Macromedia Files Patent Infringement Counterclaims Against Adobe Systems

SAN FRANCISCO --(Sept. 27, 2000)-- Macromedia, Inc. announced it has filed counterclaims in the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware against Adobe Systems, Inc. for infringement of several Macromedia patents. This action was taken in direct response to Adobe's initiation of a lawsuit against Macromedia for allegedly infringing two Adobe patents. Macromedia believes that the claims made in the Adobe lawsuit are without merit.

Specifically, Macromedia counterclaimed against Adobe for infringing three Macromedia patents:

  • -- U.S. Patent No. 5,467,443 relates to changing blended elements and automatic re-blending of elements and is infringed by its Adobe Illustrator product.
  • -- U.S. Patents Nos. 5,151,998 and 5,204,969 relate to visually displaying and editing sound waveforms and are infringed by its Adobe Premiere product.

"Macromedia has no choice but to vigorously defend itself against the Adobe lawsuit," said Kevin Lynch, president, products for Macromedia. "Regardless of this lawsuit, we remain focused on developing and delivering the best products for our customers."

Adobe's complaint, initially filed on August 10, alleged infringement of U.S. Patent No. 5,546,528 by tabbed palette features of certain Macromedia products. On September 18, Adobe amended its complaint to include an additional claim of infringement of U.S. Patent No. 6,084,597 by image rendering features of Macromedia Dreamweaver and Macromedia Flash products. Macromedia today reaffirmed its denial of patent infringement claims in its answer to Adobe's amended complaint, which was filed with Macromedia's counterclaims.

About Macromedia

Macromedia is passionate about what the Web can be. Its award-winning products empower developers to provide the most engaging experiences on the Web, and enable more effective e-business. Headquartered in San Francisco, Macromedia has more than 1,200 employees worldwide and is available on the Internet at www.macromedia.com.

SOURCE Macromedia, Inc.

CO: Macromedia, Inc.; Adobe Systems, Inc.


Click here to read the Adobe lawsuit claims


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