Lexar Media Announces Global Technology Licensing Strategy; Eric Whitaker to Head International Efforts as Lexar Media's Vice President of Technology Licensing
--From AOL. Marginally interesting.-- Cooters
FREMONT, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 4, 2000--
Lexar Media (NSDQ:LEXR), a leading designer, developer and manufacturer of digital film and connectivity products for the digital photography market, announced today the formation of its international technology licensing strategy. As Lexar Media forges global expansion, the company will look to enforce its intellectual property and to exploit adjacent market opportunities that complement Lexar Media's core digital photography focus. Specific adjacent market opportunities include digital music, portable PCs, and handheld storage and telecommunications devices.
"Technology licensing plays a significant role in Lexar Media's overall strategy and I am proud to announce that new leadership will direct our growth into 2001 and beyond," said John Reimer, Lexar Media's president and CEO. "The Lexar Media patent portfolio distinguishes our products throughout global markets. Our engineers are pioneers in flash controller technology, and, as we begin to explore complementary products, we must ensure that our inventions and market position are protected."
The technology licensing strategy will have two primary components. First, the program will seek to ensure that Lexar Media's patents are fully protected and appropriately licensed. Second, Lexar Media will allow sales of its proprietary controller technology to strategic partners to address strategic opportunities.
Eric Whitaker to Direct Lexar Media's Technology Licensing Program
Eric Whitaker, Lexar Media's corporate general counsel, will lead this new effort. In a newly expanded role, Mr. Whitaker will manage Lexar Media's directive to protect and to license its portfolio of patents. Mr. Whitaker joined Lexar in January 2000 as general counsel, managing and overseeing its public offering and all legal affairs including its recent settlement with SanDisk Corporation. Previously, he served as attorney with Latham & Watkins, specializing in intellectual property and antitrust litigation. In addition, Mr. Whitaker was a Coro Foundation Fellow and served as legislative assistant to U.S. Senator Warren Rudman (R-NH). Mr. Whitaker graduated cum laude from Princeton University with an A.B. in politics and a J.D. from the Stanford School of Law, Stanford University.
About Lexar Media
Lexar Media, Inc. offers digital film in the four most popular industry formats: CompactFlash, Memory Stick, SmartMedia and PC Cards. Its broad line of high-performance digital film combines flash memory from leading suppliers with its patented controller technology to address the needs of professional, commercial and consumer photographers. Lexar Media's connectivity products make it easy to transfer images from digital film to a personal computer. Lexar Media's online photo finishing site, Printroom.com, provides consumers with high quality prints of digital images and photo sharing services. Lexar Media recently launched SayCheese.com, an online community and educational site for digital photographers of all levels. Collectively, its products and services provide an end-to-end solution for digital photographers. Lexar Media is headquartered in Fremont, California and has offices in England and Japan. Information on Lexar can be obtained through its toll-free number 800-789-9418 or by accessing www.digitalfilm.com.
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This news release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and is subject to the safe harbor created by those sections. These forward-looking statements include statements related to the potential value of our patent portfolio. These forward-looking statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated by these forward-looking statements. These risks include that if we are unable to adequately protect our intellectual property, our competitors may gain access to our technology which could harm our ability to successfully compete in our market, that we could initiate or become subject to intellectual property claims that could divert management's time and attention, could be time consuming and expensive. Readers should also refer to the risk factors described in Lexar Media's registration statement on Form S-1 declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 14, 2000 and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Lexar Media assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking information contained in this news release.
Note to Editors: Lexar Media, Printroom.com, SayCheese.com, Shoot
Share, JumpShot and the Lexar logo are trademarks of Lexar Media, Inc. Lexar Media Inc. is an authorized licensee of the CompactFlash trademark. All other brand or product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.
CONTACT:
Lexar Media
Lisa Kovner, 510/580-3679 (Director, Public Relations)
lkovner@lexarmedia.com
Martha Blanchfield, 510/413-1242
mblanchfield@lexarmedia.com
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