To all: This just in.
Lexar Media Files Unfair Competition Charges Against SanDisk Corporation
FREMONT, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 26, 1999--
Charges Levied for Unfair Competition, False Advertising, Trade
Libel, Intentional and Negligent Interference with Prospective
Business Advantage
President and CEO of Lexar Media, John Reimer, says Lexar Media, a leading supplier of High Performance Digital Film(TM), has filed a complaint alleging SanDisk of false advertising, unfair competition, trade libel and interference with prospective business advantage arising out of their false, misleading, deceptive and malicious conduct.
According to Reimer, the complaint also alleges that SanDisk's actions are motivated by SanDisk's anti-competitive desire to dominate the market for non-volatile memory storage devices known as "CompactFlash(TM)" and to drive Lexar out of that market, thereby preventing Lexar's superior product from reaching consumers in the market. The complaint was filed with the San Jose Division of the United States District Court, Northern District of California.
"SanDisk's actions are outrageous and clearly designed to drive Lexar out of business," said Reimer, "and Lexar will not stand for it."
Lexar Media's patented flash controller expertise is the foundation that enables the company to lead the industry in digital film performance while offering full digital camera compatibility. The Lexar CompactFlash Digital Film cards are one of the industry's fastest CF cards available with a speed of 8X -- a sustained write performance of over 1.2MB per second. The enhanced speed enables digital camera users to take consecutive pictures and action photos faster than with any other memory product on the market. In addition, with Lexar's recently announced family of CompactFlash products with integrated USB functionality, consumers will now be able to download photo images to a desktop PC much faster and easier than via the serial or parallel ports. With Lexar's unique USB JumpShot(TM) solution, there is no need for consumers to purchase an expensive, separate reader device.
Reimer also states, "Lexar has some exceptional products to offer. This case is about defending the rights of smaller high tech companies such as us, to compete fairly against a large public company. It's also about defending the customer's rights to choose products based upon accurate information. We look forward to the court's prompt resolution of this matter."
Reimer says Lexar Media is seeking injunctive relief to force SanDisk to cease its anti-competitive conduct. Among the damages being sought in the complaint are those customarily associated with false advertising and unfair competition claims, including SanDisk's profits derived from such false advertising, as well as Lexar's lost profits and damages.
About Lexar Media, Inc.
Lexar Media, a technology leader in High Performance Digital Film, designs, develops, and markets a complete line of removable digital film and connectivity products. The Company's CompactFlash and SmartMedia products are distributed through the consumer retail and OEM channels. The Company is headquartered in Fremont, and has a sales office in Tokyo, Japan.
For more information, interested parties can contact Lexar Media at 510/413-1200 or visit the Company's web site at www.digitalfilm.com.
Note to Editors: Lexar Media, the Lexar logo, and High Performance Digital Film 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
Jeff Wong, 510/413-1281
jeff@lexarmedia.com
www.digitalfilm.com |
