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Kodak Licenses OLED Technology to Tohoku Device of Japan


WEBWIRE

ROCHESTER, NY and IWATE, JAPAN, Aug. 24 -- Eastman Kodak Company, a pioneer in the area of organic light emitting diode technology (OLED), today announced a licensing agreement with Tohoku Device Co., Ltd. Tohoku Device plans to incorporate Kodak’s organic display technology into white OLED modules for use as backlights in displays. Tohoku Device joins more than 15 companies that have licensed organic display technology from Kodak.

“This is a great agreement for Kodak. The agreement between Kodak and Tohoku Device validates the superiority of Kodak display technology for a variety of applications,” “This agreement between Kodak and Tohoku Device validates the utility of Kodak display technology for a variety of applications, and we’re delighted that Tohoku Device has chosen Kodak as a provider,” said Andrew Sculley, general manager, OLED Systems and vice president, Kodak Display Business “This license enables Tohoku Device to provide high-quality, reliable products to their customers and will help accelerate the commercialization of white emitting OLED technology.”. “We are delighted that Tohoku Device has chosen Kodak as a major provider of this innovative technology.”

OLED backlights – including white emitting OLEDs used as backlights -- comprise thin films of organic materials that emit light when stimulated with an electrical charge. They offer thinner designs, better uniformity and lower cost relative to conventional backlights used in LCD displays. These benefits provide direct advantages for a variety of applications such as digital cameras, portable media players, mobile phones, PDAs and other devices.

The royalty-bearing license enables Tohoku Device to use Kodak technology for OLED backlights in a variety of flat panel display applications and includes a cross license to Tohoku Device’s patent portfolio. The agreement also gives Tohoku Device the opportunity to purchase Kodak’s patented OLED materials for use in manufacturing displays. Financial details were not disclosed.

Pioneered by Kodak in the late 1980s, OLED technology and its practical applications have generated more than 1,700 issued and pending Kodak patents worldwide. In addition to Tohoku Device, Kodak OLED licensees number more than 15, several of whom have announced mass production plans and customer design wins. For further information on Kodak displays and our licensees, go to http://www.kodak.com/go/display.
About Eastman Kodak Company

Kodak is the world’s foremost imaging innovator, providing leading products and services to the photographic, graphic communications and healthcare markets. With sales of $14.3 billion in 2005, the company is committed to a digitally oriented growth strategy focused on helping people better use meaningful images and information in their life and work. Consumers use Kodak’s system of digital and traditional image capture products and services to take, print and share their pictures anytime, anywhere; Businesses effectively communicate with customers worldwide using Kodak solutions for prepress, conventional and digital printing and document imaging; Creative Professionals rely on Kodak technology to uniquely tell their story through moving or still images; and leading Healthcare organizations rely on Kodak’s innovative products, services and customized workflow solutions to help improve patient care and maximize efficiency and information sharing within and across their enterprise. More information about Kodak (NYSE: EK) is available at www.kodak.com.

About Tohoku Device Co., Ltd.

Capital: 591 million yen Foundation: March 23, 2005 (President CEO: Iwao Kogawa) Location Headquarter: 6-38 Dai-5 Chiwari, Nimaibashi, Hanamaki, Iwate 025-0312 JAPAN Factory: 1-82 Iyasakadaira, Obuchi, Rokkasho, Kamikita, Aomori 039-3212 JAPAN



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