UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
SCHEDULE 13D
(Rule 13D-101)
 
Under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
 
AXIS TECHNOLOGIES GROUP, INC.
(Name of Issuer)
 
Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share
(Title of Class of Securities)
 
054617105
(CUSIP Number)
 
DHAB, LLC
2620 Thousand Oaks Boulevard (Suite 4000)
Memphis, TN 38118
(901) 260-1802
(Name, Address and Telephone Number of Person
Authorized to Receive Notices and Communications)
 
April 22, 2010
(Date of Event Which Requires Filing of this Statement)
 
If the filing person has previously filed a statement on Schedule 13G to report the acquisition that is the subject of this Schedule 13D, and is filing this schedule because of §§ 240.13d-1(e), 240.13d-1(f) or 240.13d-1(g), check the following box o .
 
_______________________________
*The remainder of this cover page shall be filled out for a reporting person's initial filing on this form with respect to the subject class of securities, and for any subsequent amendment containing information which would alter disclosures provided in a prior cover page.
 
The Information required on the remainder of this cover page shall not be deemed to be "filed" for the purpose of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 ("Act") or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section of the Act but shall be subject to all other provisions of the Act (however, see the Notes).
 
 
 
 

 
 
 

 
Schedule 13D
 
CUSIP No:  054617105
 
Page 2 of 9

 

 
1
NAMES OF REPORTING PERSONS:
   
 
DHAB, LLC
 
   
2
CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP
(a)
x
   
(b)
o
       
       
3
SEC USE ONLY
   
       
       
4
SOURCE OF FUNDS
   
       
 
OO(1)
   
       
       
5
CHECK IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO ITEM 2(d) or 2(e)
 
o
       
       
6
CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION:
   
       
 
Tennessee
   
       
       
NUMBER OF
SHARES
BENEFICIALLY
OWNED BY
EACH
REPORTING
PERSON WITH
7
SOLE VOTING POWER
0
 
       
8
SHARED VOTING POWER
0
(1)
       
9
SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER
0
 
       
10
SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER
163,192,720
(1)
         
       
11
AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON:
 
       
 
163,192,720(1)
   
       
       
12
CHECK IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES:
 
o
       
       
13
PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)
   
       
 
67.0%(2)
   
       
       
14
TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON:
   
       
 
OO
   
       

 
(1)           On April 22, 2010, DHAB, LLC (“DHAB”) entered into an Axis Joint Venture Agreement with Axis Technologies Group, Inc. (“AXIS”), Axis Technologies, Inc. and IRC-Interstate Realty Corporation, pursuant to which AXIS agreed to issue 163,192,720 shares of its common stock, par value $0.001 (the “Common Stock”) to DHAB in return for DHAB (i) issuing a promissory note in the principal amount of $6,000,000 (the “Promissory Note”) and (ii) executing a stock pledge agreement (the “Stock Pledge Agreement”) whereby DHAB pledged to AXIS the 163,192,720 shares of Common Stock to secure DHAB’s obligations under the Promissory Note.  The Promissory Note bears no interest and is due on July 1, 2010, but the note may be prepaid in whole or in part at any time.  The Stock Pledge Agreement provides that, until the Promissory Note has been paid in full, DHAB may not exercise any voting and other consensual rights pertaining to the Common Stock, other than as to any of the shares of Common Stock fully paid for and as to which the lien thereon has been released pursuant to the terms of the Stock Pledge Agreement.  The Stock Pledge Agreement also provides that, as the obligations evidenced by the Promissory Note are paid, or deemed to be satisfied by mutual agreement of DHAB and AXIS, AXIS will release from the lien under the Stock Pledge Agreement an equivalent number of shares of the Common Stock on a prorated basis as are represented by the sums so paid or deemed to be satisfied, based on a price of $0.04 per share.
 
(2)           The 163,192,720 shares held by DHAB represent approximately 67.0% of the Company’s total outstanding common stock (calculated based on a total of 243,404,781 shares outstanding as of April 22, 2010, including the shares held by DHAB, as verified by AXIS on May 3, 2010).
 
 
 
 

 
 
 

 
Schedule 13D
 
CUSIP No:  054617105
 
Page 3 of 9
 

 
 
1
NAMES OF REPORTING PERSONS:
   
 
J. Kevin Adams
 
   
2
CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP
(a)
x
   
(b)
o
       
       
3
SEC USE ONLY
   
       
       
4
SOURCE OF FUNDS
   
       
 
OO(1)
   
       
       
5
CHECK IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO ITEM 2(d) or 2(e)
 
o
       
       
6
CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION:
   
       
 
United States
   
       
       
NUMBER OF
SHARES
BENEFICIALLY
OWNED BY
EACH
REPORTING
PERSON WITH
7
SOLE VOTING POWER
0
 
       
8
SHARED VOTING POWER
0
(1)
       
9
SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER
0
 
       
10
SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER
163,192,720
(1)
         
       
11
AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON:
 
       
 
163,192,720(1)
   
       
       
12
CHECK IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES:
 
o
       
       
13
PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)
   
       
 
67.0%(2)
   
       
       
14
TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON:
   
       
 
IN; HC
   
       
 
(1)           On April 22, 2010, DHAB entered into an Axis Joint Venture Agreement with AXIS, Axis Technologies, Inc. and IRC-Interstate Realty Corporation, pursuant to which AXIS agreed to issue 163,192,720 shares of Common Stock to DHAB in return for DHAB (i) issuing the Promissory Note and (ii) executing the Stock Pledge Agreement whereby DHAB pledged to AXIS the 163,192,720 shares of Common Stock to AXIS to secure DHAB’s obligations under the Promissory Note.  The Promissory Note bears no interest and is due on July 1, 2010, but the note may be prepaid in whole or in part at any time.  The Stock Pledge Agreement provides that, until the Promissory Note has been paid in full, DHAB may not exercise any voting and other consensual rights pertaining to the Common Stock, other than as to any of the shares of Common Stock fully paid for and as to which the lien thereon has been released pursuant to the terms of the Stock Pledge Agreement.  The Stock Pledge Agreement also provides that, as the obligations evidenced by the Promissory Note are paid, or deemed to be satisfied by mutual agreement of DHAB and AXIS, AXIS will release from the lien under the Stock Pledge Agreement an equivalent number of shares of the Common Stock on a prorated basis as are represented by the sums so paid or deemed to be satisfied, based on a price of $0.04 per share.
 
(2)           The 163,192,720 shares held by DHAB represent approximately 67.0% of the Company’s total outstanding common stock (calculated based on a total of 243,404,781 shares outstanding as of April 22, 2010, including the shares held by DHAB, as verified by AXIS on May 3, 2010).
 
 
 
 

 
 
 

 
Schedule 13D
 
CUSIP No:  054617105
 
Page 4 of 9
 

 
 
1
NAMES OF REPORTING PERSONS:
   
 
William H. Bethell
 
   
2
CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP
(a)
x
   
(b)
o
       
       
3
SEC USE ONLY
   
       
       
4
SOURCE OF FUNDS
   
       
 
OO(1)
   
       
       
5
CHECK IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO ITEM 2(d) or 2(e)
 
o
       
       
6
CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION:
   
       
 
United States
   
       
       
NUMBER OF
SHARES
BENEFICIALLY
OWNED BY
EACH
REPORTING
PERSON WITH
7
SOLE VOTING POWER
0
 
       
8
SHARED VOTING POWER
0
(1)
       
9
SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER
0
 
       
10
SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER
163,192,720
(1)
         
       
11
AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON:
 
       
 
163,192,720(1)
   
       
       
12
CHECK IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES:
 
o
       
       
13
PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)
   
       
 
67.0%(2)
   
       
       
14
TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON:
   
       
 
IN; HC
   
       
 
(1)           On April 22, 2010, DHAB entered into an Axis Joint Venture Agreement with AXIS, Axis Technologies, Inc. and IRC-Interstate Realty Corporation, pursuant to which AXIS agreed to issue 163,192,720 shares of Common Stock to DHAB in return for DHAB (i) issuing the Promissory Note and (ii) executing the Stock Pledge Agreement whereby DHAB pledged to AXIS the 163,192,720 shares of Common Stock to AXIS to secure DHAB’s obligations under the Promissory Note.  The Promissory Note bears no interest and is due on July 1, 2010, but the note may be prepaid in whole or in part at any time.  The Stock Pledge Agreement provides that, until the Promissory Note has been paid in full, DHAB may not exercise any voting and other consensual rights pertaining to the Common Stock, other than as to any of the shares of Common Stock fully paid for and as to which the lien thereon has been released pursuant to the terms of the Stock Pledge Agreement.  The Stock Pledge Agreement also provides that, as the obligations evidenced by the Promissory Note are paid, or deemed to be satisfied by mutual agreement of DHAB and AXIS, AXIS will release from the lien under the Stock Pledge Agreement an equivalent number of shares of the Common Stock on a prorated basis as are represented by the sums so paid or deemed to be satisfied, based on a price of $0.04 per share.
 
(2)           The 163,192,720 shares held by DHAB represent approximately 67.0% of the Company’s total outstanding common stock (calculated based on a total of 243,404,781 shares outstanding as of April 22, 2010, including the shares held by DHAB, as verified by AXIS on May 3, 2010).
 
 
 
 

 

 
 
Schedule 13D
 
CUSIP No:  054617105
 
Page 5 of 9

 
 
 
1
NAMES OF REPORTING PERSONS:
   
 
Daniel L. Brown
 
   
2
CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP
(a)
x
   
(b)
o
       
       
3
SEC USE ONLY
   
       
       
4
SOURCE OF FUNDS
   
       
 
OO(1)
   
       
       
5
CHECK IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO ITEM 2(d) or 2(e)
 
o
       
       
6
CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION:
   
       
 
United States
   
       
       
NUMBER OF
SHARES
BENEFICIALLY
OWNED BY
EACH
REPORTING
PERSON WITH
7
SOLE VOTING POWER
0
 
       
8
SHARED VOTING POWER
0
(1)
       
9
SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER
0
 
       
10
SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER
163,192,720
(1)
         
       
11
AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON:
 
       
 
163,192,720(1)
   
       
       
12
CHECK IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES:
 
o
       
       
13
PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)
   
       
 
67.0%(2)
   
       
       
14
TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON:
   
       
 
IN; HC
   
       
 
(1)           On April 22, 2010, DHAB entered into an Axis Joint Venture Agreement with AXIS, Axis Technologies, Inc. and IRC-Interstate Realty Corporation, pursuant to which AXIS agreed to issue 163,192,720 shares of Common Stock to DHAB in return for DHAB (i) issuing the Promissory Note and (ii) executing the Stock Pledge Agreement whereby DHAB pledged to AXIS the 163,192,720 shares of Common Stock to AXIS to secure DHAB’s obligations under the Promissory Note.  The Promissory Note bears no interest and is due on July 1, 2010, but the note may be prepaid in whole or in part at any time.  The Stock Pledge Agreement provides that, until the Promissory Note has been paid in full, DHAB may not exercise any voting and other consensual rights pertaining to the Common Stock, other than as to any of the shares of Common Stock fully paid for and as to which the lien thereon has been released pursuant to the terms of the Stock Pledge Agreement.  The Stock Pledge Agreement also provides that, as the obligations evidenced by the Promissory Note are paid, or deemed to be satisfied by mutual agreement of DHAB and AXIS, AXIS will release from the lien under the Stock Pledge Agreement an equivalent number of shares of the Common Stock on a prorated basis as are represented by the sums so paid or deemed to be satisfied, based on a price of $0.04 per share.
 
(2)           The 163,192,720 shares held by DHAB represent approximately 67.0% of the Company’s total outstanding common stock (calculated based on a total of 243,404,781 shares outstanding as of April 22, 2010, including the shares held by DHAB, as verified by AXIS on May 3, 2010).
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
Schedule 13D
 
CUSIP No:  054617105
 
Page 6 of 9

 
 
Item 1.  Security and Issuer.
 
This Statement relates to the common stock, par value $0.001 per share (the “Common Stock”), of Axis Technologies Group, Inc. (“AXIS”), whose principal executive offices are located at 2055 South Folsom Street, Lincoln, Nebraska 68522.
 
Item 2.  Identity and Background.
 
(a)-(c), (f)             This Schedule 13D is being filed on behalf of each of the following persons (collectively, the “Reporting Persons”) pursuant to Rule 13d-1(k) of Regulation D-G under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”):
 
(i)           DHAB, LLC (“DHAB”) is a Tennessee limited liability company whose principal business is to invest in and seek to influence the management of AXIS with the intent of increasing the value of AXIS for all of its shareholders.  DHAB has its principal place of business at 2620 Thousand Oaks Boulevard (Suite 4000), Memphis, Tennessee 38118.
 
(ii)           J. Kevin Adams is the Chief Executive Officer and a member of DHAB whose principal business is serving as the Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the board of directors of IRC – Interstate Realty Corporation.  Mr. Adams has his principal business address at 2620 Thousand Oaks Boulevard (Suite 4000), Memphis, Tennessee 38118.  Mr. Adams is a citizen of the United States.
 
(iii)           William H. Bethell is the Chief Financial Officer and a member of DHAB whose principal business is acting as the Chief Financial Officer of AXIS.  Mr. Bethell has his principal business address at 211 Pine Street, Massapequa Park, New York 11762.  Mr. Bethell is a citizen of the United States.
 
(iv)           Daniel L. Brown is the Chief Operating Officer and a member of DHAB whose principal business is acting as the Chief Operating Officer of AXIS.  Mr. Brown has his principal business address at 2620 Thousand Oaks Boulevard (Suite 4000), Memphis, Tennessee 38118.  Mr. Brown is a citizen of the United States.
 
(d)-(e)           None of the Reporting Persons has, during the past five years, (i) been convicted in any criminal proceeding (excluding traffic violations or similar misdemeanors) or (ii) been a party to a civil proceeding of a judicial or administrative body of competent jurisdiction and as a result of such proceeding was or is subject to a judgment, decree or final order enjoining future violations of, or prohibiting or mandating activities subject to, federal or state securities laws or finding any violation with respect to such laws.
 
The agreement among the Reporting Persons to make this single, joint filing (the “Joint Filing Agreement”) is attached hereto as Exhibit 4.  The filing of this Schedule 13D shall not be construed as an admission that any of Messrs Adams, Bethell or Brown is, for purposes of Sections 13(d) or 13(g) of the Exchange Act, the beneficial owner of any shares of Common Stock covered by this Schedule 13D.
 
Item 3.  Source and Amounts of Funds or Other Consideration.
 
The shares of Common Stock covered by this statement were purchased by the issuance to AXIS by DHAB of a promissory note in the principal amount of $6,000,000 (the “Promissory Note”), a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit 3.  The Promissory Note bears no interest and is due on July 1, 2010, but the note may be prepaid in whole or in part at any time.
 
The Promissory Note is secured pursuant to that certain Stock Pledge and Security Agreement, dated April 22, 2010, by DHAB in favor of AXIS (the “Stock Pledge Agreement”), pursuant to which DHAB has pledged to AXIS the 163,192,720 shares of Common Stock to secure DHAB’s obligations under the Promissory Note.  The Stock Pledge Agreement provides that, until the Promissory Note has been paid in full, DHAB may not exercise any voting and other consensual rights pertaining to the 163,192,720 shares of Common Stock, other than as to any of the shares of Common Stock fully paid for and as to which the lien thereon has been released pursuant to the terms of the Stock Pledge Agreement.  The Stock Pledge Agreement also provides that, as the obligations evidenced by the Promissory
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
Schedule 13D
 
CUSIP No:  054617105
 
Page 7 of 9

 
Note are paid, or deemed to be satisfied by mutual agreement of DHAB and AXIS, AXIS will release from the lien under the Stock Pledge Agreement an equivalent number of shares of the Common Stock on a prorated basis as are represented by the sums so paid or deemed to be satisfied, based on a price of $0.04 per share.  In addition, until such time as shares are released as provided in the preceding sentence, if DHAB shall receive any dividends or other distributions relating to the shares of Common Stock, DHAB is required to deliver such dividends or other distributions to AXIS to be held as collateral under the Stock Pledge Agreement.  Under the terms of the Stock Pledge Agreement, DHAB is also prohibited from selling, assigning, exchanging or otherwise disposing of any of the shares of Common Stock that remain subject to the lien pursuant to the Stock Pledge Agreement.
 
Item 4.   Purpose of Transaction.
 
DHAB was created as a special purpose entity for investing in and managing AXIS.  It is DHAB’s intention that it will seek additional members in order to raise capital to repay the Promissory Note described in Item 3 above.  IRC-Interstate Realty Corporation has advised AXIS that it intends to invest in DHAB and to become a member thereof.  DHAB expects that it will appoint one or more members of AXIS’s board of directors.  DHAB also expects to seek to recommend to AXIS additional members of the management team with the aim of enabling the growth of AXIS’ business.  DHAB may, from time to time, sell shares of AXIS Common Stock to fund DHAB’s operations, subject to compliance with all applicable securities laws.
 
Item 5.   Interest in Securities of the Issuer.
 
(a)           Based on a total of 243,404,781 shares outstanding as of April 22, 2010, including the shares held by DHAB, as verified by AXIS on May 3, 2010.
 
As of the date hereof, DHAB may be deemed to be the beneficial owner of 163,192,720 shares of Common Stock, or 67.0% of the Company’s outstanding Common Stock.  Mr. Adams, as the Chief Executive Officer and a member of DHAB, may be deemed to be the beneficial owner of 163,192,720 shares of Common Stock, or 67.0% of the Company’s outstanding Common Stock.  Mr. Bethell, as the Chief Financial Officer and a member of DHAB, may be deemed to be the beneficial owner of 163,192,720 shares of Common Stock, or 67.0% of the Company’s outstanding Common Stock.  Mr. Brown, as the Chief Operating Officer and a member of DHAB, may also be deemed to be the beneficial owner of 163,192,720 shares of Common Stock, or 67.0% of the Company’s outstanding Common Stock.
 
(b)           See Items 7 through 10 of the cover page for each Reporting Person.
 
(c)           See Item 3 above.
 
(d)           Except as described in Item 3, no person other than the Reporting Persons is known to have the right to receive, or the power to direct the receipt of dividends from, or proceeds from the sale of, such shares of the Common Stock.
 
(e)           Not applicable.
 
Item 6.  Contracts, Arrangements, Understandings or Relationships with Respect to Securities of the Issuer.
 
Joint Venture Agreement
 
On April 22, 2010, DHAB, LLC (“DHAB”) entered into an Axis Joint Venture Agreement (the “Joint Venture Agreement”) with Axis Technologies Group, Inc. (“AXIS”), Axis Technologies, Inc. and IRC-Interstate Realty Corporation (“IRC”), pursuant to which AXIS agreed to issue 163,192,720 shares of its common stock, par value $0.001 (the “Common Stock”) to DHAB in return for DHAB (i) issuing the Promissory Note and (ii) executing the Stock Pledge Agreement.  See Item 3 for more information regarding the Promissory Note and the Stock Pledge Agreement.
 
The primary purpose of the Joint Venture Agreement is to facilitate and make funds available for AXIS to acquire inventory and sell such inventory to customers.  Specifically, IRC will advance funds to purchase inventory from
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
Schedule 13D
 
CUSIP No:  054617105
 
Page 8 of 9

 
 
manufacturers, which inventory will be delivered to customers of AXIS.  As consideration for advancing such funds, IRC will receive a fee and will be granted a security interest in AXIS’s bank account and be given a first lien on AXIS’s personal property.  The Joint Venture Agreement further includes a covenant that AXIS will not issue any additional shares of its Common Stock prior to July 20, 2010.  The Joint Venture Agreement also provides that at its next annual meeting of the shareholders, AXIS will vote on whether or not to retire the Promissory Note in exchange for the issuance of shares of a second class of stock, no par value, which will be paid a coupon of 8% per annum.  The purpose of the second class of stock would be to hold a collateral interest in all of the assets of AXIS.
 
Promissory Note
 
The shares of Common Stock covered by this statement were purchased by the issuance to AXIS by DHAB of a promissory note in the principal amount of $6,000,000, a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit 3.  The Promissory Note bears no interest and is due on July 1, 2010, but the note may be prepaid in whole or in part at any time.
 
Stock Pledge and Security Agreement
 
The Promissory Note is secured pursuant to that certain Stock Pledge and Security Agreement, dated April 22, 2010, by DHAB in favor of AXIS, pursuant to which DHAB has pledged to AXIS the 163,192,720 shares of Common Stock until the Promissory Note is repaid in full.  The Stock Pledge Agreement provides that, until the Promissory Note has been paid in full, DHAB may not exercise any voting and other consensual rights pertaining to the 163,192,720 shares of Common Stock, other than as to any of the shares of Common Stock fully paid for and as to which the lien thereon has been released pursuant to the terms of the Stock Pledge Agreement.  The Stock Pledge Agreement also provides that, as the obligations evidenced by the Promissory Note are paid, or deemed to be satisfied by mutual agreement of DHAB and AXIS, AXIS will release from the lien under the Stock Pledge Agreement an equivalent number of shares of the Common Stock on a prorated basis as are represented by the sums so paid or deemed to be satisfied, based on a price of $0.04 per share.  In addition, until such time as shares are released as provided in the preceding sentence, if DHAB shall receive any dividends or other distributions relating to the shares of Common Stock, DHAB is required to deliver such dividends or other distributions to AXIS to be held as collateral under the Stock Pledge Agreement.  Under the terms of the Stock Pledge Agreement, DHAB is also prohibited from selling, assigning, exchanging or otherwise disposing of any of the shares of Common Stock that remains subject to the lien pursuant to the Stock Pledge Agreement.
 
Item 7.  Materials to be Filed as Exhibits.
 
Exhibit Number
Description
   
1
Axis Joint Venture Agreement, dated as of April 22, 2010, between Axis Technologies Group, Inc., Axis Technologies, Inc., IRC-Interstate Realty Corporation and DHAB, LLC.
   
2
Stock Pledge and Security Agreement, dated as of April 22, 2010, by DHAB, LLC in favor of Axis Technologies Group, Inc.
   
3
Promissory Note in the amount of $6,000,000, by DHAB, LLC in favor Axis Technologies Group, Inc.
   
4
Joint Filing Agreement among DHAB, LLC, J. Kevin Adams, William H. Bethell and Daniel L. Brown, dated as of May 3, 2010.
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
Schedule 13D
 
CUSIP No:  054617105
 
Page 9 of 9
 
 
 

 
 
SIGNATURE
 
After reasonable inquiry and to the best of each of the undersigned’s knowledge and belief, each of the undersigned certifies that the information set forth in this statement is true, complete and correct.
 
Dated: May 3, 2010
 
   
 
DHAB, LLC
   
 
By:
/s/ William H. Bethell
 
 
Name:  William H. Bethell
 
Title:  Chief Financial Officer
   
   
 
/s/ J. Kevin Adams
 
 
J. Kevin Adams
   
   
 
/s/ William H. Bethell
 
 
William H. Bethell
   
   
 
/s/ Daniel L. Brown
 
 
Daniel L. Brown

 

 

 
Exhibit 1
 
AXIS JOINT VENTURE AGREEMENT
 
THIS AXIS JOINT VENTURE AGREEMENT (“Agreement”) is made as of the 22 nd ,day of April, 2010, (“Effective Date”) by and between AXIS TECHNOLOGIES GROUP, INC. (“ATG”) and AXIS TECHNOLOGIES, INC. (“AT” and collectively with ATG referred to as “AXIS”) and IRC – INTERSTATE REALTY CORPORATION (“IRC”), and is joined herein by DHAB, LLC for the limited purposes set forth herein, but not as a joint venture partner with AXIS or with IRC.
 
RECITALS:
 
 
A.
AXIS is an innovator in the field of fluorescent lighting ballasts, sometimes referred to as daylight harvesting ballasts (the “Ballasts”) and is engaged in the business of designing, marketing and selling the Ballasts.
 
 
B.
AXIS presently has insufficient funds available to it to accomplish the foregoing whether from equity or credit sources, and is looking for sources of short term and long term funding, as well as help in locating and marketing to customers for the Ballasts.
 
 
C.
AXIS has asked IRC for assistance locating additional operating funds for short term inventory acquisition needs, and for help locating longer term working capital funding in an amount of up to $6,000,000, which longer term funding could take the form of equity investment through the purchase of common or preferred stock in ATG, or an additional credit facility, or combination thereof.
 
 
D.
In return for IRC’s assistance, AXIS is willing to commit to sell or transfer up to a 2/3 controlling interest in AXIS to DHAB in return for said longer term operating capital or funding.
 
 
E.
AXIS and IRC have determined it is in their mutual best interests to enter into this Agreement to memoralize the foregoing and the obligations of both parties in regards thereto.
 
NOW, THEREFORE, for good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, it is hereby agreed as follows:
 
ARTICLE I
 
DEFINITIONS
 
As used in this Agreement, unless the context otherwise requires, the following terms shall have the meanings set forth below:
 
“Agreement” shall mean this Joint Venture Agreement for AXIS Joint Venture, as amended or restated from time to time.
 
“ATG Stock” shall mean common stock of ATG.
 
“AXIS Contributed Inventory” means that part of the IRC Inventory already owned by AXIS as of the date hereof consisting of approximately 9500 Units which AXIS is contributing to the Joint Venture to fill the first Purchase Order described in Section 3.3.1 hereof.
 
 “AXIS Notes” shall mean those certain promissory notes of even date executed by AXIS to evidence the obligations of AXIS to repay to IRC the sums advanced upon IRC’s applications under the Letters of Credit, as well as other obligations of AXIS to IRC as described herein.
 
“Customer” shall mean a Person submitting a Purchase Order to AXIS for IRC Inventory which has been approved by IRC.
 
“DHAB” shall mean DHAB, LLC, a Tennessee limited liability company.
 
“DHAB Purchase Money Note” means that certain promissory note of even date in the principal amount of $6,000,000 executed by DHAB to the order of AXIS due and payable on such terms as are set forth therein.
 
“DHAB Stock Pledge Agreement” means that certain stock pledge agreement of even date executed by DHAB as pledgor pledging to AXIS as secured party the 163,192,720 shares of ATG Stock sold to DHAB, and containing such terms and conditions as shall be mutually agreed upon between DHAB and AXIS.
 
“Direct Pay Letter of Credit” shall mean a letter of credit issued by a financial institution chosen by IRC providing for the direct payment to a Manufacturer of the cost of IRC Inventory.
 
“Gemini” shall mean Gemini Strategies, LLC, as collateral agent for the lenders currently providing Inventory financing for AXIS.
 
“Inventory” shall mean all goods consisting of inventory under the UCC.
 
“IRC Collateral” shall mean the IRC Inventory, the accounts receivable of AXIS created by the sale of the IRC Inventory , and all other personal property of AXIS described in the IRC Security Agreement.
 
“IRC Inventory” shall mean the AXIS Contributed Inventory, as well as all Inventory purchased or paid for by AXIS using a source of funds provided by IRC, directly, such as by loan to AXIS, or indirectly, such as by letter of credit issued upon the application of IRC which is drawn upon to pay for IRC Inventory ordered by AXIS.
 
“IRC Security Agreement” shall mean that certain Security Agreement of even date herewith signed by AXIS granting to IRC a security interest in the IRC Collateral to secure the obligations of AXIS to IRC described therein.
 
“IRC Transaction” shall mean the execution of this Agreement, the issuance of the Letters of Credit, the contribution  of the IRC Inventory by AXIS,  and the purchase of additional inventory using funds provided by IRC,  and the closing of the sales of IRC Inventory to Customers, and all matters ancillary and relating thereto.
 
“Joint Venture” shall mean the joint venture or partnership formed under this Agreement.
 
“Letters of Credit” shall mean all Direct Pay Letters of Credit and Standby Letters of Credit.
 
“Magna Account” shall mean that certain deposit account maintained by AXIS with Magna Bank, into which account all monies paid by Customers for IRC Inventory shall be directly deposited.
 
“Magna Bank” shall mean Magna Bank, FSB, located in Memphis, Tennessee.
 
“Manufacturer” shall mean any Person manufacturing IRC Inventory at the request of AXIS.
 
“Partner” shall mean AXIS and IRC as joint venture partners.
 
“Person” shall mean any natural person, corporation, partnership, limited liability company or other legal entity capable of contracting in its own name.
 
“Purchase Order” shall mean a contract or order submitted by a Customer to AXIS for the purchase of IRC Inventory.
 
“Standby Letter of Credit” shall mean any letter of credit issued by a financial institution chosen by IRC providing for the payment to a Customer of the cost of repurchase of any IRC Inventory not sold by such Customer within a period of time specified in the Standby Letter of Credit.
 
“State” shall mean the State of Tennessee.
 
“UCC” shall mean the Uniform Commercial Code as adopted by the State.
 
“Unit” shall mean a single Ballast.
 
ARTICLE II
 
FORMATION, NAME, ETC.
 
Section 2.1      Formation .   The Joint Venture is hereby formed as a Tennessee joint venture or general partnership effective as of the Effective Date upon the terms and conditions in this Agreement.
 
Section 2.2       Name .  The name of the Joint Venture is AXIS Joint Venture.  All business of the Joint Venture shall be conducted under that name or under any other name adopted by the Partners.
 
Section 2.3      Principal Place of Business .  The principal place of business of the Joint Venture within the State of Tennessee shall be 2620 Thousand Oaks Boulevard, Suite 4000, Memphis, TN 38118.  The Joint Venture may have such other places of business and registered office as the Partners shall, from time to time, deem advisable.
 
Section 2.4      Term .  The Joint Venture shall commence on the Effective Date and shall continue until terminated under this Agreement.
 
ARTICLE III
 
BUSINESS OF JOINT VENTURE; OBLIGATIONS; INVENTORY FUNDING
 
Section 3.1      Permitted Business .  The business of the Joint Venture shall be to facilitate, and make funds available for, the acquisition by AXIS of IRC Inventory, and to sell such IRC Inventory to Customers of AXIS, and all activities necessary, convenient or incident to the foregoing purpose.
 
Section 3.2      Limitation .  The Joint Venture may engage in the specific activities set forth in Section 3.1 and any and all other lawful business activities whatsoever conducive to or expedient for the furtherance of such purposes or objectives, and the Joint Venture may exercise all powers necessary to, connected with, or incident to the accomplishment of such business purposes. The Joint Venture shall not engage in any other trade or business, or engage in any unrelated trade or business activity, and no Partner shall have any authority to hold himself out as a general agent of another Partner in this or any other business or activity.
 
Section 3.3      AXIS Obligations .
 
3.3.1      First Purchase Order .  As soon as possible after the Effective Date, AXIS shall obtain a Purchase Order from a Customer (assumed to be Consolidated Electrical Distributors, Inc.) for the purchase of 12,000 Units of IRC Inventory from AXIS at a price of at least $39 per Unit, for a total purchase price of at least $468,000.  After payment to a Manufacturer (assumed to be Duropower, Inc.) is made or arranged by IRC for the balance of the cost of the AXIS Contributed Inventory composing part of the said IRC Inventory (expected to be $24,180.20), AXIS shall cause such IRC Inventory to be delivered to the Customer by a shipper acceptable to IRC (ABF Freight Systems, Inc. is acceptable to IRC) and shall cause payment from the Customer to be made directly to the Magna Account.  AXIS acknowledges the purchase of the aforesaid IRC Inventory by AXIS from a Manufacturer will be provided or arranged by IRC, whether through direct payment to such Manufacturer or loan to AXIS, or through a Direct Pay Letter of Credit obtained by IRC.  Upon the execution of this Agreement, AXIS shall execute such documentation as is necessary to confirm the obligation of AXIS to repay IRC for the cost of said IRC Inventory, should the resale of the IRC Inventory to a Customer not occur, or should yield insufficient sales proceeds to repay IRC, as well as the obligation to repay any expenses advanced by IRC.  Such documentation shall include, without limitation, a promissory note, security agreement and UCC-1 financing statements.  AXIS shall cause the Customer to issue reports at least monthly on how much of the IRC Inventory has been resold by the Customer.
 
3.3.2      Sale of AXIS Stock to DHAB .  Upon the execution of this Agreement, AXIS shall issue or cause to be issued 163,192,720 shares of ATG Stock to DHAB in return for the execution by DHAB of the DHAB Purchase Money Note, as well as the DHAB Stock Pledge Agreement pledging the ATG Stock as collateral for said note and appropriate stock power.
 
IRC has advised AXIS that IRC intends to invest in DHAB and to be a member thereof.  AXIS acknowledges, understands and agrees that the issuance of the shares of ATG Stock as aforesaid, is an important and essential condition of IRC’s willingness and agreement to assist in obtaining the funding for the purchase by AXIS of the IRC Inventory necessary to fill the Purchase Orders obtained by AXIS For the sale of the IRC Inventory to the Customers placing such Purchase Orders.  IRC would not enter into this Agreement, and provide the funding for the purchase of the IRC Inventory, were it not for such commitment on the part of AXIS to issue the new shares of ATG Stock to DHAB.
 
AXIS shall agree in the DHAB Stock Pledge Agreement to release to DHAB from time to time, but at least on a quarterly basis, or as otherwise requested by DHAB, such shares of ATG Stock as have been either paid for through payments on the DHAB Purchase Money Note (based on a prorated basis according to how much of the DHAB Purchase Money Note has been paid using 4 cents per share as the release price), or have been earned through performance by DHAB or its principals in efforts to market AXIS products and grow the customer base of AXIS resulting in a reduction of the indebtedness owing under the DHAB Purchase Money Note.  AXIS agrees to work in good faith with DHAB to mutually agree promptly after the execution of this Agreement upon a method of calculating how much of the ATG Stock sold to DHAB will be released from the DHAB Stock Pledge Agreement, and how much of the indebtedness evidenced by the DHAB Purchase Money Note shall be satisfied, as a result of such performance by DHAB.
 
3.3.3      Second Purchase Order .  As soon as possible after the Effective Date, AXIS shall obtain a second Purchase Order from a Customer for the purchase of 12,000 Units of IRC Inventory at a price of at least $492,000.  After payment is made or arranged by IRC in the same manner as with the first Purchase Order, AXIS shall cause such IRC Inventory to be delivered to the Customer by a shipper acceptable to IRC (ABF Freight Systems, Inc. is acceptable to IRC) and direct payment from the Customer directly to the Magna Account.  Upon the execution of this Agreement, AXIS shall also execute similar documentation to that required by 3.3.1 to confirm the repayment obligation of AXIS to IRC.
 
Other than as provided herein in Section 3.3.7 hereof, and as presently agreed to with Gemini Strategies, LLC, in existing loan documents, AXIS agrees not to issue, or agree to issue, any additional shares of ATG Stock prior to July 20, 2010.
 
3.3.4      Gemini Consent and Subordination .  In order for IRC to be able to provide or arrange funding for the purchase by AXIS of the IRC Inventory, prior to any funding provided or arranged by IRC, AXIS shall obtain from Gemini its consent to the IRC Inventory funding arrangement and a UCC-3 subordination of its existing lien perfected by certain UCC-1 financing statements encumbering the Inventory that will become the IRC Inventory, as well as accounts, general intangibles, proceeds and other personalty relating to the IRC Inventory.
 
3.3.5      Repayment of IRC; Expenses and IRC Fee .  As sufficient proceeds are received in the Magna Account, IRC shall be promptly repaid for all sums provided, advanced or paid by IRC for purchase of the IRC Inventory, as well as for all reasonable costs and expenses advanced by IRC to AXIS, or paid or incurred by IRC to third parties to the date of disbursement in connection therewith, such expenses including, without limitation, engineering, travel, attorneys’ and accountants’ fees, all such payments when made to IRC to be applied in such order as IRC shall determine.  In addition, as soon as sufficient funds are available IRC shall be promptly paid from the Magna Account (or directly by AXIS if there are insufficient funds in the Magna Account) all remaining sums advanced or provided by IRC, as well as a fee of $50,000 for providing or arranging the IRC Inventory purchase, such fee to be payable on demand after the funding has been provided or arranged by IRC for both the first and second Purchase Orders, and either Customers have paid for all the IRC Inventory, or accounts have been sold to a factor or other purchaser, or combination of the above.
 
3.3.6      Operation of Magna Account.   AXIS shall direct all Customers to send their payments directly to the Magna Account.  If any payments are sent directly to AXIS instead of the Magna Account, AXIS shall immediately deliver any funds or checks so received to Magna Bank for deposit in the Magna Account.  The Magna Account shall be established requiring signatures from both AXIS and IRC in order to withdraw funds, unless AXIS and IRC otherwise mutually agree.  IRC acknowledges that AXIS will require frequent access to the Magna Account and agrees to cooperate in good faith with AXIS to facilitate such access in a reasonable manner.  Funds in the Magna Account shall be available for disbursement to AXIS from time to time according to a budget mutually approved by IRC and AXIS, as such budget may be modified or amended from time to time by mutual agreement of the parties.  Once IRC has been repaid for all sums due hereunder, and the Letters of Credit have all been terminated, cancelled and released, the Magna Account shall be solely controlled by AXIS.
 
IRC acknowledges and agrees that, prior to IRC having been paid in full all sums due to be paid to IRC hereunder, 10% of the proceeds received from the sale of IRC Inventory deposited in the Magna Account may be used by AXIS to pay to Gemini at such time and in such manner as may be agreed upon between AXIS and Gemini.
 
3.3.7      Additional Working Capital; Preferred Stock Issue.   At the next Shareholder’s meeting the shareholders shall vote on whether or not to retire the note (its debt to DHAB) with the issuance of a second class of no par value stock issued to DHAB.  This second class of stock shall be paid a coupon of 8% per annum on the actual capital raised if less than $6,000,000, to be paid quarterly. DHAB commits to vote in favor of retiring the note.
 
The purpose of this second class of stock shall be to hold a collateral interest in the assets of AXIS.  This second class of stock shall not vote or participate in any financial upside available to other classes of stock and may not be redeemed for more than the actual capital raised plus any accrued dividends.  Any proceeds realized by the sale of the collateral in excess of the actual capital raised plus any accrued dividends shall inure to the benefit of all other classes of stock.
 
Section 3.4      IRC Obligations .
 
3.4.1      First Purchase Order; Letters of Credit .  Once AXIS obtains the first Purchase Order from a Customer for the purchase of 12,000 Units of IRC Inventory at a price of at least $39 per Unit for a total purchase price of at least $468,000, IRC shall obtain a Standby Letter of Credit for said sum from a financial institution of its choosing (intended to be Magna Bank) for the benefit of said Customer.  In addition, IRC shall obtain a Direct Pay Letter of Credit to cover the purchase price of the AXIS Contributed Inventory composing part of the IRC Inventory necessary to fill the Purchase Order from said Customer (not to exceed $24,180.20).  When the IRC Inventory has been shipped to said Customer by AXIS, the Standby Letter of Credit for $468,000 shall also be delivered to said Customer in such manner as shall be determined by IRC, as to the exact timing and coordination with the delivery of said Standby Letter of Credit and receipt of payment from said Customer for the IRC Inventory.
 
3.4.2      Second Purchase Order; Letter of Credit .  Once AXIS has obtained a second Purchase Order from a Customer for the purchase of 12,000 Units of IRC Inventory at a price of at least $492,000, IRC shall arrange a Direct Pay Letter of Credit in the maximum amount of $120,000 to be issued to the Manufacturer of said IRC Inventory.  IRC shall arrange another Direct Pay Letter of Credit in the maximum amount of $120,000 to be issued to said Manufacturer for the balance of the IRC Inventory order at such time as is agreed upon between IRC, AXIS and said Manufacturer.  Once the IRC Inventory is shipped by a Manufacturer and necessary confirmation of such shipping with a company acceptable to IRC has been received by IRC, the Direct Pay Letters of Credit shall be drawn upon in accordance with the terms thereof and payment made to the Manufacturer.
 
3.4.3      Repayment of IRC; Expenses and IRC Fee .  IRC shall provide up to the maximum sum of $45,819.80 for reasonable expenses of AXIS or IRC consisting of engineering and other items approved by IRC. IRC shall be reimbursed for any sums expended by IRC for such expenses once demand for repayment is made by IRC.  IRC agrees to perform the services set forth herein, and arrange or provide the funds necessary to purchase the IRC Inventory in return for reimbursement by AXIS of the costs of the IRC Inventory as set forth in 3.3.5 above, all reasonable expenses incurred by IRC in connection therewith, including, without limitation, engineering, travel, legal and accounting fees, and a fee of $50,000 to be paid to IRC once the Customers to whom the IRC Inventory has been sold have sent their purchase price to the Magna Account, or in the alternative, once all such accounts have either been paid or have been factored or sold by AXIS, and the monies have been received by AXIS or in the Magna Account.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, AXIS acknowledges that certain monies have been heretofore contributed or spent by Kevin Adams and that he shall be reimbursed either by IRC, who shall then be reimbursed by AXIS from the Magna Account, or by AXIS directly if there are insufficient funds in the Magna Account to do so.
 
3.4.4      Additional Working Capital; Common Stock Issue .  In addition to the short term inventory funding needs provided by IRC, IRC also agrees to assist, or to allow a principal of IRC to assist, without any guarantee of success, DHAB in raising up to $6,000,000 of additional funding for the future working capital needs of AXIS and other purposes as described below.  In consideration of AXIS’ agreement to issue 163,192,720 shares of ATG Stock to DHAB, IRC has agreed to provide or arrange the funding for the IRC Inventory as aforesaid, and to assist DHAB in efforts to obtain additional working capital funding, and DHAB has agreed to execute the DHAB Purchase Money Note and DHAB Stock Pledge Agreement.
 
Once raised and ready for disbursement, the additional funds will be disbursed as follows: (a) such sum as is necessary to pay off or purchase the indebtedness of AXIS to Gemini, at which time if purchased by DHAB Gemini will transfer all its right, title and interest, as well as all collateral, to DHAB; and (b) the balance into Axis’s operating account at Magna Bank  If not previously extended, DHAB agrees to modify the note to reflect a maturity date of April 12, 2015, or such other date as may be mutually agreed upon.
 
AXIS understands and acknowledges that IRC is not a guarantor of success in being able to assist DHAB in its efforts to raise the additional funding for the purposes set forth above, but will assist or allow its CEO Kevin Adams to assist in such efforts.
 
 
3.5      Conditions to IRC Transaction.
 
All obligations of the parties hereto to close the IRC Transaction and perform their respective obligations hereunder, as and when required, are expressly conditioned on the fulfillment and satisfaction of the following conditions at such time and in such order as is either required herein or otherwise mutually acceptable to the parties hereto:
 
 
1.
The due execution and performance of this Agreement and all other documents required hereunder by all parties hereto including, without limitation, the IRC Security Agreement and the AXIS Notes.
 
2.
The applications by IRC for and issuance of the Letters of Credit.
 
3.
The execution by AXIS of, and repayment of the obligations evidenced by, the promissory notes and collateral documents evidencing and securing AXIS’ obligation to pay to IRC all sums provided by, or otherwise due to, IRC in connection herewith.
 
4.
The issuance to DHAB of 163,192,720 shares of ATG Stock and execution by DHAB of the DHAB Purchase Money Note and DHAB Stock Pledge Agreement.
 
5.
The amendment by Gemini of its UCC-1 financing statements releasing its lien on the IRC Collateral.
 
6.
Such other documents and things as are either required hereunder, or as are reasonably required by any party hereto to properly close and consummate the provisions of this Agreement.
 
7.
There is no default by either party hereunder, and all obligations and covenants have been complied with in all material respects as of the date any performance by either party is required hereunder.

Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, it is understood and agreed that the obligation of IRC to perform its obligations hereunder shall be terminated at IRC’s option upon the failure of any condition herein, or AXIS’ default in the performance of any of its obligations hereunder, which default or failure continues to exist after the expiration of two (2) weeks after notice from IRC to AXIS of such default or failure of condition.
 
ARTICLE IV
 
ACCOUNTING, RECORDS AND REPORTS
 
Proper and complete books and records of account shall be kept by the Joint Venture and shall, at all times, be maintained at the principal office of the Joint Venture.  All such books and records shall be subject to inspection and copying by the Partners, or their agent or attorney.  Each Partner shall have access to true and full information regarding the status of the Joint Venture’s business and financial condition, and shall render, on demand, true and full information of all things affecting the Joint Venture to any other Partner.
 
ARTICLE V
 
AUTHORITY, MEETINGS OF PARTNERS
 
Section 5.1      Authority of Partners.   Each Partner shall have the responsibilities set forth herein and may only exercise such powers and do such lawful acts and things as are incidental, necessary or appropriate in the implementation and completion of each such Partner’s responsibilities hereunder.  Except as otherwise specifically provided, the Partners shall not have authority to bind the Joint Venture, and agree not to take any action to bind the Joint Venture.
 
Section 5.2      Meetings .  Meetings of the Partners may be called by any Partner by signing, dating, and delivering to the other Partner written notice or demand for a meeting describing the purpose or purposes for which it is to be held.  Meetings may be held in or out of the State of Tennessee at such place and time as the Partners may mutually agree, and may take place by telephone.
 
Section 5.3      Notice of Meetings .  Unless otherwise mutually agreed, written notice of the date, time, and place of each meeting and, a statement of the purpose or purposes of the meeting, shall be given to each Partner not less than two (2) days nor more than thirty (30) days before the meeting date.  Notice shall be in writing and delivered by mail or private carrier.  If mailed, written notice to the Partners shall be effective when mailed, if mailed postpaid and correctly addressed to the Partner’s address shown in the Joint Venture’s current record of Partners.  If not mailed, written notice shall be effective when received. If a meeting is adjourned to a different date, time, or place, notice need not be given of the new date, time, or place if the new date, time, or place is announced at the time of adjournment.
 
Section 5.4      Actions Without A Meeting .  Any action required or permitted to be taken by the Partners may be taken without a meeting by written consent signed by Partners with voting power equal to the voting power that would be required to take the same action at a meeting of the Partners at which all Partners are present.  The action must be evidenced by one (1) or more instruments evidencing the waiver and consent.  All instruments may be signed in counterparts.
 
Section 5.5      Waiver of Notice .  A Partner may waive any notice of a meeting required by this Agreement.  A waiver of notice by a Partner is effective, whether given before or after a meeting, if the notice is in writing.  A Partner’s attendance at a meeting is a waiver of notice of that meeting, unless the Partner objects at the beginning of the meeting (or promptly upon his arrival) to the transaction of business because the meeting is not lawfully called or convened, or objects before a vote on an item of business because the item may not lawfully be considered at that meeting and does not participate in the consideration of the item at that meeting.  The Secretary shall note the objection in the minutes of the meeting.  Unless otherwise determined by the Partners, the record date for determining Partners entitled to vote shall be the date of notice of a meeting.
 
ARTICLE VI
 
DISSOLUTION AND WINDING UP
 
The Joint Venture shall be dissolved and its affairs wound up, upon the first to occur of the following events (which, unless the Partners agree to continue the business, shall constitute Dissolution Events):
 
(a)     the written consent of the Partners;
 
(b)     the sale of all of the IRC Inventory and distribution to the Partners of the proceeds of such sale in the manner set forth herein;
 
(c)     the occurrence of any event that causes there to be only one (1) Partner; or
 
(d)     the occurrence of any event which makes it impossible or unlawful to carry on the business of the Joint Venture.
 
The Partners hereby agree that, notwithstanding any provision of the Act, the Joint Venture shall not dissolve prior to the occurrence of a Dissolution Event.  If it is determined, by a court of competent jurisdiction, that the Joint Venture has dissolved prior to the occurrence of a Dissolution Event, the Partners hereby agree to continue the business of the Joint Venture without a winding up or liquidation. Upon the occurrence of a Dissolution Event, the Joint Venture shall cease carrying on the Joint Venture business, except insofar as may be necessary for the winding up of its business, but the Joint Venture is not terminated, and continues until the winding up of the affairs of the Joint Venture is completed.
 
ARTICLE VII
 
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
 
Section 7.1      Notice
 
(a)      All notices, demands, requests and other communications required or permitted to be given by any provision of this Agreement shall be in writing (the term “writing” shall include facsimile, electronic mail or other electronic transmission) and sent by (i) first class, regular, registered or certified mail; (ii) commercial delivery service; (iii) air or other overnight delivery service; (iv) facsimile, electronic mail or other electronic transmission; or (v) hand delivery, to the party to be notified addressed as follows:
 
If to AXIS:
Axis Technologies, Inc.
Axis Technologies Group, Inc.
2055 South Folsom Street
Lincoln, NE 68522
   
 
William H Bethell
211 Pine Street
Massapequa Park, NY 11762
   
If to IRC:
IRC – Interstate Realty Corporation
2620 Thousand Oaks Boulevard, Suite 4000
Memphis, TN 38118
Attn: J. Kevin Adams

(b)      Any such notice, demand, request or communication shall be deemed to have been given and received for all purposes under this Agreement:  (i) three (3) business days after the same is deposited in any official depository or receptacle of the United States Postal Service first class certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid; (ii) on the next business day after the same is deposited with a nationally recognized overnight delivery service that guarantees overnight delivery; (iii) on the date of confirmed transmission when delivered by facsimile, electronic mail or other electronic transmission; and (iv) on the date of actual delivery to such party by any other means; provided, however, if the day such notice, demand, request or communication shall be deemed to have been given and received as aforesaid is not a business day (or if delivery is made after 5:00 p.m. (recipient’s local time) on any business day), such notice, demand, request or communication shall be deemed to have been given and received on the next business day.
 
(c)      Any party to this Agreement may change such party’s address for the purpose of notice, demands, requests and communications required or permitted under this Agreement by providing written notice of such change of address to all of the parties by written notice as provided herein.
 
Section 7.2      Binding Effect .   Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, every covenant, term and provision of this Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto, their successors and assigns.
 
Section 7.3      Written Agreement Required .  This Agreement, any and all amendments hereto and any restated agreement of the Joint Venture shall be in writing, and all provisions of any such agreement shall be set forth in a single integrated document.  For purposes of this provision, a document and all duly adopted amendments thereto shall be deemed to constitute a “single integrated document.”
 
Section 7.4      Construction .  Every covenant, term and provision of this Agreement shall be construed simply according to its fair meaning and not strictly for or against any Partner.
 
Section 7.5      Time .  Time is of the essence with respect to this Agreement.
 
Section 7.6      Headings .  Section and other headings contained in this Agreement are for reference purposes only and are not intended to describe, interpret, define, or limit the scope, extent, or intent of this Agreement or any provision hereof.
 
Section 7.7      Severability .  Every provision of this Agreement is intended to be severable.  If any term or provision hereof is illegal, invalid or unenforceable for any reason whatsoever, such illegality or invalidity shall not affect the validity, legality or unenforceability of the remainder of this Agreement which shall be modified as needed to effectuate the intent of the parties expressed herein.
 
Section 7.8      Additional Assurances .  Each Partner, upon the request of the other Partners, agrees to perform all further acts and execute, acknowledge, and deliver any documents that may be reasonably necessary, appropriate, or desirable to carry out the provisions of this Agreement.
 
Section 7.9      Governing Law .  This Agreement shall be governed in all respects, including validity, interpretation and effect by, and shall be enforceable in accordance with the internal laws of the State of Tennessee, without regard to conflicts of laws principles.
 
Section 7.10      Counterpart Execution .  This Agreement may be executed in multiple counterparts, each one of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which shall be considered together as one and the same instrument.  Further, in making proof of this Agreement, it shall not be necessary to produce or account for more than one (1) such counterpart.  Execution by a party of a signature page hereto shall constitute due execution and shall create a valid, binding obligation of the party so signing, and it shall not be necessary or required that the signatures of all parties appear on a single signature page hereto.
 
Section 7.11      Electronic Transmission .  Delivery of an executed counterpart of this Agreement  or any other document, instrument notice, or communication required or permitted to be delivered pursuant to this Agreement (or executed signature pages to this Agreement or such other document, instrument notice, or communication required or permitted to be delivered pursuant to this Agreement) may be made by facsimile or other electronic transmission.  Any such counterpart or signature pages sent by facsimile or other electronic transmission shall be deemed to be written and signed originals for all purposes, and copies of this Agreement or any other document, instrument notice, or communication required or permitted to be delivered pursuant to this Agreement containing one or more signature pages that have been delivered by facsimile or other electronic transmission shall constitute enforceable original documents.  As used in this Agreement, the term “electronic transmission” means and refers to any form of communication not directly involving the physical transmission of paper that creates a record that may be retained, retrieved and reviewed by a recipient of the communication, and that may be directly reproduced in paper form by such a recipient through an automated process.
 
Section 7.12      Specific Performance .  A Partner shall be entitled to obtain (i) injunctive relief against threatened conduct that will cause the Joint Venture or such Partner loss or damage, (ii) specific performance to enforce the provisions hereof, in each case under the usual rules of law and equity, including without limitation the applicable rules for obtaining specific performance, restraining orders, and preliminary and permanent injunctions.
 
Section 7.13      Arbitration .  Subject to Section 7.12 above, any controversy, claim, or dispute arising out of or relating to this Agreement, including any alleged breach or threatened breach of the provisions contained in this Agreement shall, upon demand of a party to the controversy, claim, or dispute, be resolved by arbitration held in Memphis, Tennessee, and administered by the American Arbitration Association or any successor organization (the “ AAA ”) in accordance with the Commercial Arbitration Rules of the AAA, and, to the maximum extent applicable, pursuant to the Federal Arbitration Act, 9 U.S.C. 1 et seq .  An award rendered in any such proceeding shall be final, binding, and non-appealable, and judgment thereon may be entered in any court having competent jurisdiction.  The parties shall hold an initial meeting within thirty (30) days from receipt of notice from the requesting party of a request for arbitration.  Unless otherwise agreed in writing, the parties will jointly appoint a mutually acceptable arbitrator not affiliated with either party.  If the parties are unable to agree upon such appointment within thirty (30) days of the initial meeting, the parties shall obtain an odd numbered list of not less than five (5) potential arbitrators from the Circuit Court of Tennessee for the Thirtieth Judicial District at Memphis or the United States District Court for the Western District of Tennessee in Memphis, Tennessee.  Each party shall alternatively strike a single name from the list until only one name remains, with such person to be the arbitrator.  The party requesting the arbitration shall strike the first name.  Each party shall pay one-half (½) of the costs related to the arbitration, unless the arbitrator’s decision provides otherwise.  Each party shall bear its own costs to prepare for and participate in the arbitration.  Each party shall produce at the request of the other party, at least thirty (30) days in advance of the hearing, all documents to be submitted at the hearing and such other documents as are relevant to the issues or likely to lead to relevant information.  Subject to the limitations contained in this Agreement, the arbitrator may grant any remedy or relief they deem just and equitable, including any provisional and injunctive remedies available at law or in equity (in which case the party receiving such relief may apply to the court of competent jurisdiction for enforcement of such provisional or injunctive order, without prejudice to the continued arbitration of the matter); provided, however, upon the demand of any party to the controversy, claim, or dispute, the AAA may appoint a single “provisional relief” arbitrator on an expedited basis to consider any request for, and grant, such provisional or injunctive remedy; and provided further, the arbitrator shall award reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses to the prevailing party.  The arbitrator shall resolve all disputes in accordance with the applicable laws of the State of Tennessee and supported by substantial evidence in the record; and the failure to apply the applicable laws of the State of Tennessee or entry of a decision that is not based on substantial evidence in the record shall be grounds for modifying or vacating an arbitration decision.  The arbitrator will be knowledgeable in the subject matter of the dispute.  The arbitrators will make specific, written findings of fact and conclusions of law.  The arbitrators’ findings of fact will be binding on all parties and will not be subject to further review.
 
SECTION 7.14      ADVICE OF COUNSEL .   EACH PERSON SIGNING THIS AGREEMENT:
 
(a)     understands that this Agreement contains legally binding provisions;
 
(b)     is advised, and has had the opportunity, to consult with that Person’s own attorney;
 
(c)     has either consulted with the Person’s own attorney or consciously decided not to consult with the Person’s own attorney; and
 
(d)     has had the reasonable opportunity to seek the advice of and consult with its own independent legal counsel in connection this Agreement and the transactions contemplated herein and have either consulted with and obtained the advice of independent legal counsel or made the conscious decision not to consult with its own legal counsel.
 
[SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS]
 
IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the undersigned have set their hand to be effective as of the date first above set forth.
 

Axis Technologies Group, Inc.
 
 
By:
/s/ Kip Hirschbach
 
Name: Kip Hirschbach
Title: CEO
 
 
Axis Technologies, Inc.
 
 
By:
/s/ Jim Erickson
 
Name: Jim Erickson
Title: President
 
 
IRC – Interstate Realty Corporation
 
 
By:
/s/ J. Kevin Adams
 
Name: J. Kevin Adams
Title: CEO
 
 
DHAB, LLC
 
 
By:
/s/ J. Kevin Adams
 
Name:   J. Kevin Adams
Title: CEO


Exhibit 2
 
STOCK PLEDGE AND SECURITY AGREEMENT
 
THIS STOCK PLEDGE AND SECURITY AGREEMENT (“Agreement”) is made as of the 22nd, day of April, 2010, by DHAB, LLC, a Tennessee limited liability company (the “Pledgor” or “Borrower”) in favor of AXIS TECHNOLOGIES GROUP, INC., a Delaware corporation (“AXIS”).
 
W I T N E S S E T H:
 
WHEREAS, Borrower is indebted to AXIS for the sum of $6,000,000 as evidenced by that certain Promissory Note of even date herewith (the “Note”); and,
 
WHEREAS, the Pledgor is the owner of 163,192,720 shares of AXIS common stock (the “Stock”); and
 
WHEREAS, the Pledgor wishes to pledge the Stock to secure its obligations set forth in the Note.
 
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and other good and valuable considerations, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Pledgor hereby agrees with AXIS as follows:
 
1.            Pledge and Grant of Security Interest .  As collateral security for all of the Obligations (as defined in Section 2 hereof), the Pledgor hereby pledges and assigns to AXIS, and grants to AXIS, subject to the conditions herein contained, a continuing security interest in the following (the “Pledged Collateral”):
 
(a)           all of the Pledgor’s right, title and interest in and to the Stock and all certificate(s) representing the Stock, all options and other rights with respect thereto; and,
 
(b)           all profits, dividends, distributions, and other compensation, and all proceeds of any and all of the foregoing.
 
2.            Security for Obligations .  The security interest created hereby in the Pledged Collateral constitutes continuing collateral security for all obligations contained in the Note (the “Obligations”).
 
3.            Delivery of the Pledged Collateral; Release of Stock .  (a)  All certificates representing the interest of the Pledgor in the Stock shall be delivered to or retained by AXIS upon the execution and delivery of this Agreement.  All such certificates shall be held by or on behalf of AXIS pursuant hereto and shall be delivered in suitable form for transfer by delivery and accompanied by duly executed instruments of transfer or assignment in blank, all in form and substance acceptable to AXIS.
 
(b)           Prior to an Event of Default as hereinafter described, if the Pledgor shall receive, by virtue of its being or having been an owner of any Pledged Collateral, any (i) stock certificate representing distribution or transfer in connection  with any increase or reduction of cash funds, reclassification, merger, consolidation, sale of assets, or termination of the Stock or other instrument; (ii) option or right whether as an addition to, substitution for, or in exchange for, any Pledged Collateral, or otherwise; (iii) distributions payable in cash (other than cash dividends payable prior to an Event of Default) or in securities or other property; or (iv) dividends or other distributions in connection with a partial or total termination or dissolution or in connection with a reduction of cash funds, the Pledgor shall receive such stock, certificate, instrument, option, right, payment or distribution in trust for the benefit of AXIS, shall segregate it from the Pledgor’s other property and shall deliver it forthwith to AXIS in the exact form received, with any necessary endorsement and/or appropriate powers duly executed in blank, to be held by AXIS as Pledged Collateral and as further collateral security for the Obligations.
 
(c)           As the Obligations evidenced by the Note are paid, or deemed satisfied by mutual agreement of the Pledgor and AXIS, AXIS shall release from the lien of this Agreement, and promptly return to the Pledgor at such time as the Pledgor request the equivalent number of shares of the Stock on a prorated basis as are represented by the sums so paid or deemed satisfied.
 
4.            Representations and Warranties .  The Pledgor represents and warrants as follows:
 
(a)           The Pledgor is the legal and beneficial owner of the Pledged Collateral free and clear of any lien, security interest or other charge or encumbrance created by the Pledgor except for the security interest created by this Agreement.
 
(b)           The execution of this Agreement has been duly authorized by the Pledgor.
 
5.            Covenants as to the Pledged Collateral .  So long as any of the Obligations shall remain outstanding, the Pledgor will, as to any of the Stock not returned to the Pledgor, unless AXIS shall otherwise consent in writing:
 
(a)           not sell, assign, exchange or otherwise dispose of any of the Pledged Collateral or any interest therein;
 
(b)           not create or suffer to exist any lien, security inter­est or other charge or encumbrance upon or with respect to any of the Pledged Collateral except for the security inter­est created hereby;
 
(c)           not make or consent to any amendment or other modification or waiver with respect to any of the Pledged Collateral or enter into any agreement or permit to exist any restriction with respect to any of the Pledged Collateral;
 
(d)           not vote any shares of Stock which the Pledgor may at any time own in the Company in favor of any recapitalization plan or propos­al which would or might materially affect the value of the stock;
 
(e)           not take or fail to take any action which would in any manner impair the value or enforceability of AXIS’s security interest in the Pledged Collateral.
 
6.            Voting Rights, Dividends, Etc. in Respect of the Pledged Collateral .  (a) Prior to the occurrence of an Event of Default (as defined in Section 8 hereof):
 
(i)           Until the Note has been paid in full, the Pledgor may not exercise any voting and other consensual rights pertaining to the Pledged Collateral other than as to any of the Stock fully paid for and released from the lien hereof;
 
(ii)           Until the Stock, or any portion thereof, is paid for and released from this Agreement, the Pledgor may not receive and retain any distributions or dividends paid in respect of the Pledged Collateral.  Any and all (A) dividends paid or payable other than in cash in respect of, and instruments or other property received, receivable or otherwise distributed in respect of or in exchange for, any Pledged Collateral, (B) distributions or other transfers paid or payable in cash in respect of any Pledged Collateral in connection with a partial or total dissolution or termination or in connection with a reduction of capital, capital surplus or cash funds, and (C) cash paid, payable or otherwise distributed in redemption of, or in exchange for, any Pledged Collateral, shall be Pledged Collateral and shall, if received by the Pledgor, be received in trust for the benefit of AXIS, shall be segregated from the other property or funds of the Pledgor, and shall be forthwith delivered to AXIS in the exact form received with any necessary endorsement and/or appropriate powers duly executed in blank, to be held by AXIS as Pledged Collateral and as security for the Obligations.
 
(b)           Upon the occurrence of an Event of Default (as defined in Section 8 hereof):
 
(i)           all rights of the Pledgor, if any, to exercise the voting and other consensual rights which it would otherwise be entitled to exercise and to receive dividends, cash or any other distributions or transfers of any type, which it would otherwise be authorized to receive and retain, pursuant to subsection (a) of this Section 6 shall cease, and all such rights shall thereupon become vested in AXIS which shall thereupon have the sole right to exercise such voting and other consensual rights and to receive and retain such dividends, cash or any other distributions or transfers of any type, (and the Pledgor covenants and agrees thereupon, if applicable and requested by AXIS, to deliver to AXIS irrevocable proxies with respect to the Pledged Collateral in confirmation of AXIS’s rights hereunder);
 
(ii)           all dividends, cash or any other distributions or transfers of any type, which are received by the Pledgor contrary to the provisions of this Section 6(b) shall be received in trust for the benefit of AXIS, shall be segregated from other funds of the Pledgor, and shall be forthwith paid over to AXIS in the exact form received.
 
7.            Additional Provisions Concerning the Pledged Collateral .  (a)  The Pledgor hereby agrees to take any action and to execute any instruments which may be necessary or advisable to accomplish the purposes of this Agreement.
 
(b)           If the Pledgor fails to perform any agreement or obligation contained herein, AXIS itself may perform, or cause performance of, such agreement or obligation.
 
(c)           AXIS shall be deemed to have exercised reasonable care in the custody and preservation of the Pledged Collateral in its possession if the Pledged Collateral is accorded treatment substantially equal to that which AXIS accords its own property, it being understood that AXIS shall not have responsibility for (i) ascertaining or taking action with respect to calls, conversions, exchanges, maturities, tenders or other matters relating to any Pledged Collateral, whether or not AXIS has or is deemed to have knowledge of such matters, or (ii) taking any necessary steps to preserve rights against any parties with respect to any Pledged Collateral.
 
8.            Events of Default .  An Event of Default shall be deemed to have occurred hereunder upon the occurrence of a default in the full payment within thirty (30) days after written notice from AXIS that the Obligations are due.
 
9.            Remedies Upon Default .  Upon the occurrence of an Event of Default AXIS’s sole remedy shall be to retain such portion of the Pledged Collateral which has not been released to the Pledgor in full satisfaction of the outstanding balance of the Obligations.
 
10.            Notices, Etc.   All notices and other communications provided for hereunder shall be in writing and shall be mailed, certified mail, return receipt requested, or delivered, if to the Pledgor, to it at 100 Peabody Place, Suite 1200, Memphis, TN 38103, if to AXIS, to it at 2055 South Folsom Street, Lincoln, NE 68522; or as to either such person at such other address as shall be designated by such person in a written notice to such other person complying as to delivery with the terms of this Section 10.  All such notices and other communica­tions shall be effective (i) if mailed, when received or three business days after mailing, whichever is earlier; or (ii) if delivered, upon delivery.
 
11.            Miscellaneous .  (a)  No amendment or waiver of any provision of this Agreement, and no consent to any departure by the Pledgor therefrom, shall in any event be effective unless the same shall be in writing and signed by AXIS and then such waiver or consent shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the specific purpose for which given.
 
(b)           No failure on the part of AXIS to exercise, and no delay in exercising, any right hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof; nor shall any single or partial exercise of any such right preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right.  AXIS’s rights and remedies provided herein, and in any other instrument or document now or hereafter evidencing or securing all or any part of the Obligations are cumulative and are in addition to, and not exclusive of, any rights or remedies provided by law.
 
(c)           Any provision of this Agreement which is prohibited or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of such prohibition or invalidity without invalidating the remaining portions hereof or thereof or affecting the validity or enforceability of such provision in any other jurisdiction.
 
(d)           This Agreement shall be binding on the Pledgor and Borrower and its successors and permitted assigns and shall inure, together with all rights and remedies of AXIS hereunder, to the benefit of AXIS and its successors, transferees and assigns.  Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, AXIS may not assign or otherwise transfer all or part of its rights to all or any part of the Obligations to any other person or entity.
 
(e)           Upon payment and satisfaction in full of the Obligations, this Agreement and the security interest created hereby shall terminate and all rights to the Pledged Collateral shall revert to the Pledgor.  AXIS will thereupon, at Pledgor’s request and expense, (i) return to the Pledgor (or other party lawfully entitled thereto) such of the Pledged Collateral as shall not have been sold or otherwise disposed of or applied pursuant to the terms hereof; and (ii) execute and deliver to the Pledgor such documents as the Pledgor shall reasonably request to evidence such termination.
 
(f)           This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Tennessee.
 
(g)           The captions or headings of the Sections of this Agreement are inserted merely for convenience of reference and shall not be deemed to limit or modify the terms and provisions hereof.
 
 
 
[SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS]
 
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Pledgor and Borrower have executed this Agreement as of the date first above written.

“Pledgor:”
 
DHAB, LLC
 
By:
/s/ J. Kevin Adams
 
Name:  J. Kevin Adams
Title:  CEO
 
 
“AXIS”
 
AXIS Technologies Group, Inc.
 
By:
/s/ Kip Hirschbach
 
Name:  Kip Hirschbach
Title:  CEO

Exhibit 3
 
PROMISSORY NOTE


$6,000,000.00
Memphis, Tennessee
April 22, 2010


FOR VALUE RECEIVED, on or before July 1, 2010, the undersigned Maker (“Maker”) promises to pay to the order of AXIS Technologies Group, Inc. (“Holder”), at its office at 2055 South Folsom Street, Lincoln, Nebraska 68522, or at such other place as Holder may from time to time designate, the principal sum of SIX MILLION and No/100 Dollars ($6,000,000.00).
 
If default occurs in the payment of any outstanding balance of the sum evidenced hereby within thirty (30) days of written notice from the Holder to Maker that such sum is due and payable, the Holder’s sole remedy shall be to exercise its rights under that certain Stock Pledge and Security Agreement of even date herewith (“Pledge Agreement”).  This Note is secured by 163,192,720 shares of Holder’s common stock (the “ATG Stock”) as set forth in said Pledge Agreement.
 
This Note may be prepaid in part or in full at any time.  After any payment or satisfaction of debt hereunder, whether from performance by Maker in its efforts to increase the sales of Holder or as otherwise mutually agreed between Maker and Holder, Holder shall release from the lien of the Pledge Agreement at such time as Maker request the equivalent number of shares of ATG Stock on a prorated basis as are represented by the sums so paid or deemed satisfied using 4 cents per share as the release price.
 
The undersigned expressly waives presentment for payment, demand, protest, notice of dishonor, notice of protest and notice of non-payment of this Note and further waives all benefit of valuation, appraisement and exemption laws, and agrees that this Note, or any payment here­under, may be extended from time to time without in any way affecting the liability of the undersigned.
 
In the event this Note is placed in the hands of an attorney for protection of the security, or if Holder incurs any costs incident to the protection of the security, Maker agrees to pay on demand a reasonable attorney's fee.
 
This Note shall be construed and enforceable in accordance with the laws of the state of Tennessee, in which state such indebtedness is incurred, and in which this Note is made and delivered.
 
 
DHAB, LLC, a Tennessee limited liability company
   
   
 
By:
/s/ J. Kevin Adams
   
Name:  J. Kevin Adams
Title: CEO

Exhibit 4
 

 
AGREEMENT REGARDING THE JOINT FILING OF
SCHEDULE 13D
 
_______________________
 
The undersigned hereby agree that the statement on Schedule 13D to which this Agreement is annexed as Exhibit 4 is filed on behalf of each of them in accordance with the provisions of Rule 13d-1(k) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
 
Dated:  May 3, 2010
 
   
 
DHAB, LLC
   
 
By:
/s/ William H. Bethell
 
 
Name:  William H. Bethell
 
Title:  Chief Financial Officer
   
   
 
/s/ J. Kevin Adams
 
 
J. Kevin Adams
   
   
 
/s/ William H. Bethell
 
 
William H. Bethell
   
   
 
/s/ Daniel L. Brown
 
 
Daniel L. Brown