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Wi-LAN Inc. Creates Patent Licensing Subsidiary
Wi-LAN Technologies Corp. to leverage Wi-LAN’s patent portfolio in Wi-Fi, WiMAX, and CDMA markets CALGARY, Canada – March 31, 2006 – Wi-LAN Inc. (“Wi-LAN”) (TSX:WIN) announced today that it has formed a new wholly-owned subsidiary Wi-LAN Technologies Corporation (“WTC” or “the Company”), to focus on the licensing of Wi-LAN’s substantial patent portfolio. Included in Wi-LAN Technologies portfolio are assets of Ensemble Communications Inc., which prepares the company for a broadly based licensing program in some of the wireless industry’s fastest growing markets. Wi-LAN Technologies has also acquired a portion of Wi-LAN's overall patent portfolio and will acquire the balance pending approval by Wi-LAN shareholders at the upcoming Annual and Special Meeting on April 20, 2006. Wi-LAN has intellectual property that spans three primary wireless markets in Canada and globally – wireless LAN (“WLAN” or “Wi-Fi”), CDMA and WiMAX products. The high volume North American Wi-Fi 802.11 market utilizes technology that Wi-LAN believes is based on its OFDM patent. Wi-LAN also has a number of spread spectrum patents that it believes apply in North America to elements of CDMA cellular products. Wi-LAN also has a large number of patents that apply to 802.16d and upcoming 802.16e WiMAX products, which are expected to start shipping in volume over the coming few years. Wi-LAN Technologies Corp. is currently in discussions with a number of potential licensees. The strategy is to engage in business discussions leading to reasonable and non-discriminatory licensing terms to a broad number of companies. As new market segments mature, Wi-LAN Technologies Corp. will work directly with licensees, and will utilize this strategy and arrangement to increase shareholder value through an annuity revenue stream. Negotiations are underway with appropriate partner groups currently and a detailed plan for future licensing programs in emerging markets such as mobile WiMAX 802.16e is being developed that complements activities focused on today’s high volume wireless products. “Wi-LAN is moving away from previous management’s product base strategy and will focus on broadening its licensee network of companies,” said Bill Dunbar, President and CEO, Wi-LAN Technologies Corp. and Wi-LAN Inc. ”In monetizing the product business and the IP services group, we will generate the necessary working capital to support our strategy of generating consistent revenues through licensing agreements and unlocking the value in our significant portfolio of patents.” About Wi-LAN Inc. Wi-LAN is transforming itself into a company focusing and capitalizing on the value of its patent portfolio. Its focus and assets are central to the WLAN and WiMAX markets where the Company believes its patented technology is necessary for devices using the IEEE 802.11a and 802.11g standards (the 2 nd generation Wi-Fi Alliance standards) and the implementation of WiMAX Forum Certified devices. Wi-LAN is a charter member of the WiMAX Forum (www.wimaxforum.org). Additional information on Wi-LAN can be found at www.Wi-LAN.com.
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