Sample Business Contracts


California-San Francisco-660 Third Street Sublease - Wired Ventures Inc. and LookSmart Ltd.

Lease Forms

  • Start a state-specific lease for the rental of commercial property. Specify the term and rent due, as well as whether the landlord or tenant is responsible for property taxes, insurance, and maintenance and repairs.
  • When a tenant vacates commercial property before the lease term has expired, it may be able to rent the premises to a third party. The tenant would be the sublessor and the third party would be the sublessee. Besides preparing a sublease, both parties will want to review the provisions for assignment or subletting in the original lease agreement between the landlord and the sublessor.
  • Tenants of residential property should prepare a sublease agreement if they are seeking to sublease a room or the entire apartment or house to a third party. All parties should review the original lease agreement to see if there are any restrictions on subletting or assigning the premises.
  • Triple net leases are a type of commercial leases where the tenant has to pay for property taxes, insurance, utilities, and maintenance, in addition to the monthly rent.
  • When renting an office space, tenants should understand the amount of the rent and duration of the lease. Other important terms include whether the space can be subleased, which parties are responsible for maintenance, and whether any furniture and furnishings will be provided.


     1.   PARTIES. This Sublease, dated, for reference purposes only. December
2, 1998, is made by and between Wired Ventures, Inc. ("Sublessor") and
LookSmart, LTD. A Delaware Corporation ("Sublessee").

     2.   PREMISES. Sublessor hereby subleases to Sublessee and Sublessee hereby
subleases from Sublessor for the term, at rental, and upon all of the
conditions set forth herein, that certain real property, including all
improvements therein, and commonly known by the street address of 660 Third
Street located in the County of San Francisco, State of California and generally
described as (describe briefly the nature of the property) The entire second
floor of approximately 20,000 rentable square feet. Premises shall be delivered
to sublessor as follows: The northern portion consisting of approximately 10,000
rsf shall be delivered at lease commencement. The balance of the floor
approximately 10,000 rsf shall be delivered February 1, 1999. ("Premises").

     3.   TERM.

          3.1  TERM. The term of this Sublease shall be for Six months
commencing on December 15, 1998 and ending on JUNE 15, 1999 unless sooner
terminated pursuant to any provision hereof. See 12.1

          3.2  DELAY IN COMMENCEMENT. Sublessor agrees to use its best
commercially reasonable efforts to deliver possession of the Premises by the
commencement date. If, despite said efforts, Sublessor is unable to deliver
possession as agreed, the rights and obligations of Sublessor and Sublessee
shall be as set forth in Paragraph 3.3 of the Master Lease (as modified by
Paragraph 7.3 of this Sublease).

     4.   RENT.

          4.1  BASE RENT. Sublessee shall pay to Sublessor as Base Rent for the
Premises equal monthly payments of $ See provision 12.2 in advance, on the 15th
day of each month of the term hereof. Sublessee shall pay Sublessor upon the
execution hereof $15,292 as Base Rent for December 15, 1998 through January 15,
1999 Base Rent for any period during the term hereof which is for less than one
month shall be a pro rata portion of the monthly installment.

          4.2  RENT DEFINED. All monetary obligations of Sublessee to Sublessor
under the terms of this Sublease (except for the Security Deposit) are deemed to
be rent ("RENT"). Rent shall be payable in lawful money of the United States to
Sublessor at the address stated herein or to such other persons or at such other
places as Sublessor may designate in writing.

     5.   SECURITY DEPOSIT. Sublessee shall deposit with Sublessor upon
execution hereof $ $20,000 as security for Sublessee's faithful performance of
Sublessee's obligations hereunder. The rights and obligations of Sublessor and
Sublessee as to said Security Deposit shall be as set forth in Paragraph 5 of
the Master Lease (as modified by Paragraph 7.3 of this Sublease).

     6.   USE.

          6.1  AGREED USE. The Premises shall be used and occupied only for
General Office Use and for no other purpose.

          6.2  COMPLIANCE. Sublessor warrants that the improvements on the
Premises comply with all applicable covenants or restrictions of record and
applicable building codes, regulations and ordinances ("APPLICABLE
REQUIREMENTS") in effect on the commencement date. Said warranty does not apply
to the use to which Sublessee will put the Premises or to any alterations or
utility installations made or to be made by Sublessee. NOTE: Sublessee is
responsible for determining whether or not the zoning is appropriate for its
intended use, and acknowledges that past uses of the Premises may no longer be
allowed. If the Premises do not comply with said warranty, or in the event that
the Applicable Requirements are hereafter changed, the rights and obligations of
<PAGE>

Sublessor and Sublessee shall be as provided in Paragraph 2.3 of the Master
Lease (as modified by Paragraph 7.3 of this Sublease).

          6.3  ACCEPTANCE OF PREMISES AND LESSEE. Sublessee acknowledges that:

               (a)  it has been advised by Brokers to satisfy itself with
respect to the condition of the Premises (including but not limited to the
electrical, HVAC and fire sprinkler systems, security, environmental aspects,
and compliance with Applicable Requirements), and their suitability for
Sublessee's intended use,

               (b)  Sublessee has made such investigation as it deems necessary
with reference to such matters and assumes all responsibility therefor as the
same relate to its occupancy of the Premises, and

               (c)  neither Sublessor, Sublessor's agents, nor any Broker has
made any oral or written representations or warranties with respect to said
matters other than as set forth in this Sublease.

     In addition, Sublessor acknowledges that:

               (a)  Broker has made no representations, promises or warranties
concerning Sublessee's ability to honor the Sublease or suitability to occupy
the Premises, and

               (b)  It is Sublessor's sole responsibility to investigate the
financial capability and/or suitability of all proposed tenants.

     7.   MASTER LEASE

          7.1  Sublessor is the lessee of the Premises by virtue of a lease,
hereinafter the "MASTER LEASE", a copy of which is attached hereto marked
Exhibit 1, wherein Gorr Partners, LLC A California Limited Liability Company

is the lessor, hereinafter the "MASTER LESSOR"

          7.2  This Sublease is and shall be at all times subject and
subordinate to the Master Lease.

          7.3  The terms conditions and respective obligations of Sublessor and
Sublessee to each other under this Sublease

<PAGE>

          7.5  Sublessee's Assumed Obligations. The obligations that sublessee
has not assumed under paragraph 7.4 hereof are hereinafter Referred to as the
"SUBLESSOR'S REMAINING OBLIGATIONS".

          7.6  Sublessee shall hold Sublessor free and harmless from all
liability, judgments, costs, damages, claims or demands, including reasonable
attorneys fees, arising out of Sublessee's failure to comply with or perform
Sublessee's Assumed Obligations.

          7.7  Sublessor agrees to maintain the Master Lease during the entire
term of this Sublease, subject, however, to any earlier termination of the
Master Lease without the fault of the Sublessor, and to comply with or perform
Sublessor's Remaining Obligations and to hold Sublessee free and harmless from
all liability, judgments, costs, damages, claims or demands arising out of
Sublessor's failure to comply with or perform Sublessor's Remaining Obligations.

          7.8  Sublessor represents to Sublessee that the Master Lease is in
full force and effect and that no default exists on the part of any Party to the
Master Lease.

     8.   ASSIGNMENT OF SUBLEASE AND DEFAULT.

          8.1  Sublessor hereby assigns and transfers to Master Lessor the
Sublessor's interest in this Sublease, subject however to the provisions of
Paragraph 8.2 hereof.

          8.2  Master Lessor, by executing this document, agrees that until a
Default shall occur in the performance of Sublessor's Obligations under the
Master Lease, that Sublessor may receive, collect and enjoy the Rent accruing
under this Sublease. However, if Sublessor shall Default in the performance of
its obligations to Master Lessor then Master Lessor may, at its option, receive
and collect, directly from Sublessee, all Rent owing and to be owed under this
Sublease. Master Lessor shall not, by reason of this assignment of the Sublease
nor by reason of the collection of the Rent from the Sublessee, be deemed liable
to Sublessee for any failure of the Sublessor to perform and comply with
Sublessor's Remaining Obligations.

          8.3  Sublessor hereby irrevocably authorizes and directs Sublessee
upon receipt of any written notice from the Master Lessor stating that a Default
exists in the performance of Sublessor's obligations under the Master Lease, to
pay to Master Lessor the Rent due and to become due under the Sublease.
Sublessor agrees that Sublessee shall have the right to rely upon any such
statement and request from Master Lessor, and that Sublessee shall pay such Rent
to Master Lessor without any obligation or right to inquire as to whether such
Default exists and notwithstanding any notice from or claim from Sublessor to
the contrary and Sublessor shall have no right or claim against Sublessee for
any such Rent so paid by Sublessee.

          8.4  No changes or modifications shall be made to this Sublease
without the consent of Master Lessor.

     9.   CONSENT OF MASTER LESSOR.

          9.1  In the event that the Master Lease requires that Sublessor obtain
the consent of Master Lessor to any subletting by Sublessor then, this Sublease
shall not be effective unless, within ten days of the date hereof, Master Lessor
signs this Sublease thereby giving its consent to this Subletting.

          9.2  In the event that the obligations of the Sublessor under the
Master Lease have been guaranteed by third parties then neither this Sublease,
nor the Master Lessor's consent, shall be effective unless, within 10 days of
the date hereof, said guarantors sign this Sublease thereby giving their consent
to this Sublease.

          9.3  In the event that Master Lessor does give such consent then:
<PAGE>

               (a)  Such consent shall not release Sublessor of its obligations
or alter the primary liability of Sublessor to pay the Rent and perform and
comply with all of the obligations of Sublessor to be performed under the Master
Lease.

               (b)  The acceptance of Rent by Master Lessor from Sublessee or
anyone else liable under the Master Lease shall not be deemed a waiver by Master
Lessor of any provisions of the Master Lease.

               (c)  The consent to this Sublease shall not constitute a consent
to any subsequent subletting or assignment.

               (d)  In the event of any Default of Sublessor under the Master
Lease, Master Lessor may proceed directly against Sublessor, any guarantors or
anyone else liable under the Master Lease or this Sublease without first
exhausting Master Lessor's remedies against any other person or entity liable
thereon to Master Lessor.

               (e)  Master Lessor may consent to subsequent sublettings and
assignments of the Master Lease or this Sublease or any amendments or
modifications thereto without notifying Sublessor or any one else liable under
the Master Lease and without obtaining their consent and such action shall not
relieve such persons from liability.

               (f)  In the event that Sublessor shall Default in its obligations
under the Master Lease, then Master Lessor, at its option and without being
obligated to do so, may require Sublessee to attorn to Master Lessor in which
event Master Lessor shall undertake the obligations of Sublessor under this
Sublease from the time of the exercise of said option to termination of this
Sublease but Master Lessor shall not be liable for any prepaid Rent nor any
Security Deposit paid by Sublessee, nor shall Master Lessor be liable for any
other Defaults of the Sublessor under the Sublease.

          9.4  The signatures of the Master Lessor and any Guarantors of
Sublessor at the end of this document shall constitute their consent to the
terms of this Sublease.

          9.5  Master Lessor acknowledges that, to Lessor's knowledge, WITHOUT
ANY INQUIRY, no Default presently exists under the Master Lease of obligations
to be performed by Sublessor and that the Master Lease is in full force and
effect.

          10.2  Sublessor agrees that if Sublessee exercises any option or right
of first refusal as granted by Sublessor herein, or any option or right
substantially similar thereto, either to extend the term of this Sublease, to
renew this Sublease, to purchase the Premises, or to lease or purchase adjacent
property which Sublessor may own or in which Sublessor has an interest, then
Sublessor shall pay to Broker a fee in accordance with the schedule of Broker in
effect at the time of the execution of this Sublease. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, Sublessor's obligation under this Paragraph 10.2 is limited to a
transaction in which Sublessor is acting as a Sublessor, lessor or seller.
<PAGE>

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      11.  ATTORNEY'S FEES. If any party or the Broker named herein brings an
action to enforce the terms hereof or to declare rights hereunder, the
prevailing party in any such action, on trial and appeal, shall be entitled to
his reasonable attorney's fees to be paid by the losing party as fixed by the
Court.

      12.  ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS. [If there are no additional provisions, draw a
line from this point to the next printed word after the space left here. If
there are additional provisions place the same here.]

12.1  TERM. The term shall be a minimum of six (6) months through June 15, 1999.
      ----
At any time after June 15, 1999, the term shall be cancelable by either
      Sublandlord or Subtenant upon sixty (60) days written notice given at any
      time. Rent during the extension term shall be $30,583 per month.

12.2  RENT. Rent shall be as follows:
      ----

December 15, 1998 through December 31, 1998:       $ 7,646.00
January 1, 1999 through January 31, 1999:          $15,292.00
February 1, 1999 through February 28, 1999         $30,583.00
March 1, 1999 through March 31, 1999               $30,583.00
April 1, 1999 through April 30, 1999               $30,583.00
May 1, 1999 through May 31, 1999                   $30,583.00
June 1, 1999 through June 15, 1999                 $15,292.00

      SUBLEASE PROFITS. Sublessee will deliver to Master Lessor, on Sublessor's
      ----------------
      behalf, upon full execution of this Sublease, a check in the amount of
      $49,439.50, pursuant to the letter agreement among Master Lessor,
      Sublessor and Sublessee dated December 11, 1998 and incorporated herein by
      reference. Additional sums may be owed by Sublessee if the term is
      extended as set forth in the letter agreement.

ATTENTION: NO REPRESENTATION OR RECOMMENDATION IS MADE BY THE AMERICAN
---------
INDUSTRIAL REAL ESTATE ASSOCIATION OR BY ANY REAL ESTATE BROKER AS TO THE LEGAL
SUFFICIENCY, LEGAL EFFECT, OR TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THIS SUBLEASE OR THE
TRANSACTION TO WHICH IT RELATES. THE PARTIES ARE URGED TO:

1.    SEEK ADVICE OF COUNSEL AS TO THE LEGAL AND TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THIS
SUBLEASE.

2.    RETAIN APPROPRIATE CONSULTANTS TO REVIEW AND INVESTIGATE THE CONDITION OF
THE PREMISES. SAID INVESTIGATION SHOULD INCLUDE BUT NOT BE LIMITED TO: THE
POSSIBLE PRESENCE OF HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES, THE ZONING OF THE PROPERTY, THE
STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY, THE CONDITION OF THE ROOF AND OPERATING SYSTEMS, AND THE
SUITABILITY OF THE PREMISES FOR SUBLESSEE'S INTENDED USE.

WARNING: IF THE SUBJECT PROPERTY IS LOCATED IN A STATE OTHER THAN CALIFORNIA,
--------
CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF THE SUBLEASE MAY NEED TO BE REVISED TO COMPLY WITH THE
LAWS OF THE STATE IN WHICH THE PROPERTY IS LOCATED.

Executed at:____________________________         WIRED VENTURES
                                                 --------------
on: ______________________________________       By /s/Signature Illegible
                                                    -------------------------
Address: _____________________________________   By ____________________________

                                                 "Sublessor" (Corporate Seal)

Executed at:___________________________________  LookSmart
<PAGE>

                                                 ---------
on: __________________________________________   By Edward M.O. Dean
                                                    ----------------
Address: ____________________________________    By /s/ Signature Illegible
                                                    -----------------------
                                                 "Sublessee" (Corporate Seal)

The undersigned executes this Sublease solely with respect to paragraphs 8.9 and
                                       ------
12.3 above.

Executed at:___________________________________  Gorr Partners LLC
                                                 -----------------
on: ___________________________________          By /s/ Signature Illegible
                                                    -----------------------
Address: __________________________________      Its
                                                 ---------------------
                                                 "Master Lessor"

NOTE: These forms are often modified to meet changing requirements of law and
needs of the industry. Always write or call to make sure you are utilizing the
most current form: AMERICAN INDUSTRIAL REAL ESTATE ASSOCIATION, 700 So. Flower
St., Suite 600, Los Angeles, CA 90017. (213) 687-8777.

                                  Page 3 of 3

(c)1997 -- American Industrial Real Estate Association


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