NEWS NeoMedia's Patent Review Moves to next Phase, Focus Is on Jumpstarting the Category
Jul 25, 2008
ATLANTA, GA
MARKET WIRE
NeoMedia Technologies, Inc. (OTCBB: NEOM), the global leader in mobile barcode
scanning, announced today that it will respond to the Office Action recently
issued by The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) by vigorously
defending a patent that has been undergoing re-examination since July 26, 2007.
NeoMedia believes the patent to be valid and will provide the USPTO with the
necessary documentation to substantiate that validity.
The USPTO recently issued an Office Action regarding the re-examination of
NeoMedia's U.S. Patent number 6,199,048. The re-examination procedure is a
standard legal process that occurs in the natural course of business -- this is
not an "out of the ordinary" event. It is not unusual for the USPTO to
preliminarily reject claims during the re-examination process. This initial
action is non-final and will be subject to a review process. The '048 patent is
presumed to be valid, intact and enforceable during the re-examination process.
While NeoMedia respects the USPTO's finding, it will leverage the due process
opportunity to respond to the ruling and defend the patent that it believes
valid under patent law. The company has been requested to respond to the Office
Action by providing clarification and comment on the cited prior art references
by September 3, 2008. Based on prior successful patent defenses, NeoMedia is
optimistic that the single patent in question will be confirmed and
the re-examination effort will have served to verify the strength of the patent.
"This is a standard patent process and we simply have to let it run its course.
We have successfully defended this type of allegation in the past; it's the
challenge NeoMedia faces for being an innovator. Our focus is on enabling
interoperability and a viable ecosystem of players needed to support a vibrant
and growing mobile barcode scanning business," states Iain McCready, CEO of
NeoMedia. "Our willingness to share our expertise and license our IP are
important factors in helping the industry gain momentum right now. We
have developed flexible and creative IP licensing models that respond to the
varying needs in the marketplace. The opportunity is huge...we just need to get
the ecosystem running."
NeoMedia has a strong and valuable patent portfolio in the arena of connecting
barcodes to content over networks that has been successfully defended in the
past. This re-examination was limited to only one of NeoMedia's many patents,
and none of its other patents are affected by the re-examination.
About NeoMedia Technologies, Inc: NeoMedia Technologies, Inc. (OTCBB: NEOM) is
the global leader in optically initiated wireless transactions, bridging the
physical and mobile world with innovative direct to web technology solutions. To
provide a robust high-performance infrastructure for the processing of optical
codes NeoMedia extends their offering with award winning Gavitec technology.
Located in Germany, Gavitec AG-mobile digit is a leader in development and
distribution of mobile scanners and software for mobile applications. In
addition, Gavitec provides standardized and individual solutions for mobile
marketing, couponing, ticketing and payment systems. To learn more visit
www.neom.com, www.neoreader.com, and www.mobiledigit.de.
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of
section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934. With the exception of historical information contained
herein, the matters discussed in this press release involve risk and
uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those expressed in
any forward-looking statement.
Press contacts
Terry Griffin NeoMedia Technologies, Inc. +1 678 638 0460
x111 Email Contact
Virginie Wouters NeoMedia Technologies, Inc. +49 2405 499 22
33 Email Contact
Heiko Wiese Zum goldenen Hirschen +49 30 61002 137 Email
Contact
SOURCE: NeoMedia Technologies, Inc.
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