Microsoft Licenses MONKEYmedia Patents

AUSTIN, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 15, 2006--Today MONKEYmedia, Inc. (http://www.monkey.com) is announcing that they have entered into a licensing agreement with Microsoft Corporation (MSFT) for patents related to interactive video technologies.

The "Seamless Expansion" family of patents pertains to methods for media telescoping, such as the cinematic insertion of ancillary or advertising content into IP video streams. The "Relativity Controller" family of patents, which dates back to 1992, pertains to methods for navigating video and other media by de-emphasizing the display of non-salient content.

“one of the most thoughtful and provocative interface and interaction designers working in the field.”

"Licensing technology is an essential part of maintaining a healthy cycle of innovation in the IT industry, and is a practice employed by most all high tech companies. Microsoft respects intellectual property rights, and by so doing, is able to stand behind its products and customers," said Ken Lustig, Microsoft's Managing Director and head of Inbound Licensing. "IP licensing is an essential part of maintaining and growing a healthy strong software ecosystem."

Austin-based MONKEYmedia is a privately held user interface design shop turned intellectual property licensing boutique, founded in 1994 by Janna Buckmaster Bear and Eric Gould Bear, a Microsoft alumnus. MONKEYmedia recently sold several other families of user interface patents to an undisclosed patent holding company.

Communication Arts described Eric Gould Bear as "one of the most thoughtful and provocative interface and interaction designers working in the field." He's been leading the design of award winning human-computer interfaces since 1984, has published numerous articles on the subject, and is first named inventor on over 50 software and hardware interaction patents and patent applications. An enthusiastic and inspirational leader, Bear invites everyone to join in the work of creating easier-to-use technology and more engaging digital media. He provides strategic consulting services through Chief Experience Officer, Inc. (http://www.chiefexperienceofficer.com) and currently holds the post of CXO at Austin's projekt202, LP (http://www.projekt202.com) which carries forward MONKEYmedia's tradition of user interface design excellence.

NOTE TO EDITORS: For additional information visit MONKEYmedia's website http://www.monkey.com.