Canon USA Press Release 08/11/04

CANON INKS INTERNATIONAL RELATIONSHIP WITH WIMBLEDON CHAMPION AND POP-CULTURE ICON MARIA SHARAPOVA

‘Substance and Style’ Play Center Court as Canon Embarks on Multi-Year, Integrated Relationship with Teenage Global Superstar

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., Nov. 8, 2004 - Canon today announced a global marketing relationship with Wimbledon Champion and pop-culture icon Maria Sharapova. The multi-year relationship will include global advertising, retail promotions and events.

Sharapova’s winning record on the court as well as her style, presence and elegance off it make her a natural global representative for Canon. From sleek digital cameras to reliable office products and everything in between, Canon products deliver a championship performance every time, just like the 17-year-old tennis phenom. Sharapova’s grueling travel schedule - up to 30 weeks each year - is more manageable with Canon products by her side, enabling her to capture and share her experiences with family and friends around the world.

“Maria Sharapova’s combination of style and substance is a natural fit for Canon,” said Debra Epstein, vice president and general manager of corporate communications at Canon U.S.A., Inc., a subsidiary of Canon Inc. (NYSE:CAJ). “Her powerful game and approachable personality represent a perfect match for the Canon brand, and we are thrilled about the partnership. Canon and Maria Sharapova embody excellence, elegance and a winning team for our company, our retailers, and our global customers.”

Canon’s six consecutive months as the number one digital camera manufacturer* in the U.S., and Sharapova’s status as a top female tennis player proved to be perfect timing. With the recent success of new product introductions and even more slated for ‘05, the Canon and Sharapova relationship sets the stage for a grand-slam year.

“I really enjoy being ahead of the latest trends in fashion and technology, and I’m excited to be working with Canon,” said Sharapova. “Canon products are all about cutting edge technology and fashionable design. Technology plays such a big part in all aspects of my life, and the Canon relationship is a natural one for me. I can’t wait to use their products when I’m at home with family, on the road playing tennis, or simply hanging out with my friends.”

Sharapova, the world’s seventh-ranked tennis player, was one of the youngest champions ever at Wimbledon. She has built a global fan base, captivating all with her style, intelligence, wit and poise beyond her years. A truly global personality who possesses a champion’s desire to succeed, Sharapova seems destined to join the ranks of the world’s great athletes who transcend their sport to become global icons.

Canon U.S.A., Inc. delivers consumer, business-to-business, and industrial imaging solutions. The Company is listed as one of Fortune’s Most Admired Companies in America, and is ranked #35 on the latest Business Week list of “Top 100 Brands.” Its parent company Canon Inc. (NYSE:CAJ) is a top patent-holder of technology, ranking second overall in the U.S. in 2003, with global revenues of $29.9 billion. For more information, visit www.usa.canon.com.

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All referenced product names, and other marks, are trademarks of their respective owners.
*According to The NPD Group, Canon has held the number one position in digital camera sales from April to September 2004. This figure is derived from unit sales and revenue figures of both compact cameras and digital SLR cameras combined, comprising a total picture of the digital camera market.