Young, you mentioned that it would be nice if we could confirm that IOMG still owns patent rights to the LS-120. Janice pointed out that we could simply call Iomega and find out.
That's right, Janice, we could just call them. I called them on Thursday, in response to a question someone brought up about my misuse of the word "royalties" in reference to Iomega making money on the sale of Maxell and Fuji branded Zip disks. I was directed to their PR firm, which is based in the San Franciso area. I called the PR firm, left a message for the person who handles requests for info on Iomega, and he actually called me back. (I have his name and number at my office, but not here, unfortunately.)
By the time I got back to this forum to report, someone (Ken Marcus, perhaps?) had already posted the correct information on that score. To wit, all Zip drives and cartridges, no matter who sells them, are sold by Iomega originally. Maxell, Fuji, Epson and all others buy their drives and media from Iomega, and then resell them under their own brand names.
Like a dope, though, I didn't ask the guy from the PR firm about whether IO still has rights to the LS-120. And I was too busy to call them back either yesterday or today.
Apparently, the LS-120 is covered by a few different patents, two of which (according to our own Troy Shaw) were originated by Iomega. Unless someone else wants to do it, I'd be glad to call when I get a chance and report back.
One thing is clear, though. Although Iomega may not have single handedly invented the LS-120 drive and sold it to Compaq, they did play a major role in its development. And they made the decision to place their bets on a drive, completely of their own design, that was simpler and less expensive to produce.
I'm still betting with them.
- Allen Murdock |
