended September 30, 2016, we used $802,161 of cash in operating activities. Non-cash adjustments included $67,643 related to depreciation and amortization, $429,255 related to shares issued for services, $16,691 related to warrants issued for note payable, $467,805 related to gain on derivative liabilities, and net changes in operating assets and liabilities of $523,754.

 

Financing Activities

 

During the nine months ended September 30, 2017, we received $433,500 in proceeds from issuance of common stock and exercise of warrants for cash.

 

During the nine months ended September 30, 2016, we received $615,800 in proceeds from issuance of common stock, notes payable and exercise of warrants for cash.

 

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

 

The Company prepared its condensed consolidated financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The preparation of these financial statements requires the use of estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amount of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Management periodically evaluates the estimates and judgments made. Management bases its estimates and judgments on historical experience and on various factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may differ from these estimates as a result of different assumptions or conditions.

 

The following critical accounting policies affect the more significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

Revenue

 

Copyright settlement revenue

 

The Company provides a service to copyright owners under which copyright owners retain the Company to identify and collect settlement payments from Internet users who have infringed on their copyrights. Revenue is recognized when the Company collects a fee from an infringer which acts as a settlement of the infringement liability. Generally, the Company has agreed to remit 50% of such collections to the copyright holder. The Company also provides services to copyright holders. Service fee revenue is recognized when the service has been provided.

 

 

 

 

17

 

 

Consulting revenue

 

Revenue is recognized in the period services are rendered and earned under service arrangements with clients where service fees are fixed or determinable and collectability is reasonably assured.

 

Stock-Based Compensation

 

The Company periodically grants stock options and warrants to employees and non-employees in non-capital raising transactions as compensation for services rendered. The Company accounts for stock option and stock warrant grants to employees based on the authoritative guidance provided by the Financial Accounting Standards Board where the value of the award is measured on the date of grant and recognized over the vesting period. The Company accounts for stock option and stock warrant grants to non-employees in accordance with the authoritative guidance of the Financial Accounting Standards Board where the value of the stock compensation is determined based upon the measurement date at either a) the date at which a performance commitment is reached, or b) at the date at which the necessary performance to earn the equity instruments is complete. Non-employee stock-based compensation charges generally are amortized over the vesting period on a straight-line basis. In certain circumstances where there are no future performance requirements by the non-employee, option or warrant grants are immediately vested and the total stock-based compensation charge is recorded in the period of the measurement date.

 

The fair value of the Company’s common stock option and warrant grants is estimated using a Black-Scholes option pricing model, which uses certain assumptions related to risk-free interest rates, expected volatility, expected life of the common stock options, and future dividends. Compensation expense is recorded based upon the value derived from the Black-Scholes option pricing model, and based on actual experience. The assumptions used in the Black-Scholes option pricing model could materially affect compensation expense recorded in future periods.

 

Derivative Financial Instruments

 

The Company evaluates its financial instruments to determine if such instruments are derivatives or contain features that qualify as embedded derivatives. For derivative financial instruments that are accounted for as liabilities, the derivative instrument is initially recorded at its fair value and is then re-valued at each reporting date, with changes in the fair value reported in the statements of operations. The Company uses a probability weighted average Black-Scholes-Merton model to value the derivative instruments. The classification of derivative instruments, including whether such instruments should be recorded as liabilities or as equity, is evaluated at the end of each reporting period. Derivative instrument liabilities are classified in the balance sheet as current or non-current based on whether or not net-cash settlement of the derivative instrument could be required within 12 months of the balance sheet date.

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

See Footnote 1 of the condensed consolidated financial statements for a discussion of recently issued accounting standards.

 

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

 

As a smaller reporting company, the Company is not required to provide this disclosure.

 

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

We maintain disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) reports is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow for timely decisions regarding required disclosure. In designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives, and management is required to apply its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures. Our disclosure controls and procedures were designed to provide reasonable assurance that the controls and procedures would meet their objectives.

 

As required by Rule 13a-15(b) under the Exchange Act, our management carried out an evaluation, with the participation of our Chief Executive and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on the foregoing, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were not effective as of the end of the period covered by this report due to the material weaknesses in our internal controls as reported in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016.

 

Changes in Internal Controls

 

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended September 30, 2017 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

 

 

18

 

 

PART II: OTHER INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1 - LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 

None.

 

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS.

 

There have been no material changes in the Risk Factors previously disclosed in Form 10-K for the period ended 12/31/16, which was filed with the SEC on 4/14/17.

 

ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

 

None.

 

ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

 

None.

 

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

 

None.

 

ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION

 

None.

 

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

 

No.		Description
31.1*		Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.1*		Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 Certifications under Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
101.INS*		XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH*		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema
101.CAL*		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase
101.DEF*		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase
101.LAB*		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase
101.PRE*		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase

 

* Filed herewith.

 

 

 

 

19

 

 

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

	RIGHTSCORP, INC.
Dated: November 14, 2017	By:	/s/ Cecil Kyte
	Name:	Cecil Kyte
	Title:	Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer  (Principal Executive, Financial and Accounting Officer)

 

 

 

 

 

 

20