Nanotechnology Now - Press Release: Unidym Inc. Announces Launch of Patent License Option Program and Execution of First Patent License Option

Home > Press > Unidym Inc. Announces Launch of Patent License Option Program and Execution of First Patent License Option

Abstract:
Unidym, Inc., a majority-owned subsidiary of Arrowhead Research Corporation (NASDAQ:ARWR), announced today that MDA Co., LTD of South Korea has purchased an option to negotiate a future intellectual property (IP) license to Unidym's extensive carbon nanotube patent portfolio. MDA designs and manufactures flexible components and interconnects for electronic devices such as cell phones.

Unidym Inc. Announces Launch of Patent License Option Program and Execution of First Patent License Option

Menlo Park, CA | Posted on June 30th, 2008

Unidym's recently launched Patent License Option Program allows both research companies and companies in the product development stage, such as MDA, to develop their CNT-based products while deferring the cost of a full commercial license to Unidym's extensive patent portfolio. By purchasing an option early, organizations can ensure that the appropriate patent license will be available to them when they are ready to move into a production phase - whether or not they purchase their nanotubes from Unidym.

Unidym's current patent portfolio contains more than 200 foreign and domestic patents and patent applications, including more than 70 issued U.S. patents. The portfolio includes fundamental patents covering carbon nanotube compositions, production (synthesis, purification and dispersion) and use in many different application areas, including electronics, composite materials, energy storage/generation, medical devices and drug delivery. Details of Unidym's patent portfolio and its licensing programs can be obtained from Unidym's corporate website.

"MDA is looking to incorporate carbon nanotubes in its various products and has decided to purchase an option to license our broad patent portfolio," noted Arthur Swift, Unidym's president and CEO. "Our license option program allows MDA to proceed knowing that when the time comes to move its work from development into production, they will be able to purchase a license to the relevant intellectual property - whether it ultimately decides to synthesize nanotubes itself or purchase nanotubes from another supplier."

"MDA started sampling carbon nanotubes from Unidym some time ago," said Henry Yoo, MDA's vice president of Research and Development. "We see several possible applications in our product line for this technology and may need various pieces of Unidym's IP. As we are still in a development stage, Unidym's license option program is the perfect solution for us: for a nominal fee it provides MDA with the assurance that, when we move to volume production, we will be able to purchase a license to those portions of Unidym's intellectual property most relevant to MDA."

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About Unidym, Inc.
Unidym (www.unidym.com) is a leader in the manufacture and application of carbon nanotubes (CNTs), a novel material with extraordinary electrical, thermal, and mechanical properties. Unidym provides bulk materials, CNT-enabled products, and intellectual property to a wide range of customers and business partners. As a result of its recent merger with CNI, Unidym possesses a foundational patent portfolio that covers nearly every aspect of CNT manufacturing and processing as well as multiple product applications.

Unidym is focused on the electronics industry where its initial products include transparent electrodes for touch screens, flat panel displays, solar cells, and solid state lighting; electrodes for fuel cells; and thin film transistors for printable electronics. Unidym is also pursuing an aggressive, cross-industry partnership strategy to capture value from the wide ranging uses of CNTs. Unidym’s licensing program, technical expertise and manufacturing facilities can enable partners to rapidly develop CNT solutions for their specific applications.

Unidym is a majority-owned subsidiary of Arrowhead Research Corporation (NASDAQ:ARWR).

Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995:

This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based upon our current expectations and speak only as of the date hereof. Our actual results may differ materially and adversely from those expressed in any forward-looking statements as a result of various factors and uncertainties, including the future success of our scientific studies, our ability to successfully develop products, rapid technological change in our markets, changes in demand for our future products, legislative, regulatory and competitive developments and general economic conditions. Arrowhead Research Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K and 10-K/A, recent and forthcoming Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and 10-Q/A, recent Current Reports on Forms 8-K and 8-K/A, our Registration Statements on Form S-3, and other SEC filings discuss some of the important risk factors that may affect our business, results of operations and financial condition. We undertake no obligation to revise or update publicly any forward-looking statements for any reason.

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Contacts:
Unidym, Inc.
Greg Rose
650-462-1935

or
Arrowhead Research
Virginia Dadey
212-541-3707

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