From page 21 of the 1997 10-K, here is confirmation that Intercell actually owns the patents to PIC. However, there are 5 licencees, licensed by the original developers prior to INCE merging with PIC last Fall.
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<<<THE COMPANY'S PI TECHNOLOGY
Overview
Background. PI Technology was conceived in 1986, with the initial patent thereon issued in 1987. A major aerospace firm took a special evaluation contract in August 1988 to use the PI Technology for the development of the Space Defense Initiative ("SDI") "Super Computer Program" and for use in other portions of the SDI ("Star Wars") Programs. The results of the SDI Programs demonstrated that the PI Technology could meet and surpass military IC packaging and interconnect requirements, designated MIL-STD 883C and MIL-STD 38510, which the Company believes are more stringent than the requirements in the commercial marketplace.
The Company received the rights to seven patents and six patent
applications and the Proprietary Electroplating Process from Particle
California. See "Business-Recent Transactions." Five companies operate under licenses from the Company to use the PI Technology. These licensee's are utilizing the PI Technology to produce products that do not currently compete with the Company's proposed Particle Interconnect Products; however, nothing in the license agreements would prohibit these companies from doing so in the future.
General. The PI Technology utilizes patents owned by the Company for bonding and joining metal surfaces to enhance electronic connectivity and also uses the Proprietary Electroplating Process to electroplate panels at an anticipated lower cost than conventional manufacturing processes. The Company's core product is similar to "conductive sandpaper" in appearance, and is formed by attaching conductive diamond particles to a panel. The conductive sandpaper" creates a socket or connector for electronic devices, and replaces the use of soldering to create such connections.>>>
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From pages 26-27 of the '97 10-K
<<<CELLULAR PHONE ANTENNAS AND PARTICLE INTERCONNECT TECHNOLOGY
The Company will rely on a combination of patents, patent applications, trademarks, copyrights and trade secrets to establish and protect its proprietary rights in the Antenna Technology and PI Technology and the Proprietary Electroplating Process. The electron tube technology utilizes no intellectual property rights belonging to the Company.
The Company currently owns seven U.S. patents (which expire from February 14, 2006 to October 15, 2013) on the PI Technology and seven patent applications, six related to the PI Technology and one relating to the Antenna Technology>>>
BTW - I recieved another FAX from one of the original founders of PIC stating that his contacts in Colorado are now saying that PIC's assets are NOT on the market. Up until Friday 6/13/97, it was a fact that some of PIC's plant equipment was for sale. Several calls and faxes regarding this to Paul Metzinger yielded strong comments that this was not the case. Two days later the equipment was no longer for sale.
As I posted a few days ago. I still believe it is Mr. Metzinger's intention to not complete the production line in Colorado (finish the last section, which would automate the line). The line is complete to the point where they could process millions of dollars worth of material by hand, inexpensively, and at trememndous margin. I am told by one of the original founders that the margins would still be over 50% if done by hand, and 70% if automated.
I hope INCE calls back one or more of the founders, who are offering to help at no cost to INCE, with no contract, so PIC can realize its potential.
If you hadn't heard, all four founders, who had been working at PIC until recently, were let go by INCE's former mgt. team. These people apear to be very sincere, passionate people, who want to help INCE make PIC a winner. But, as of right now they have been shut out of the company, and there offers to help complete the line have been rejected. Why, I do not know. I hope INCE hires the right people to get PIC moving. one way or the other; producing in Colorado, or a co-manufacturing alliance elsewhere. There's a tremendous amount of money to be made. |
