Varioptic Press Release 17/03/04

Lyon, 17th March 2004

Varioptic (www.varioptic.com) today announced its intentions to actively enforce the patents it holds on the use of electrowetting technology to create variable focus lenses. This decision follows the announcement on March 3 2004 by Philips Electronics that it planned to demonstrate fluid lens based on electrowetting technology that can be manufactured in high volumes.

On March 9 2004, Varioptic officially informed Philips about its patents and asked Philips on what basis it considers itself eligible to create any product incorporating this fluid-lens technology. Varioptic’s lawyers are convinced that the technology incorporated in the Philips’ demonstration product is covered by the scope of protection of Varioptic’s patents and that any of Philips’ products incorporating such technology will infringe Varioptic’s patents.
With patents for the electrowetting technology deposited in Europe, US and Asia in 1997 and 1999, Varioptic has been the pioneer and innovator of electrowetting technology and its founder Bruno Berge is the established world authority in this area of scientific research. Varioptic has already entered into an early production stage for fluid-focus lenses and agreed on commercial relationships with component manufacturers.

Varioptic?s decision to enforce its patents follows a written request to Gerard Kleisterlee, Chairman, President and CEO of Philips Electronics requesting the basis on which Philips intends to produce products using Varioptic?s patented technology without a license or other agreement. The response to this letter made clear that Varioptic will have to take the necessary legal actions to enforce its patents and intellectual property assets.

About Varioptic
Varioptic pioneers in designing and manufacturing electrically controlled optical liquid lenses for optical designers. In order to maintain its technology leadership, Varioptic heavily invests in Research and Development to increase its depth of knowledge and ability to deliver innovative products for various applications.

Founded in 2002, Varioptic is located in Lyon (France) and headed by Etienne Paillard, CEO.
For further information, please visit our website : www.varioptic.com