Imation's Patent Recognition Awards Program Honors Innovations in Technology

OAKDALE, Minn., Oct. 23 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Imation Corp , a worldwide leader in data storage, recognized 38 employees named as inventors on the 34 patents issued to Imation by the United States Patent and Trademark Office in 2005.

During the company's fourth annual Patent Recognition Banquet on Oct. 19, 2006, the 38 employees received individual recognition for their inventions that contribute to the advancement of data storage technologies.

Imation also presented Significant Patent Awards to G. Phillip Rambosek and David Lowery. The Significant Patent Award recognizes current patent holders whose inventions have fundamentally and positively impacted Imation's products or manufacturing processes. Rambosek's cartridge patents cover the precise alignment required between the 9840 data storage tape cartridge and drive, a leading tape system in the world's data centers. Lowery's patent describes a new construction for the lower layer of a dual layer magnetic data storage tape, which yields improved magnetic properties and manufacturability. Dual layer tape is used in high capacity tape formats that allow users additional storage capability.

"Imation's entrepreneurial team is driving growth within our current product portfolio," said Dr. Subodh Kulkarni, Imation's vice president of Research and Development (R&D) and Manufacturing. "Our employees' imagination, creativity and hard work have contributed to our success. The Patent Recognition Banquet offers us an opportunity to celebrate their achievements. This recognition fuels our innovative culture and makes Imation a rewarding place to work."

Since becoming an independent company in 1996, Imation has been awarded more than 340 data storage patents in the United States.

"Imation stands apart as the only company focused solely on removable data storage across four pillars including magnetic, recordable optical, flash and removable hard disk," Kulkarni said. "As flash and removable hard disk storage gain a greater foothold in our product portfolio, we are seeing the number of patents awarded in these areas rise as well. Our intellectual property is a valuable, significant asset upon which we can build for the future. It is exciting to see Imation continue to deepen its knowledge in traditional areas while extending its technical expertise in new markets."

Imation's manufacturing and technology expertise begins at the company's state-of-the-art research and development facility at the worldwide headquarters in Oakdale, Minn. At this 423,000 square-foot technology development center -- the only R&D facility in the United States focused solely on the development of removable data storage products spanning the four pillars of magnetic, optical, flash and removable hard disk storage -- Imation continues to develop new products and technologies for advanced magnetic tape media, next generation optical media, USB flash drives and removable hard disk drives.

Since Imation's inception in 1996, the company has invested more than $800 million in research and development in its data storage businesses. Today, Imation continues to be a leader in removable data storage, offering the broadest product portfolio in the industry.

The honored inventors individually recognized for Imation patents issued in 2005 at Imation's Patent Recognition Banquet include:

James L. Albrecht Subodh K. Kulkarni Frank E. Aspen Gregory A. Laska Ted L. Bahns Geoffrey A. Lauinger Tony O. Banal Trung V. Le Daniel W. Brandt David C. Lowery Barry E. Brovold Garry R. Lundstrom Stanley C. Busman Chris Merton Douglas J. Chaput Richard W. Molstad Bruce H. Edwards Neal K. Nelson Jathan D. Edwards Tim T. Ngo Stanley R. Ellis Michael Noer Saeed Fahimi (retired) Larold L. Olson George L. Foster G. Philip Rambosek Jason D. Hanzlik Michael E. Reard Gary L. Huelsman (retired) Mark Serafin C. Thomas Jennings Joseph H. Sexton Douglas W. Johnson Daniel P. Stubbs Mark Kallenbach Scott A. Walker Thomas C. Kelly (retired) Yung Yip

The Imation Patent Recognition Program was established by Imation in 2000 and supports Imation's commitment to the advancement of data storage technologies.

About Imation

Imation Corp is the only company in the world solely focused on the development, manufacture and supply of removable data storage products spanning the four pillars of magnetic, optical, flash and removable hard disk storage. With more than 50 years of data storage leadership beginning with the development of the world's first computer tape, in 2006 Imation proudly marks its tenth anniversary as an independent company. In addition to the Imation brand, Imation Corp's global brand portfolio includes the Memorex brand, one of the most widely recognized names in the consumer electronics industry, famous for the slogan, "Is it live or is it Memorex?(TM)" Additional information about Imation is available at http://www.imation.com/ or by calling 1-888-466-3456.

Imation, the Imation logo, Memorex, the Memorex logo, and 'Is it live or is it Memorex?' are trademarks of Imation Corp and its subsidiaries. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners.