Imation's Patent Recognition Awards Program Honors Innovations in Technology

OAKDALE, Minn., Sept. 25 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Imation Corp , a worldwide leader in removable data storage, has recognized 35 employees who have been named as inventors on the 40 patents issued to Imation by the United States Patent and Trademark Office in 2006.

During the company's fifth annual Patent Recognition Banquet held in September, each of the 35 employees received individual recognition for their inventions that contribute to the advancement of data storage technologies.

Imation also presented Significant Patent Awards to co-inventors Richard Molstad, Michael Kelly and Douglas Johnson for their patents covering a new N-shaped servo pattern. The Significant Patent Award recognizes current patent holders whose inventions have fundamentally and positively impacted Imation's products or manufacturing processes.

The N-shaped servo pattern allows for more data tracks to be placed on a length of tape, thereby increasing the capacity of the tape cartridge. This servo pattern was adopted by Sun Microsystems for its T10000 tape drive and cartridge system. Imation is a semi-exclusive manufacturer of the T10000 cartridge.

"Imation's success is rooted in innovation and entrepreneurship," said Dr. Subodh Kulkarni, Imation Vice President, Global Commercial Business, Research and Development (R&D) and Manufacturing. "As we transform into a brand and product management company, that spirit of innovation will provide a strong foundation for future growth."

Since becoming an independent company in 1996, Imation has been awarded more than 380 data storage patents in the United States.

"Our patent recognition program celebrates the achievements of our employee inventors," Kulkarni said. "As our product portfolio has expanded across the four pillars of removable data storage, including magnetic, recordable optical, flash and removable hard disk, our employees have developed innovative new solutions. Their expertise has enabled Imation to maintain its leadership position within traditional markets while expanding its presence in emerging ones."

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.

The honored inventors individually recognized for Imation patents issued in 2006 at Imation's Patent Recognition Banquet include:

James S. Anderson Frank E. Aspen Albena V. Blagev Arne B. Boberg Brian D. Brong Stephen R. Ebner Bruce H. Edwards Jathan D. Edwards James A. Greczyna Thomas C. Jennings Richard E. Jewett Douglas W. Johnson Loryn D. Klumper Kraig A. Kohout Denis J. Langlois Trung V. Le Travis Lemke Steve Lindblom Garry R. Lundstrom Richard W. Molstad Jason E. Moses Tim T. Ngo Alan R. Olson Larold L.Olson Douglas R. Plourde Michael E. Reard Gregory D. Roberts Stephen J. Rothermel Mark Serafin Joseph H. Sexton Dean E. Sitz Leo W. Spychalla Ramnath Subramaniam Dan E. Watson 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 marked its 10th 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?" Imation is also the exclusive licensee of the TDK Life on Record brand, one of the world's leading recording media brands. Additional information about Imation and its brands is available at http://www.imation.com/ or by calling 1-888-466-3456.