Leica Microsystems GmbH and Carl Zeiss MicroImaging GmbH announce that Leica licensed from Carl Zeiss the following patents on which Dr. Stephen Baer is the named inventor:

· U.S. Patent No. 5,952,668, entitled Resolution in Microscopy and Microlithography;

· U.S. Patent No. 6,259,104, entitled Superresolution in Optical Microscopy and Microlithography;

· U.S. Patent No. 6,903,347, entitled Superresolution in Microlithography and Fluorescence Microscopy; and

· U.S. Patent No. 7,071,477, entitled Superresolution in Microlithography and Fluorescence Microscopy.

This intellectual property will further enable Leica to market its superresolution fluorescence microscopy technology in the U.S.

About Leica Microsystems

Leica Microsystems is a leading global designer and producer of innovative, high-tech, precision optical systems for the analysis of microstructures. It is one of the market leaders in each of its business areas: Microscopy, Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy with corresponding Imaging Systems, Specimen Preparation, and Medical Equipment. The company manufactures a broad range of products for numerous applications requiring microscopic imaging, measurement, and analysis. It also offers system solutions for life science including biotechnology and medicine, research and development of raw materials, and industrial quality assurance. The international management is headquartered in Wetzlar, Germany.

About Carl Zeiss MicroImaging

The BioSciences and Industrial divisions of Carl Zeiss MicroImaging GmbH, a 100% subsidiary of Carl Zeiss AG, endeavor to meet the needs of their users. As a manufacturer and supplier of microscopy solutions and systems for research, laboratories, routine and industrial applications, the company is one of the global market leaders. The product line includes light microscopes and camera systems, systems for laser scanning microscopy and fluorescence correlation spectroscopy, a wide selection of spectrometers and components for image processing and documentation.

Carl Zeiss AG is a leading group of companies operating worldwide in the optical and opto-electronic industry. The five independently operating business groups are active in the future-oriented markets of Medical and Research Solutions, Industrial Solutions and Lifestyle Products. Founded in 1846 in Jena, the company is headquartered Oberkochen, Germany. The company has been a technological pioneer in optical innovation for more than 160 years.