Operating Leases

As of December 31, 2023 we maintain approximately 3,200 square feet of office space, 1,650 square feet of which is on a month-to-month basis, and 1,550 square feet of which expires on August 1, 2023, at a combined rate of approximately $12,000 per month. The adoption of ASC 842, “Leases” (“ASC 842”), did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

Rent expense for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 was approximately $163,000 and $168,000, respectively, and is included in general and administrative expense in the accompanying statements of operations. Rental payments are expensed in the statements of operations in the period to which they relate. Scheduled rent increases, if any, are amortized on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

Settlement of Pending or Threatened Claims

As described above, the Note Holders made a series of investments in the Company during the period commencing January 2021 and culminating in the issuance of the Notes, which were paid in full in the first quarter of 2023. During the fourth quarter of 2023, the Note Holders made certain claims arising from an interpretation of certain rights that the Note Holders had pursuant to the terms of SPA. On March 12, 2024, the Company and the Note Holders (the “Parties”) executed a Mutual General Release and Settlement Agreement (the “Settlement Agreement”) settling all claims between the Parties with respect to the SPA. In consideration for the Settlement Agreement, the Company agreed to issue the Parties an aggregate amount of 500,000 shares of common stock (the “Settlement Payment”). The Company accrued the fair value of the Settlement Payment as of December 31, 2023 (based on the closing price of the Company’s common stock on December 31, 2023) resulting in a settlement expense of $760,000 which is included in general and administrative expense in the consolidated statement of operations.

Related Party Transactions

In May 2018, the Company entered into a consulting agreement with a member of the Board of Directors, pursuant to which the board member provides the Company with strategic advice and planning services for which he receives a cash payment of $7,500 per month from the Company. The consulting agreement had an initial term ending December 31, 2019, and was extended for successive one-year periods upon mutual agreement of the board member and the Company through to fiscal year 2023. Total consulting expense under the agreement totaled $90,000 for each of the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022.