International Digital Technology Secures Patent for Special Coating
Process Used in Ink-Jet Printing
VISTA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 26, 1999--International Digital Technology Inc. (IDTec) (OTC BB:IDTX), achieved a major milestone with the announcement by Anthony (Tony) DeSio, chief executive officer, that it has been granted a broad based patent involving materials used in ink-jet printing. The patent covers a process to coat canvas, vinyl and other non-paper materials making them suitable for use with ink-jet printers.
''This development presents an incredible opportunity for the company,'' said DeSio. ''Since the process now protected by the patent has become widely adopted within the graphics printing industry, we should now be able to generate substantial royalties from licensing the patent.''
Based on research by IT Strategies Inc., a widely recognized independent market consultant specializing in the digital printing industry, the annual market value of wide format ink-jet graphics is estimated to be in the $50 to $100 million range this year.
The patent, (U.S. Patent No. 5,858,514) is broadly based with 40 claims that cover a method of preparing a non-paper substrate for printing. It describes a two-step process to coat canvas and other materials so that the materials can effectively absorb the ink.
IDTec acquired the rights to the patent from the original assignee last year. The company is now in the process of providing information on the availability of licenses to use the technology and responding to customer requests for names of authorized vendors who are duly licensed to manufacture the specialty coated canvas and vinyl materials.
The company is also proceeding with plans to develop a franchise based on providing wide format digital imaging services, said DeSio, who is also the founder and former CEO of Mail Boxes Etc., the world's largest franchiser of business, communications and postal service centers.
About International Digital Technology (IDTec)
IDTec offers customers a one-step, wide format, print management system. The company integrates computers and wide format ink-jet printer and scanner equipment with IDTec's proprietary wide format, one-time scan and print, digital color management software known as RapidColor(TM) Rip software.
The result is an integrated system that provides a ''plug and play'' wide format print solution that allows one-step digital scanning and fast printing on surfaces up to 60-inch wide and almost any length. The company also markets a line of coated inkjet media, including canvas,vinyl and plastics.
Certain information included in this communication (as well as information included in oral statements or other written statements made or to be made by International Digital Technology) contains statements that are forward looking, such as statements relating to the future anticipated direction of the wide-format printing industry,
plans for future expansion, various business development activities, planned capital expenditures, future funding sources, anticipated sales growth and potential contracts. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual operations or results to differ materially from those anticipated.
Contact:
International Digital Technology
Blaine Roberts, 800/699-7468 |
