3dcd, L.L.C. Announces Exclusive Technology License
With Microsoft
Business Wire - January 28, 1998 08:48
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CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 28, 1998--
Microsoft(R) to Use Patented Holographic CD Technology to Impede Illicit Counterfeiting
and Support Legitimate System Builders 3dcd, L.L.C., a joint venture of Nimbus CD
International, Inc. (NASDAQ: NMBS) and Applied Holographics, plc, announced today that
it has signed an agreement with Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ: MSFT) to license certain
applications of its 3-D i.d(TM) holographic technology on an exclusive, world wide basis.
Under the terms of the agreement, Microsoft has purchased the right to use the Security Band
application of this technology on an exclusive basis for 1998 and a semi-exclusive basis for
1999. The financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
The 3-D i.d(TM) holographic technology is a patented, proprietary process jointly developed
by Nimbus and Applied Holographics which incorporates holographic images onto a compact
disc. The 3-D i.d(TM) Security Band holograms are specially designed for use on all CD
formats including CD-ROMs and DVD-ROMs. They will be used as a unique authentication
mechanism for Microsoft products due for release this year. The technology will be used in
conjunction with a tightly restricted, Microsoft controlled, international supply chain to provide
an added level of security in the manufacturing process. The increased security should make
counterfeiting Microsoft products more difficult.
Lyndon J. Faulkner, a Director of 3dcd, L.L.C. and Chief Executive Officer of Nimbus
commented, "This agreement with Microsoft is both an exciting business opportunity and an
important milestone in the protection of software content distributed on compact disc. The
3-D i.d(TM) Security Band hologram is a state-of-the-art piracy deterrent, which creates
significant technological barriers for CD and DVD counterfeiters. The holograms, which will
incorporate Microsoft-specific codes, will be applied to discs on new product releases.
Products carrying the holographic image can be identified by consumers, retailers and customs
authorities as genuine Microsoft product." Faulkner added, "We look forward to working with
Microsoft to create a new anti-piracy standard for the software industry."
"This announcement underscores not only how serious Microsoft is about fighting illegal
counterfeiters, but also how committed we are to supporting our legitimate system builder
partners." said Joachim Kempin, Senior Vice President, Microsoft OEM Sales Division.
"Legitimate system builders should see a reduction in unlawful competition from software
pirates as we incorporate the rugged Microsoft-specific 3-D i.d(TM) Security Band hologram
technology into our tightly- controlled OEM products. Ultimately, our end user customers
benefit from buying genuine Microsoft products from legitimate suppliers-giving them a
thoroughly tested and supported product that's backed by companies they can trust."
According to representatives of the joint venture, while Microsoft will have the exclusive use
of the Security Band application for one year, 3dcd, L.L.C. will continue to actively market
the Edge-to-Edge (full-face) holographic application of the technology to the CD industry.
Microsoft is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation. 3-D ild is a registered
trademark of 3dcd, L.L.C.
CONTACT: 3dcd, L.L.C.
L. Steven Minkel
Director, 3dcd, L.L.C.
804-985-1100
Lorri Haney
3dcd, L.L.C.
804-985-1100 x457
or
Trade Media Contact:
Kim Freeman
The Terpin Group
212-473-7500
Investor Relations Contact:
Donna N. Stein/Dan Durkin/Keil Decker
Morgen-Walke Associates, Inc.
(212) 850-5600
Business Media Contact:
Lee Foley/Elizabeth Pieroni
Morgen-Walke Associates, Inc.
(212) 850-5600
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